WAFL & WAFLW: Match Preview

WAFL: Round Five Match Preview vs South Fremantle

Subiaco have claims to be the in form team of the competition, but that mantle will be tested against South Fremantle at Leederville Oval on Saturday May 6. The fifth-placed Lions will be looking to continue their strong start to the season against the Bulldogs who are eighth, but have two wins on the board.

It means Subiaco will need to be at their best, when the siren sounds at 2:40pm.

FORM

The Lions are coming off strong back-to-back wins against some of the competition’s best. After defeating Claremont at home in round three, the Lions took down West Perth at Pentanet Stadium, winning by 21 points. It means the side has won against both teams that featured in the 2022 Grand Final, and could have the side well-placed for the season ahead.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have had it tough in season 2023 so far, but are now out of the negatives after two wins in four rounds. Their last match was an 18-point loss to Swan Districts at home, and they will be looking to bounce back.

LAST TIME THEY MET

It was a disappointing day for the Lions when these two sides faced in round 18 last season. South Fremantle were dominant, and Subiaco couldn’t match them, taking an 88-point loss at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.

For the Lions, Ben Sokol was the stand out with three goals from 11 disposals, but the side was overwhelmed by the Bulldogs. Subiaco will be looking to break a two game losing streak against South Fremantle, with their last win against them coming in the 2021 Grand Final.

ONE TO WATCH

Few players across the WAFL competition have had a better start than Zac Clarke. Coming back to the Lions after five years, the 33-year-old hasn’t looked out of place. His ruck craft is as strong as it’s ever been, averaging just under 40 hit-outs per game to give the Subiaco midfielders first use. 

Meanwhile, Clarke’s presence around the ground has been influential, with 18 disposals per game, as well as the ability to hit the scoreboard.

He’s one of the Lions’ most important players, and will look to continue his good form against the Bulldogs.

WAFLW: Round Nine Match Preview vs East Perth

Subiaco will be desperate for a win to maintain their spot in the top four, as we cross the halfway point of the WAFLW season. The fourth-placed Lions have shown they can compete with anyone, and will need to maintain a consistent output to continue to have an impact.

It’s set to begin when they take on East Perth at Leederville Oval on Sunday May 7.

FORM

The Lions were given their first loss post-bye in round eight, with some question marks as to how they will bounce back. It followed two back-to-back wins to steady the ship. It means this weekend’s clash against the bottom of the ladder Royals is an important one, where the side will look at the best roles for players going forward.

Meanwhile, East Perth are looking for their first WAFLW win in their first season, and would love nothing better than to have it against their Leederville Oval co-tenants.

Therefore, Subiaco can not afford to slip up, with more at stake in this game than just the four points.

LAST TIME THEY MET

It was just three weeks ago in round six when these two sides went head-to-head. Subiaco took the honours in the first WAFLW match between the two teams, winning by 57 points.

The day belonged to skipper Tarni Golisano, who in her 150th game collected 29 disposals and kicked a goal.

ONE TO WATCH

Jess Ritchie is one of the Lions most important players. As a ruck, her work around the ground gets other players involved.

Meanwhile, as a forward, she provides a strong marking target, as well as an accurate kick at goal. The 26-year-old’s influence in this side may determine how far the Lions go this season.