WAFLW: Subiaco to regroup after tough loss at home

The Lions are set to reflect on a tough outing, going down by 60 points to the top of the table Claremont at Leederville Oval on Saturday April 1. It was a heavily contested match, suiting the game style of the Tigers. Subiaco weren’t able to play the free-flowing football that served them well across the first three rounds.

Claremont proved too strong, and were able to control the match, taking the 10.8 (68) to 1.2 (8) win. In a losing cause, Olivia Crane was strong, with 14 disposals in a variety of roles. Meanwhile, Eva Popovsky’s tackling pressure was immense, with 11 to her name. Subiaco were without veteran Tiah Toth and young gun Hayley Corlett, but welcomed back Liana Burchell to the side.

Claremont jumped out of the gate strongly, maintaining possession for most of the quarter.They controlled the game with their ball movement, and repeat stoppages played in the favour of their bigger bodied midfielders.The Tigers were able to get a three goal advantage before the Lions were able to get the ball inside 50.

However, Subiaco looked dangerous in the dying minutes of the opening term, getting repeat entries. Unfortunately, they only had a point to show for it, with Claremont leading by 18 at the first change. While the Lions were more competitive in the second term, they weren’t able to get any reward on the scoreboard.The Tigers continued to control the tempo of the match, forcing stoppages and preventing any free flowing play.

It played into their hands, as they kicked two goals to lead by 33 points at half time. After half time, the magnets were thrown around in an attempt to change the fortunes for the Lions. Eva Popovsky and Olivia Crane spent time on the ball, while Amy Mulholland was moved to a wing. The style of play however continued to be heavily contested, and Claremont’s precision kicking allowed them to stay ahead.

They kicked three majors, and kept the Lions scoreless for a nine goal lead at three quarter time. With the game all but decided in the last term, it was a matter of pride for Subiaco.The moment of the match came when debutant Lauren Bilaloski spun out of traffic and snapped on her right boot. It dribbled through for the Lions’ first goal, and the first of her WAFLW career.

The result fizzled out to a 60-point loss for the Lions.The result for the Rogers Cup side was positive, with the team securing a one-point win over Perth.

The WAFLW takes a break next week, giving Subiaco plenty of time to regroup ahead of their clash with East Perth on Saturday April 15.

SUBIACO 0.1 0.1 0.1 1.2 (8)

CLAREMONT 3.1 5.4 8.7 10.8 (68)

Goals: Bilaloski.

Best: Newland, Crane, Popovsky.