ROUND 7 ANZAC DAY PREVIEW V SWAN DISTRICTS

WEST Perth hosts perhaps its fiercest recent rival on ANZAC Day when Swan Districts comes to Arena Joondalup on Thursday with both teams desperate to return to the winner's list.

West Perth and Swan Districts have played off in some incredible battles in recent years and on the occasion of ANZAC Day, this week's first meeting of the 2013 season could very well produce something special as well.

The Falcons started the season so impressively with four straight wins over East Perth, Subiaco, South Fremantle and Peel Thunder before going down narrowly by 19 points in last week's top-of-the-table clash against Claremont at Claremont Oval.

However, West Perth went into that game without captain Jason Salecic, experienced defender Dan Hunt, Fremantle's Josh Mellington and young forward Matt Johnson while losing Joe Morrow (ankle) and Laine Rasmussen (concussion) in the first half as well.

This week to take on Swan Districts, Salecic isn’t right to return after re-injuring his hamstring as the runner last week but Hunt, Mellington and Johnson are all back for the Falcons.

Midfielder James Embley is a chance to make his debut for West Perth against his former side after crossing to the Falcons from Swan Districts, where he played 17 games, over summer.

Shaun Marusic is also a chance to make his debut after some impressive form in the reserves for the Falcons.

Frank Stockley looks set to make his first appearance in the league side for the season to help out Chris Keunen in the ruck.

While Hunt returns to add further experience to the Falcons' defensive unit, another experienced player goes out in Michael Pettigrew while Morrow is out as well with his ankle injury.

The West Perth Football Club will also be doing a tremendous job of commemorating ANZAC Day at Arena Joondalup.

West Perth's oldest living member Doug Lind will be on hand to toss the coin between the two captains while Len Harman will read the Ode in the pre-match ceremony with all war veterans in attendance.

Other premiership players attending include Simpson Medallist Christian Kelly, Ron Skender, Glen Britten and Wally Price.

The president's lunch is sold out with John Duckworth to speak and with in excess of 3000 people expected to attend Arena Joondalup, make sure you get there early.

BY CHRIS PIKE