WAFLW: Lions go down in one-point thriller

Subiaco Lions have suffered a heartbreaking one-point loss to Peel Thunder in their opening clash of the WAFLW season at Lane Group Stadium on Saturday, February 19.

The Lions looked to have the match under control, but a late burst from the Thunder saw them clinch a last-minute goal to break the hearts of Subiaco supporters in a thrilling contest.

Captain Tarni Golisano did everything she could to get her team over the line, with 19 disposals, while debutant Amy Mulholland was influential, kicking two goals to go along with 19 touches.

Subiaco started the match well, as they looked to take control early.

The intensity was high from the start, with the Lions looking to move the ball quickly into the forward line.

Multiple entries inside 50 gave Subiaco early chances, and it was Mulholland who took advantage, kicking a classy left-foot snap through the big sticks to get her first WAFLW goal.

However, Peel were able to fight their way back into the game and scored a goal shortly after, taking a one-point advantage into quarter time.

The Lions came out firing to start the second term, with a superb smother on the wing from Madizen Wilkins leading to a Nyra Anderson’s first goal in maroon and gold.

Vice-Captain Jayme Harken was able to read the ball best in the goal square shortly after, taking a mark before kicking truly to give the Lions a 10-point lead halfway through the quarter.

The Thunder were able to gather towards the end of the quarter and respond with a goal, but Subiaco took a four-point lead into halftime. 

It was a back and forth battle to start the second half, with neither team willing to give an inch.

After a few minutes of action, Mulholland was in the thick of it again, with a free kick allowing her to kick her second goal of the game.

Subiaco’s backline was under pressure, but was able to hold strong, conceding just the three behinds for the term.

At the other end, the Lions kept the pressure on, as forward Hanna Dethlefsen took a strong mark inside the goal square and converted for a goal.

It meant Subiaco had all the momentum heading into the final quarter, leading the match by 13 points.

In the last term, Peel looked to take the game on in order to bring back the deficit.

The Thunder were able to capitalise, kicking a goal at the five-minute mark to bring the margin down to a goal.

After another behind, there was less than a kick in it, and tensions were high as both teams showed signs of fatigue. 

With a minute left, Subiaco were still ahead by five points and with the ball in their forward 50.

However, Peel managed to break away and go end to end for a goal to take home the one-point victory.

Earlier in the day, the Rogers Cup side was defeated by 26 points, while the reserves started their season off strongly with a 23-point victory.

Subiaco will be back in action on Sunday, February 27, when they take on Claremont at Leederville Oval.

WAFLW PREMIERSHIP SEASON - ROUND 1
PEEL THUNDER    1.2    2.3    2.6    4.8    (32)
SUBIACO        1.1    3.1    5.1    5.1    (31)

GOALS: Mullholland 2; Harken, Anderson, Dethlefsen.
BEST: Golisano, Mulholland, Taylor, Harken, Burchell.