WAFL: Round 12 Match Preview vs East Fremantle

This week is NAIDOC round, and it looms as an important fixture for the Lions.

As the WAFL competition gets back underway following the bye, Subiaco is faced with a challenge in East Fremantle at Leederville Oval on Saturday July 9.

With eight matches left in the regular season, the Lions are in unfamiliar territory in recent times, sitting two wins outside the top five.

FORM

Subiaco have four wins from 10 games this season, with two of them coming in the past month.

The Lions had back-to-back wins over Perth and West Coast, but were overrun by Swan Districts in the last game before the bye.

The loss puts an emphasis on the remainder of the season, with the side desperate to get the four points this weekend.

Meanwhile the Sharks have had mixed fortunes in their past four games, but have been competitive all season.

They head into the clash in second on the ladder, setting up a tough contest for Saturday afternoon.

LAST TIME THEY MET

Subiaco fought hard early, but faded late when they last took on East Fremantle.

In the WAFL's return to the WACA Ground, the Lions fell by 44 points, losing vice-captain Jordan Lockyer to a knee injury in the process.

Subiaco will take confidence knowing they competed with the Sharks early, and will be looking to settle the score this weekend.

ONE TO WATCH

Subiaco will be looking to get off to a fast start, and Brandon Matera may be the man to help get that done.

The crafty forward returned from injury in round 10, and looked lively early against Swan Districts.

The Sharks are the highest scoring team this year, so the Lions will need to make the most of their chances up forward, with Matera set to play a role.