Under-fire West Coast coach Michael Prior will answer questions for the first time since making comments in a post-match press conference he conceded were “unacceptable” on Wednesday.
Prior unleashed after his side were thumped by Narrm at the weekend, making “bizarre” claims that the league’s fixtures were unfair because his team were forced to play the reigning premiers.
The Eagles coach, whose side is in a desperate bid to lift themselves off the bottom of the ladder and avoid yet another wooden spoon, will face the press for the first time since the moments after the 70-point defeat.
Prior later released a prepared statement in the wake of heavy criticism of his comments.
It comes as it also emerged this week the Eagles are the only club in the league whose AFLW program is under the banner of its community — rather than football — department.
The club says that move allows it to be be better resourced. The club’s community and game development general manager Richard O’Connell heads up the club’s AFLW program, but does not work in its football department.
Fremantle’s program is lead by head of AFLW Bob Murphy, reporting to football boss Peter Bell.
The Eagles have also ruled ruck Sarah Lakay out for the season, despite originally naming her to face the Demons on Sunday.
The 20-year-old was named in the side on Friday, the same day she had a follow-up MRI on an ongoing lower back injury.
The West Australian understands that latest scan has revealed stress fractures in her back, which will put an end to a frustrating season where she managed only two games.
Young defender Zoe Wakfer will also miss at least this weekend’s clash with finals hopefuls Essendon with a finger injury she copped at training this week.
Walyalup could welcome back star midfielder Kiara Bowers, who will face yet another fitness test in her bid to face St Kilda on Sunday.
First-year Irishwoman Joanne Cregg has escaped a serious knee injury from an incident in the final minutes of their defeat to Geelong, but has been ruled out this week.
