WAFLW: Subiaco falls to ladder-leading Sharks

Subiaco’s WAFLW side have had their toughest outing so far in season 2022, going down to East Fremantle by 50 points at Leederville Oval on Sunday April 3.

The Sharks showed why they’re undefeated this season, with their skills by foot a trademark of their style all day.

For the Lions there were opportunities to wrestle the momentum, but skill errors at crucial times proved costly with the side unable to kick a major all day, going down 0.2 (2) to 7.10 (50)

The midfield brigade of Tarni Golisano (18 disposals) and Jayme Harken (18 disposals) gave their all to wrestle the game back towards Subiaco.

Forward Hanna Dethlefsen also worked hard, getting up the ground and laying a team-high nine tackles for the match.

Subiaco looked in the contest early, albeit without scores on the board.

Despite constant pressure from the Sharks, the Lions’ backline looked to be up to the challenge as they looked to turn defence into offence.

Liana Burchell was particularly influential early, taking strong marks in the defensive half.

It was difficult for Subiaco to get any dominance in the contest, with the chain breaking down in the middle of the ground.

East Fremantle had come to play, and the surge meant they were able to get repeat entries inside 50 leading to two majors to be ahead by 14 points at quarter time.

The Sharks were quick to strike in the second term, scoring a goal after a minute of play.

With the game still within reach, Subiaco looked to lift their intensity.

It was highlighted by the efforts of Madizen Wilkins, who laid a great smother in the backline to prevent an East Fremantle shot on goal.

It was an arm wrestle for the quarter, with neither team able to take full advantage.

Subiaco kicked a solitary point for the term, and a late skill error in the backline was costly, as Shark Sharon Wong was able to kick a goal right before the half time siren.

It meant the Lions were down by 27 points at the main break.

The Sharks were still on the hunt when play resumed, kicking two goals in five minutes to open the quarter.

It was tough going for the Lions, as East Fremantle looked to have all the answers.

It was difficult to move the ball inside 50, and when it was in there the Sharks were able to rebound.

It meant the backline was under siege for most of the game, with the side getting few chances for a break.

East Fremantle were looking sharp, taking a 42-point lead into the final term.

Subiaco had an early look at the goals in the last, with forward Jess Ritchie narrowly missing a set shot.

It proved to be the last look in front of goal for the Lions, while the Sharks kept the pressure up adding three goals to claim the 50-point win.

It was a disappointing day for all of Subiaco’s sides on Sunday, with the Rogers Cup team going down by 43 points to the Sharks, while the reserves lost by 46 points to Swan Districts.

For the league side, there won’t be much time to dwell on the loss, as they prepare to take on South Fremantle under lights at Fremantle Community Bank Oval on Friday April 8.

SUBIACO:                    0.0    0.1     0.1    0.2      (2)
EAST FREMANTLE:    2.2    4.4    6.7    7.10    (52)