Round 17 Women’s Recap

Subiaco are storming towards their first WAFLW Finals series since 2021 in form, securing a convincing 64-point victory over East Perth on Friday night. The Lions kept the Royals to a single rushed behind for the entire match under the lights at Sullivan Logistics Stadium and defended their position at the top of the ladder.

“It’s always nice to see our game come together across the ground, with all three line groups contributing through the three phases of the game,” Coach Baker Denneman said after the match. “We got our best looks through our team defence; it allowed us to get good offensive looks off the back of our pressure at the source and ultimately the forwards took their chances in front of goal.”

The match saw four of Subiaco’s stars; Olivia Crane, Sunni-Quay Peters, Layla Quinn-Schofield and Olivia Wolmarans, finally return to the side after five weeks away playing in the U18 AFLW National Championships for Western Australia’s squad.

With Captain Tess Lyons out for the game, Eva Popovsky stepped in to captain the side for the game; her first time in the role.

“It was an absolute honour and privilege. The girls and this club mean so much to me, so to lead them for the night will be something I cherish forever,” Popovsky said of the experience.

“But I’d take Tess being back in over that any day!”

Beatrice Devlyn, who also returned to the side after two weeks out, and Crane were both highlights in defence; the pair accumulated 22 and 20 disposals respectively and held up under constant pressure to help East Perth locked out of their goals.

“To keep a team goalless you have to credit your backline, and in my opinion ours is the best in the competition,” Popovsky reflected.

“Hali Epis rarely lost a one-on-one and Dahna Lee took a fantastic mark in their goal square to deny a goal which surprised no one, simply because she does that sort of thing every week. She’s a rock down there for us and I’m always in awe of her ability to stay composed under pressure.”

Not to be one-upped by the defensive efforts, Subi’s midfield also stood out on the night.

“The midfield unit did what they do and went after it,” Denneman said. “Lisa Steane (26 disposals), Krstel Petrevski (26 disposals) and Paige Sheppard (22 disposals) all had major influence and supported Karry Plummer in the ruck and Tiah Toth throughout their rotations.”

“Our mids dominated the contest and relentlessly hunted the footy as they always do, week-in week-out,” Popovsky said. “But it’s hard to go past Lisa. She had a brilliant game on Friday and showed her ability to play in any position. She’s been a fantastic asset this year and plays with so much heart.”

Of course, the forward line shone brightly under the lights at Leederville, with 7 unique goalscorers for the Lions. Aimee Schmidt kicked 3, Wolmarans 2, and Toth, Steane, Charlotte Tompkin and Chloe Shearing all contributed a goal as well. Jorja Schell also enjoyed a goal against her former side early in the first term.

“The defensive pressure and intent of the forwards was high, and off the back of that we gave ourselves good opportunities to score,” Denneman explained. “Aimee getting on the end of a few was definitely a highlight,” he added.

Success wasn’t limited to just the WAFLW side. Subiaco also put on a dominant effort against East Perth earlier in the evening in the Rogers Cup, winning by 61 points.

“The night games are magic,” Popovsky said. “We’ve been lucky enough to have a couple this season and the atmosphere is always amazing.”

Only one more game remains for the Home & Away season before Finals begin; Subi’s long-awaited rematch with Claremont. With both sides sitting atop the ladder with 12 wins, 2 losses and a tie, the match will determine who finishes the season as Minor Premiers and have sweeping implications on the Finals fixture. Bounce down is at 12:40 PM on Sunday, August 3, at Revo Fitness Stadium.