WAFL & WAFLW: Round Two Match Preview vs East Perth

It’s the battle of the Leederville co-tenants on Saturday April 15, as Subiaco takes on the Royals. With both sides taking wins in round one, each team will be full of confidence once the siren blows.

FORM

The Lions started off slowly, but found their groove later in the match to storm ahead of a gallant Perth outfit in round one. Subiaco fought back from 21 points down early in the second term, to secure a 26-point win.Sharp shooter Ben Sokol was at his very best, with five goals to his name. Meanwhile, Max Walters also had an influence, with 25 disposals, eight marks, and two goals in a fine performance. Their opponents in East Perth also had an impressive win in round one, defeating the Swans

The Royals looked home in the third quarter when they were up by 25 points, but Swan Districts had other ideas. They took back the lead, before an arm wrestle in the last term had Angus Scott kicking a behind in the dying moments to give his side a one-point win. If the results are anything to go by, it should be a tight contest when these two teams do battle.

LAST TIME THEY MET

Subiaco have had the wood over the Royals for a number of years, and it was no different in round 17 last year. East Perth started off strong, but the Lions’ experience proved too much, taking the 13-point win. Defender Angus Dewar was swung forward, and it paid dividends as he kicked three goals.

Meanwhile, skipper Leigh Kitchin was composed in the wet conditions, with 23 disposals and six tackles. The Lions have won 16 of the past 17 clashes between the two sides, with East Perth’s sole win in that time coming in 2020.

ONE TO WATCH

Against a formidable midfield as talented as the Royals’, Liam Hickmott may have an important role to play. While he’s shown he’s capable of shutting down the competition’s best when tagging, he’s proved he can win his own ball and use it effectively.

Against the likes of Hamish Brayshaw, Angus Schumacher, Mitch Crowden, and Angus Scott, Subiaco’s midfield will have their work cut out for them. But Hickmott’s involvement could go a long way towards Subiaco getting the win.

WAFLW: Round Six Match Preview vs East Perth

History is set to be made on Saturday morning at Leederville Oval, when the ground’s co-tenants go head-to-head for the first time in the WAFLW. Subiaco will host East Perth for the historic occasion, and both teams will be eager to get a win on the board.

FORM

Subiaco are looking to bounce back after the bye, following a disappointing first portion of the year. After drawing with South Fremantle in round one, and defeating the Swans in round two, the Lions fell one straight kick short of victory against 2022 finalist East Fremantle.

However, Subiaco were taught a lesson by reigning premiers Claremont in round four, losing by 60 points.

It’s a result the team will be looking to move forward from, and there may be no better time than this weekend. Meanwhile, the Royals are yet to register a win, following their introduction to the WAFLW competition this season. However, it means they will be determined to get on the board, so the Lions will need to be prepared. Both teams will be looking to change their fortunes for the remainder of the season.

ONE TO WATCH

She may be just 15 years old, but Olivia Crane is proving she can stand up to the WAFLW standard. Playing primarily in defence, the Wanneroo product has shown strong marking prowess and has the ability to read the play like a veteran. She also has the ability to provide a target up forward, which has been valuable at times during the season.

Crane is averaging 15.8 disposals and four marks per game, and has a bright future for the Lions.