Round 18 Women’s Preview

Having dominated the WAFLW competition all season (including undefeated until Round 14), Subiaco is now only a week away from entering its first finals series since 2021. But while a Finals appearance is guaranteed, there is still much to be determined about the fixture of the series, and everything to play for this weekend in the final match of the Home & Away season.

Subiaco faces Claremont in Round 18 of the WAFLW. Both sides sit on top of the ladder at 12-2-1 apiece, with Subi edging out on percentage. The two sides haven’t met since Round 7, when a goal in the last minute from Olivia Wolmarans equalled the tally. After 80 minutes of gameplay, Subiaco and Claremont couldn’t be separated, and this weekend they’ll meet again in the final round to determine the Minor Premier.

“There’s always plenty of energy around this time of year, and we’re really excited by the opportunity to be a part of some big games in the back end of the year,” Coach Baker Denneman explained. “We’re looking forward to the challenge that Claremont will bring this weekend; they’re a quality side, one that has been the benchmark for this time of year for a long time.”

Indeed, Claremont are the reigning Premiers from the 2024 season, have participated in the last three straight Grand Finals, and also won the 2022 Premiership.

“There’s a certain thirst to get the win over Claremont,” Eva Popovsky admitted. “Simply because they’ve been the team to beat for the last few years.”

“We’re just looking to play consistent football throughout this part of the season, and give ourselves every chance to continue to compete at the level that the game demands,” Denneman said.

With the two sides sitting in 1st and 2nd (and 6 points clear of Swan Districts in 3rd), it’s inevitable the Lionesses and Tigresses will meet again in the first week of finals. With that in mind, it’s not just the Minor Premiership that’s being played for this weekend, but the right to host the Semi-Final between the two. That advantage could prove the difference between winning and losing; the difference between a place in the Grand Final and an extra week of play against the winner of the other Semi-Final.

“Versing the same team two weeks in a row will certainly be interesting,” Popovsky reflected. “But hopefully the second game will be on our home turf if we can secure the minor premiership this weekend.”

“We’re hungry. This season has been the longest it’s ever has been for the WAFLW, but the group is still humming. Baker continues to challenge us and find ways to expand our game on-field, and we’ve brought in some fun initiatives off-field to keep spirits high as we move towards the back end of the season.”

Being Baker’s second season as Head Coach of the Women’s program, 2025 marks the club’s first Finals berth under his tenure.

“There’s a bit of both nerves and excitement – more excitement than anything,” Denneman admitted. “The players have done a great job to put themselves in this position. Part of playing finals is the heightened conditions around the games and the like, but as per every week, we are just looking to compete for 80 minutes of the game.”

“I am very lucky to be able to be a part of the journey with them, and I’m excited for what is to come over the next couple of weeks.”

“I’ve always been one to get nervous before games, but funnily enough this season I rarely have,” Popovsky reflected. “Maybe that speaks to the calibre of our list this year. I have such confidence in our group each week that it’s given me the freedom to go out and enjoy myself on game day. That being said, I’m sure there may be a few more nerves as the stakes get higher.”

“Recently, I’ve spent some time with Leigh Kitchin, who’s got a fair bit of finals experience, including 4 premierships for Subi; certainly a pretty good mate to ask for advice!” she revealed.

“He’s assured me that it’s just like any other game once you’re out there, so that’s definitely how I’m going to try and approach it. Hopefully some of Kitch’s ability to win the big games has rubbed off on me and we will be able to bring home our first flag since the women have aligned with the club.”

“Until then, we’re taking it week by week, but I have faith that our girls can get it done.”

Subiaco’s Round 18 match with Claremont begins 12:40 PM on Sunday, August 3, at Revo Fitness Stadium. Grab tickets here.  Fixtures for the 2025 WAFLW Finals series will be revealed at a later date. See below the current ladder standings.