WAFLW: Lions return to form with win over Bulldogs

Subiaco has bounced back from their loss last week to take an emphatic 47-point victory over South Fremantle at Leederville Oval on Saturday April 30.

The Lions captured the lead early and looked to control the game, with multiple goals kicked in a row at different periods of the game.

The day belonged to Maggie MacLachlan who thrived in a new role up forward, kicking four goals to go along with 21 disposals.

Captain Tarni Golisano was also impressive with a game-high 29 disposals, while Abbey Dowrick looked to impact in the middle of the ground and up forward with 27 possessions.

MacLachlan’s move to the forward line paid dividends early, as she kicked the first goal of the match to get Subiaco off to a strong start.

The Lions dominated possession of the football, but were unable to translate it to major scores. 

Instead, Subiaco kept the Bulldogs to a solitary point for the term, taking a nine-point lead into quarter time.

It was more competitive in the second quarter, with neither team taking advantage early in the term. 

The ball was played between the arcs, until MacLachlan was in the action again, soccering the ball off the ground through for a goal

Shortly after Dowrick chipped a ball to the advantage of Tess Lyons in the goal square, who put through her first WAFLW goal.

The ball movement from the Lions flowed and midfielders appeared to have better connection with the forwards.

Meanwhile the defence was superb, keeping South Fremantle scoreless in the second term to go up by 24 points at half time.

The Bulldogs came out in the second half with a point to prove.

They managed to keep Subiaco to two points for the quarter, while also putting on scores of their own.

They were able to get out the back of the contest and run in for a goal off the boot of Zoe Wakfer, their first major of the day.

Later in the quarter, the Bulldogs managed to score again, this time from Poppy Stockwell.

However, the advantage still belonged to the Lions, who led by 14 at three quarter time.

With the game on the line in the fourth, and the demons of last round still in the back of the players’ minds, it was important for Subiaco to assert their authority early.

Madizen Wilkins was able to hit MacLachlan, who went back and slotted her third to get the momentum with the home side.

From there, the Lions would not be denied.

Their ball movement continued to trouble the Bulldogs, as Nyra Anderson was able to convert for a goal.

However, it came at a cost as forward Hayley Corlett was taken off the ground after being slung in a tackle.

Agnes Monisse picked the pocket of Darcy Clements with a great smother, before running to the goal line and putting it through to extend the lead.

To put the icing on the cake, Nyra Anderson put through her second late in the contest, to give the Lions a 47-point win.

The news was not as good for the reserves who went down by 95 points to East Fremantle, while the Rogers Cup side fell to the Bulldogs by 30.

The Lions have a bye in round 12, but will look to continue their winning ways the following fixture against Swan Districts at Leederville Oval on Sunday May 15.

SUBIACO            1.4    3.7    3.9    8.12    (60)
SOUTH FREMANTLE    0.1    0.1    2.1    2.1    (13)

Goals: MacLachlan 4; Anderson 2; Lyons, Monisse.
Best: MacLachlan, Golisano, Dowrick, Harken, Rust.