West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954), Wednesday 22 September 1954, page 26


Falconer Misses Club Training By ALAN NEWMAN. Doubts about the star wingman, Brian Falconer, worried West Perth officials at training last night when the side prepared for the second league semifinal against East Fremantle at Subiaco Oval on Saturday.

Falconer is in camp with the army at Northam, and it is not certain that he will be available for training tomorrow night for the big game. He did not train last night. West Perth has applied for leave for Falconer so that he can play on Saturday and officials are confident that no objection will be raised. But the fact that Falconer might have to play-in what may be the toughest match of the year-without training this week has West Perth worried. The wingman is likely to be at a big disadvantage and West Perth cannot afford to take any risks for such a crucial game. In the event of Falconer not being able to play, West Perth may solve the wing problem by using Bill Herron, an adaptable player who is equally at home in a position or as a rover. Trevor Schofield would then return to the side as a roving partner for Eddie Wylde and Keith London. Centreman Ray Marinko is almost certain to be chosen to fill the vital centre position against the brilliant Alan Preen. Although Marinko's form in recent weeks has not been equal to that which he showed early in the season, the coach (Peter O'Donohue) has faith in Marinko's ability. "He beat Preen when the teams last met and he nullified the work of Tony Parentich when we beat South Fremantle two weeks, ago," said O'Donohue. Marinko did not train last night. He worked during the day at Wongan Hills and was unable to arrive back in Perth before darkness set in. West Perth's selectors will have a full list of players from which to choose the team .after training tomorrow. Ray Scott, the centre-forward. has almost recovered from the effects of fluid on a knee and is certain to play. So is Robin Flemming, the

sturdy half-back flanker, who trained impressively last night and showed that his injured knee is .sound again. Ike Whittaker, one of the team's best recruits, appeared at training for the first time in several weeks. He has been in an army camp and lack of match practice may affect his chance of playing on Saturday. London received treatment for a bruised thigh and was allowed to rest. The West Perth players did well at training and obviously are fit. Ken Ashdown, the consistent centre-half-back, trained brilliantly and promises to be one of East Fremantle's main dangers.