Sunday extravaganza locked in as WAFL and Josh Kennedy’s return scheduled for July 16

While it has long been in the works the WAFL clash between East Fremantle and Peel has officially been locked in, with the game officially designated as the Josh Kennedy Foundation Cup.

East Fremantle and Peel will clash at Country Builders Stadium July 16 at 2.40pm, with Northampton and Towns to play the curtain-raiser at 11.40am.

Last year’s WAFL clash at Northampton drew more than 4000 spectators and organisers this year are hoping to attract more than 5000 people.

However, it is hard to say whether or not the curtain-raiser will be a bigger drawcard than the WAFL game itself, with Josh Kennedy making his return to footy for the first time since retiring last year when he pulls on the boots for Northampton.

Harry Tayor will also play for the Rams, as he has done throughout the season, while there are efforts to attract Mark LeCras up from Cervantes for a one-off appearance.

Speaking to Sports FM, East Fremantle CEO Todd Shimmon said he was looking forward to the event.

“The Mid West is a major part of our football club and it’s brought us so many strong players over the 40, 50 years we have been associated with it,” he said.

“We have a great relationship with the GNFL and I must thank Andrew Lockyer for all the work he has done with the ALF Rams group to get the game up and moving.”

Peel currently sit third on the ladder, equal with East Perth on 28 points, while the Sharks are one game behind in the last finals spot in fifth, one game ahead of West Perth.

The clash in round 14 will likely have big ramifications for finals spots with Shimmon expecting both teams to bring a strong side.

“It should be a great day out in Geraldton against a very strong Peel side,” he said.

“Peel may have 12 Dockers players travelling up with them and should make for a really good showcase.”

Shimmon hoped country fixtures would become a more regular occurrence for the league.

“As a league, we try to get out to two or three country games a year which is probably about the limit financially,” he said.

“But it is absolutely a goal to keep bringing games out to the region.”

East Fremantle will also be running football clinics while in town on Saturday, July 15 at Stow Gardens from 9-11am and out at Mullewa Oval from 8.30am-9.30am.

Proceeds from the match will go towards the Josh Kennedy Foundation and funding all junior registration for 2024.