South Fremantle too strong for Lions

A lacklustre performance saw Subiaco fall to South Fremantle by 88 points at Fremantle Community Bank Oval on Saturday, August 20.

Whilst Subiaco kicked the first goal of the game through Ben Sokol, South Fremantle came out of the gates, looking for blood, kicking the next five goals in the first term.

South Fremantle was too good in every margin, using the previous year’s grand final result as fuel for their ongoing attack, taking out the 19.18 (132) to 6.8 (44) win.

Defender Drew Rohde did all he could for the Lions, with 19 disposals, while Ben Sokol maximised his opportunities upfront with three goals, solidifying his lead in the race for the Bernie Naylor.

With Subiaco on the board first, the remaining time in the first quarter was grim for Lions fans. Five consecutive goals to the Bulldogs and dominance all over the ground pushed the Lions' formidable defence to breaking point.

Led by the attack of Mason Shaw, South was well and truly on top going into the first break.

Subiaco started well again in the second quarter with Brandon Matera capitalising on fast ball movement, finding himself alone in the goal square. However, this was the only goal for the team in the second quarter.

With momentum stagnant throughout the second term, Subiaco’s defence stood up once again keeping South Fremantle to three goals despite the constant forward 50 entries.

The third term saw Brendon Ah Chee score within the opening minute to continue the fine form of the home side.

This was answered quickly, by Ben Sokol kicking truly from just inside 50m for his second. The WAFL's leading goal scorer has had a tremendous season with his spectacular kicking form enabling him to maximise on limited opportunities.

Subiaco was able to wrestle some momentum with two shots on goal from Chad Harris and Jordan Faraon. However, South Fremantle was able to stablise, finding opportunities to capitalise at pivotal moments. 

Jordan Faraone produced some magic to snap a goal from congestion but the third quarter finished poorly with the Bulldogs kicking three goals in the final five minutes.

Mason Shaw kicked his fifth goal of the game to start the final quarter strongly and whilst the result was finalised early on, with South hoping for a statement win.

Brandon Matera was able to stop the onslaught kicking his second goal five minutes into the final quarter, which doubled as Subiaco’s final major.

South Fremantle finished the game having won all four quarters and dominance throughout the ground, and walking away 88-point victors.

Despite the defeat, there were some shining lights for the Lions with Galen Savigni one of the best-on once again. Drew Rohde continued his career-best form and Liam Hickmott amassed 29 disposals.

The Lions will return home to Leederville Oval next week, where they will take on Perth as their final home game for season 2022 doubling as Lachlan Delahunty’s final game and Leigh Kitchin’s 150th.

SOUTH FREMANTLE      5.7   8.10   15.13   19.18   (132)

SUBIACO         1.1   2.2   5.4   6.8   (44)

Goals: Sokol 3; Matera 2; Faraone.
 Best: Sokol, Rohde, Kitchin, L Hickmott, Savigni.