WAFLW: Lions stay alive with win over Claremont

Subiaco continued their remarkable 2022 campaign, completing a gutsy 13-point win over Claremont at Leederville Oval on Sunday June 5.

The contest was neck and neck all game, with one straight kick separating the two sides for the majority of the game.

When the contest was there to be won, the Lions stood up to keep the fate of their season in their own hands, winning 3.5 (23) to 1.3 (9)

Madizen Wilkens was strong in the midfield with 21 disposals, while the ever-reliable Tiah Toth looked in control down back and up the ground with 19 possessions.

Several changes were made for both teams, but the inclusion of AFLW Eagle Aisling McCarthy was welcomed by the Lions, who needed to win to stay in control of their season.

It was a low scoring first term, with neither team able to kick a major.

The contest was hot and the intensity was high, with neither team willing to give an inch.

There were plenty of ground balls and a lot of tackling pressure to make scoring difficult for both sides.

Subiaco’s midfield brigade looked strong at clearances, but Claremont’s defence was well organised and was able to prevent any major damage.

The scores were locked at two behinds apiece at quarter time.

Tensions remained high in the second term, but the Lions were able to get some separation from their opponents.

The majority of the term was spent in the middle of the ground, where Subiaco looked to use controlled ball movement to get inside 50. 

Repetition was the key, as the Lions were able to get better looks inside 50.

Kelsey Patterson on debut was able to get the ball to Cheney Armstrong who took a strong contested mark in the goal square.

She went back and slotted it through for the first goal of the match, meaning the Lions took a six-point lead into half time.

With the game on the line in the second half, the Tigers were able to strike first.

Jasmin Stewart kicked her side’s first goal, levelling the scores.

However, the Lions held strong, with their ability to intercept a highlight of the game.

Patterson took a strong pack mark inside 50 and kicked her first goal in WAFLW to put the Lions back in front.

It meant the Lions led by seven points with one quarter to play.

Subiaco continued their defensive pressure, and kept the Tigers scoreless in the last term.

The Lions fought hard to continue their momentum, and were rewarded when McCarthy put through a goal to seal the 13-point victory.

It was a different story for the reserves, who fell by 33 points to the Tigers.

The Lions’ continue to defy the odds in season 2022, and will be playing for their season when they take on third-placed Peel Thunder at Leederville Oval in the final game of the WAFLW home and away season.

SUBIACO        0.2    1.3    2.4    3.5    (23)
CLAREMONT        0.2    0.3    1.3    1.3    (9)

Goals: Armstrong, Patterson, McCarthy.
Best: Wilkins, Toth, Taylor, Dodd, Armstrong.