WAFL: Round One Match Preview vs South Fremantle

It’ll be a blockbuster Grand Final rematch when Subiaco takes on South Fremantle at Leederville Oval on Saturday April 16.

Tensions will be high with two of the WAFL’s biggest clubs going head-to-head in Easter Saturday action.

The two sides have been involved in tight contests over the history of the competition, but Subiaco have had more recent success winning three of the last five matches between the teams.

However, 2022 is a different year, and Subiaco will have a different line up to the one that raised the flag last year.

LAST TIME THEY MET

On Saturday October 2 at Optus Stadium, the Lions battled the Bulldogs in the 2021 Grand Final.

In a hard fought contest, it was Subiaco who prevailed by 44 points to claim their 16th League Premiership.

Greg Clark was the star for the Lions, who before being drafted to the West Coast Eagles gathered 26 disposals and 14 tackles to claim the Simpson Medal.

Midfielder Harry Marsh also had an influence with 25 touches and three goals for the Lions, while Angus Dewar was solid in defence all day.

The undermanned Bulldogs fought hard, but were ultimately outplayed by a Subiaco outfit that would not be denied on the big stage.

ONE TO WATCH

When the two sides face off on Saturday, it will mark the first time high profile recruit Stefan Giro will officially wear the maroon and gold.

The former Docker has been training well at Leederville Oval and will look to make his mark on the competition early.

He’s a gut runner who will work hard on the wing all day, and his experience at the highest level will only enhance Subiaco’s game style.

The clash against the Bulldogs is set to get underway at 2:10pm on Saturday.

Fans are encouraged to get to the ground before 1:45pm for the Welcome to Country and the unveiling of the 2021 WAFL Premiership Flag.