WAFLW: Farmer looking for consistency as Lions prepare to dig deep

There’s a sense of déjà vu for the Lions WAFLW side, as they look to defy the odds and storm into the top four come the end of the regular season.

Subiaco sit sixth on the ladder with a record of two wins and six losses going into round 11.

While it’s a daunting task, the Lions only have to look to last season for inspiration on how to get the job done.

In 2021, Subiaco had the same record and won six games to finish the year, storming into the finals as a result.

WAFLW coach Michael Farmer said their run home has a finals-like appeal to it.

“It’s an exciting proposition for the team to play, pretty much, an elimination final each week,” he said.

“It's hard not to reflect on our season last year and see some really strong similarities, but it's easy to get caught up in that.

“Last week was a really strong step forward for us as a team so we'll look to South Fremantle this week and, as cliché as it is, take it one week at a time and focus on the football we want to play.”

Subiaco’s year has been mixed in terms of results, but Farmer was hopeful their clash against Claremont last round was a turning point.

“It's been very up and down in the fact that we've played some really strong football that's been able to match it with the best in the competition for periods,” he said.

“Unfortunately we just haven't been able to string together four consistent quarters and that's hurt us at critical times.

“I think last week against Claremont probably saw us play our best footy this year and we are looking to get back to our stronger contested style of football.”

For the rest of the season, Farmer hoped the team would look to play a brand of football that was competitive across four quarters.

“It's important for us to continue to play some really consistent football over the next few weeks,” he said.

“There is always something to play for and we know our best football is good enough to match most sides.”

Part of the inconsistency has been the Lions’ scoring, where they sit sixth in the competition for total points.

It’s an area Farmer said comes down to balance, and getting that connection with the midfield to make the most of the opportunities in front of goal.

“The forward line has probably been one of our lines that's had the most changes week in week out and trying to find synergy with your mids takes time but we believe we are slowly getting that consistency,” he said.

“We had more scoring opportunities against one of the top sides last week so there's some good momentum moving forward.”

The side’s round 10 clash against Claremont was their most competitive in recent times, where they were ahead for the majority of the contest.

The returns of experienced players in Tiah Toth, Maggie MacLachlan, and Abbey Dowrick have brought more composure with ball in hand and will be important for the side going forward according to Farmer.

“Each of them bring their own unique talents to our side,” he said.

“They give us strong structure, they’re all great ball users in their own right and fit in really well with how we want to play.”

Farmer said there have been some standout players for the coaches during the season so far.

He’s been impressed by University-product Tess Lyons, who is leading the competition in hit outs for the season.

He says her attack on the contest and her effort are strengths that have stood out this season.

Clare McCarthy is another who has impressed the coaches in her first season.

An Irish import, McCarthy only played her first game of football this year, and forced her way into the league side as a lockdown defender.

He also praised the efforts of captain Tarni Golisano and vice-captain Jayme Harken, saying they lead from the front in the midfield.

The upcoming clash with South Fremantle in Round 11 marks the only time this year the WAFLW side will play the game right before the men’s team.

It’s an occasion Farmer hopes to see more often, saying it’s a great occasion for the team, and would help integrate the side further as part of the club.