Subiaco Women Fall in Epic 2018 Grand Final

Subiaco Women’s team have fallen in heart-breaking fashion in the 2018 WAWFL Grand Final, losing to East Fremantle by five points.

It was a gut-wrenching end to a season that has been full of highs and lows for the Subiaco women.

What had once appeared a lost season, turned for the better mid-season, and the Subiaco Women produced an outstanding finals series as they upset both Peel and Swans on route to the final, where they almost caused a massive Grand Final boilover against East Fremantle.

While externally Subiaco was considered heavy underdogs, they approached the challenge of winning a premiership with courage and determination, traits that had exemplified their second half season turnaround.

The Grand Final started as many expected with East Fremantle kicking the first two goals to lead by 13 points at the first change.

However the fight that has been evident through the Subiaco Women all year started to show in the second.

McKenzie Dowrick kicked a goal early in the second and when Ash Renshaw kicked a goal just before half time, Subiaco was back in the contest.

Subiaco’s fight continued to produce rewards early in the second half as Hayley Miller fought off close attention to have an impact and when Dowrick kicked her second midway through the third quarter, Subiaco had an unlikely lead.

With scores level heading into the last quarter, an epic Grand Final finish was brewing.

In a tight and tense final quarter that was highlighted by a fierce intensity around the contest and stoppages, Subiaco nudged in front, before East Fremantle kicked the pivotal last goal.

Showing their fight all the way to the final siren, Subiaco was pressing inside 50 when the final siren sounded, cruelly ending the Subiaco Women’s quest for premiership glory.

Despite the loss, Subiaco’s Women can be proud of a great season and great second half fightback that showed the true character that exists from the Coastal Titans era through to the current Subiaco Football Club Women’s team.

GAME CHANGERS

LIONHEARTED
It has been the phrase that has defined a club all year, and the Subiaco Women were every bit of it on Sunday. Underdogs going in, it was lionhearted determination by every Subiaco player that saw the women go agonisingly close to premiership success.

DANICA THE DOMINANT

Key Subiaco Women’s ruck Danika Pisconeri took home the Lou Knitter Medal as best on ground in the Grand Final, a fitting achievement in a losing cause. Pisconeri typified Subiaco’s efforts on the day, desperately trying to will her team to victory. She constantly found herself in positions to make an impact and was rewarded with the Knitter Medal.

DOWRICK SHINES BRIGHT

One of the young guns of the Subiaco Women’s team shone brightest on the big stage. McKenzie Dowrick was a star throughout the 2018 WAWFL final, showing poise beyond her years. She kicked the Subiaco Women’s first goal and then gave them the lead in the third quarter with a second. Around the contest she was a constant threat and her willingness to take the game on was crucial as Subiaco threatened for the upset.

MIGHTY MILLER

Subiaco’s captain Hayley Miller copped opposition attention much unlike anything seen in WAWFL football, with East Fremantle deploying heavy defensive tactics to try and negate Subiaco’s prime mover. However, the Subiaco captain much like her team would not give in. She fought through the tactics to have an important contribution in the second half, helping spearhead the Subiaco second half fightback.

FINAL

SUBIACO WOMEN                  0.1       3.3       5.4       5.6.36

EAST FREMANTLE WOMEN   2.2       5.3       5.4       6.5.41

BEST: Pisconeri, Dowrick, Cowie, Lim, Miller.

GOALS: Dowrick, Lavell 2; Renshaw 1.