Top of Table Blockbuster Set for Subiaco & South Fremantle this Saturday

Subiaco is set to renew their rivalry with South Fremantle, with a top of the table blockbuster clash at Leederville Oval on Saturday.

Subiaco heads into the game riding a 12 game winning run to start the season, while South Fremantle remain the closest rival to the Lions, sitting with a nine win, three loss record after 12 games.

Clancy Wheeler is the only confirmed out at this stage after suffering injury last Friday night, with his replacement set to come from one of four youngsters named to an extended bench.

Daniel Leach, Jack Beverley, Sean Bradley and Tom Edwards-Baldwin have all been added to the 25 man squad.

The top of the table blockbuster clash will be shown live on Channel 7 with a 1.30pm coverage start.

GAME CHANGERS

FAMILIAR TOP OF TABLE BATTLE

For the third season in a row Subiaco and South Fremantle will play in a late season top of the table battle at Leederville Oval. Subiaco defeated South Fremantle in a high scoring game back in 2017 while in 2016 Subiaco overcame South Fremantle in a Thursday night battle. With these two sides having finished top two the last two home and away seasons and on track to do so again in 2018, this Saturday’s game has big ramifications both in the short term on the ladder and in the long term on finals form.  

MAGIC NUMBER

If Subiaco can get the win over South Fremantle on Saturday, their magic number for the 2018 minor premiership will be one. Subiaco’s strong start to 2018 means they are getting close to securing top spot before the final month of the season and allowing

HAPPY HOME GROUND

Subiaco has not lost at Leederville Oval so far in 2018 and have won their last seven against South Fremantle at Leederville Oval dating back to 2013.  

RECORD HUNTING

A win for Subiaco will see the Lions break the WAFL record for most consecutive home and away wins. Currently East Fremantle and Subiaco are tied for this record, with 31 consecutive home and away victories in succession.

THE OTHER BATTLES

While the top of the table league match has rightfully top billing, the two other games on Saturday are also between top five teams. Subiaco’s top placed colts take on an in form South Fremantle who sit in fifth. Subiaco’s reserves who sit second will take on South Fremantle who also sit fifth on the reserves ladder. Colts will play in a twilight blockbuster, set for first bounce after the league game at 4.30pm.

RECENT FORM

Subiaco and South Fremantle have played just once in 2018, back in Round Two down at Fremantle Oval. Subiaco produced a strong second half performance to account for South Fremantle after an even first half. 

Written by Declan Waghorn