WAFLW: Lions rue missed chances in loss to Tigers

Subiaco can only wonder what could have been as Claremont stormed home to take a 13-point win at Revo Fitness Stadium on Sunday April 24.

While the Lions appeared on top for the majority of the game, their inaccuracy in front of goal ended up costing them.

Subiaco had more inside 50s and more shots on goal, but ultimately weren’t able to capitalise as the Tigers won the clash 5.2 (32) to 2.7 (19).

Midfielder Abbey Dowrick in her first WAFLW match since round four was among Subiaco’s best, with 22 disposals, eight inside 50s, and six tackles.

She was well supported in the middle by Jayme Harken (20 disposals), while Madison Dodd played her role down back and kept Fremantle-listed Mikayla Western quiet.

The Lions were buoyed by the returns of Tiah Toth and Maggie MacLachlan, knowing a win would be important for setting up the rest of their season.

It was a slow scoring opening quarter where Subiaco had the majority of the play, despite it not translating to the scoreboard.

The Lions came out with intent, keeping the ball inside their forward half for periods of the quarter.

The entries inside 50 were full of pressure and meant the forwards had to work to get shots on goal.

Subiaco kicked three minor scores for the term, while Claremont’s Ella Smith kicked the only goal for the quarter.

It meant the Tigers held a three-point leading heading into the first break.

The Lions fought back in the second term and took the lead in the quarter, with positive signs for the side throughout.

Subiaco looked to be winning the midfield battle to get the ball moving forward.

A great passage of play saw a strong mark inside 50 from Abbey Dowrick, which ended with a goal to Hayley Corlett to put the side in front.

The Lions’ defence was strong, keeping Claremont scoreless for the term and taking a four-point lead into half time.

It was more of the same in the third term, but Subiaco were unable to put Claremont away.
The Lions had their chances and looked the more competitive side, but were wayward in front of goal and did not make the most of their entries.

The only goal for the term came when Kate Pocsidio was able to mark inside 50 and convert.

While the Lions extended their lead to 13 points, they were without Claudia Langley and Pocsidio for the remainder of the contest due to injuries.

With the game in the balance in the last term, the Tigers were the ones to take the game on.

It was a complete reversal of how the contest had gone up to three quarter time, with Claremont dominating across the ground.

They kept Subiaco scoreless, and kicked four goals for the term to complete a 26-point turnaround to win by 13.

Subiaco went winless on Sunday across all grades, with the WAFLW reserves going down by 28 points, and the Rogers Cup team losing by 46.

The match against South Fremantle in round 11 looms as do-or-die for the WAFLW Lions, as they look to keep their season alive on Saturday April 30 at Leederville Oval.

CLAREMONT        1.0    1.0    1.0    5.2    (32)
SUBIACO        0.3    1.4    2.7    2.7    (19)

Goals: Corlett, Pocsidio.