WAFL: Fighting Lions go down swinging at the WACA

Subiaco fought, but were ultimately outplayed by East Fremantle, falling by 44 points at the WACA Ground on Saturday May 28.

An even first term had the game in the balance, but a goalless second term from the Lions gave the Sharks an opportunity to build their lead, which they took full advantage of. 

East Fremantle were potent up forward when the game was there to be won, taking out the 13.12 (90) to 6.10 (46) win.

Defender Drew Rohde did all he could for the Lions, with 26 disposals, while Leigh Kitchin was solid in the Lions’ engine room with 24 touches.

It was contested throughout the first term, with neither team able to get easy scores. 

The dimensions of the ground took some adjusting, with the goals end-to-end shorter, but wings wider relative to other WAFL grounds.

The defence of both sides stood up, with each team weathering the early storm.

It took 14 minutes for the first major of the game to come, with Sharks forward Jono Marsh kicking truly. 

After East Fremantle kicked their second shortly after, the Lions needed a spark.

It came through Aaron Breman, who spun out of traffic and snapped it through for Subiaco’s first goal of the match.

The major meant the Sharks took a nine-point lead at quarter time.

East Fremantle looked on top in the second term, with East Fremantle’s Marsh continuing his influence.

After conceding the first goal of the term, the Lions lifted their intensity to try and assert their dominance on the game.

However Subiaco were unable to make the most of their chances up forward, kicking four behinds for the term. 

It meant East Fremantle took a 27-point lead into the main break, with plenty of work to do for the Lions.

It showed, as Subiaco came out with purpose in the third quarter, with the skipper the one to lift.

Leigh Kitchin was involved in several passages of play, as the Lions tried to turn the game on its head.

He found space with the football and handballed to Jake Stergiou, who launched from 50 metres out to give Subiaco a much needed goal.

However the Sharks continued to hunt with relentless pressure, kicking four goals to finish the term, leading by 44 points at three quarter time.

To make matters worse for the Lions, vice-captain Jordan Lockyer left the ground with a suspected knee injury, and did not return to the field of play.

Subiaco refused to give in despite the tall task in the last, fighting hard until the final siren.

The two sides were even in the last, both kicking 4.1, with the Sharks taking a 44-point win.

The news was better for the Reserves, who were able to grind out a 31-point win, while the Colts also impressed, winning by 15.

The Lions will return home to Leederville Oval next week, where they will take on Peel Thunder with an eye on moving back up the ladder.

EAST FREMANTLE        2.4    5.8    9.11    13.12    (90)
SUBIACO            1.1    1.5    2.9    6.10    (46)

Goals: Breman, Sokol 2; Dewar, Stergiou.
Best: Rohde, Kitchin, Stergiou, Ash, Delahunty.