WAFLW 2022: Templeton and his loyal Sharks stamp direct ticket into WAFLW decider

East Fremantle’s South West contingent are likely to have a massive say in the upcoming WAFLW grand final — and not just out on the field. The Sharks, coached by Australind-based Matt Templeton, directly advanced through to the grand final after holding off a gallant Claremont 2.2 (14) to 1.3 (9) in Sunday’s second semifinal at New Choice Homes Park. In his first season at Shark Park, Templeton emphasised the importance of building team chemistry and support for each other. Prior to the start of the season, both he and the squad attended a pre-season camp in Waroona, where they completed a series of team building activities, which helped them all get on the same page. Despite a large chunk of the playing group living in the metropolitan area, players such as Beth Beckett (Busselton), Mia Dronow (Margaret River) and Doma Fedele (Australind) regularly spend hours in their cars each week — as does Templeton — in order to attend training sessions and games. Beckett is arguably one of the season’s biggest success stories. A mother of two who works full-time, she has become a serial possession winner in her first season who loves applying plenty of tackles. While Fedele has also been a regular contributor, Harvey Bulls legend Larissa Versaci has also shown no signs of slowing down. A fierce tackler who is tactically one of the best minds in the competition, Versaci could add yet another premiership to her imposing CV in coming weeks. Adam Dancey’s hopes of leading Swan Districts into this year’s grand final also remain well and truly alive, after the black and whites knocked out three-peat chasing Peel Thunder 5.4 (34) to 4.5 (29) on Sunday at Lane Group Stadium. Bunbury Football Club’s Ruby Mahony — who has likely garnered attention from AFLW scouts given her amazing inaugural season — looms as a potential matchwinner on Sunday as Swans face Claremont in the preliminary final at Revo Fitness Stadium.