Subiaco Return With Home Game against Rivals South Fremantle

Subiaco returns after the state game bye, looking to keep winning ways going against one of their strongest rivals of the past three years, South Fremantle.

The match to be held at Leederville Oval will be part of Subiaco’s Member Appreciation Day, as the Lions say thanks to their members.

Both sides go into the match in strong form with Subiaco still unbeaten in 2019, while South Fremantle has dropped just one match, by less than a kick to an improved Perth.

In positive news at the selection table, four prime Subiaco movers are back into the squad to face South Fremantle.

Defenders Harry Marsh and Drew Rohde who both went out within a quarter of one another in the second match of the year at East Fremantle, return at the same time, adding a boost to the Subiaco defence.

Meanwhile youngsters Ryan Borchet and Jacob Miller both come back into the squad after missing the Round Five match with minor injury concerns.

The only confirmed out at this stage is dashing defender Kaidyn Fullgrabe.

If you cannot get to Leederville Oval, the game will be broadcast online on KIX Digital with Subiaco’s social media accounts having updates across the day.

GAME CHANGERS

SUBIACO & SOUTH AGAIN NEAR TOP

For the past three seasons at the end of the WAFL home and away season it has appeared the same at the top. Subiaco top. South Fremantle second. Heading into Saturday’s game, Subiaco sit top, while South Fremantle sit in third. Once again these two sides appear to be the benchmark teams of the season. While both teams have different looking sides to their 2018 versions, expect the same fierce intensity to remain.

ARTILERY ARRIVES

In a massive boost for what looms as a dangerous clash against a dangerous South Fremantle forward line, Subiaco sees defenders Drew Rohde, Harry Marsh and Jacob Miller in line for a recall. Marsh had started the year in outstanding form adding poise and class to the back half, while Rohde had not missed a match for Subiaco since crossing at the start of 2018.

STATE OF PLAY

Subiaco had eight players in action in last Sunday’s state game while South Fremantle had just one. With a number of those eight being Subiaco’s prime movers, how they cope with the short break will be pivotal to keeping the current winning run in tact. Elsewhere look for some of the underrated stars of the Subiaco team like Rhys Waters, Ben Newton, Greg Clark, Aaron Heal and Max Walters to have more of an impact.

FAST FINISHERS

Statistically both Subiaco and South Fremantle perform best in the last quarter so far in 2019. Subiaco are outscoring teams by nearly 22 points per contest in the last quarter while South Fremantle are outscoring teams by over 12 points per contest in the last quarter. With two teams who are outstanding finishers, who can overcome their opponent and finish best, may decide the game.

PREPARED FOR THE HARD STUFF

South Fremantle have become one of the highest tackling teams in 2019, laying on average 78 tackles per game. This is nearly 20 more than Subiaco who sit at 59 tackles per game. Subiaco’s ability to either get the game on their terms out in space, or go with South Fremantle’s tough inside pressure is another one of the key battles of this match.

THAT LAST HOME AND AWAY SEASON LOSS

Incredibly, it is South Fremantle who inflicted Subiaco their last home and away season loss. You have to go back some 790 days for Subiaco’s last home and away season loss, down at Fremantle Oval on March 18, 2017.

EARLY GAMES

For the first time this season, it will be a tradional set of matches for Subiaco at home. The Colts will play at 9am followed by the Reserves at 11.30am and the League game at the standard 2.15pm time. Subiaco’s Colts will be desperate to notch their first win of the season against a South Fremantle side that has only won one game so far in 2019. While the Subiaco Reserves will look to bounce back after a disappointing loss to Swans in their last start. Both early games promise to deliver great clashes, so be there early for all the action.