WAFL & WAFLW : Match Preview

Subiaco face their biggest test of the year to date, when they host Claremont at Leederville Oval on Saturday April 22. The Lions are fifth on the WAFL ladder, and the challenge against the top of the table Tigers looks to be an important one in terms of shaping the season.

Subiaco will need to be at their very best when the siren sounds at 2:10pm, when the two sides battle for the Andrew Christie Cup.

FORM

The Lions are one win and one loss from two games this season. They kicked off the year strongly, with a 26-point victory over Perth away from home. However, the side was beaten last week, going down by 23 points at Leederville Oval.

Forward Ben Sokol has started the year strongly, with eight goals to his name to sit third in the Bernie Naylor medal. Meanwhile, Stefan Giro continues to find the football, averaging 30 disposals across the first two rounds.

Claremont are undefeated heading into round three. They had wins against West Perth and South Fremantle, and are in good form heading into their clash with the Lions.

LAST TIME THEY MET

It was cold, wet, and windy when the two sides last played. In a low scoring affair, it was heavily contested as Claremont had a seven-point win. The Tigers had an early lead, but the Lions hung in there, and were right in it until the final siren.

It was a game where backman Galen Savigni stood up, racking up 18 disposals from defence.

ONE TO WATCH

Young gun Taj Schofield is proving himself as a solid player, in his first season back in the WAFL. After spending a couple of years on Port Adelaide’s AFL list, the 20-year-old is showing poise beyond his years, often used as the link between defence and attack. The Sorrento-Duncraig product is a player to watch for years to come, as he continues his development.

WAFLW: Round Seven Match Preview vs Peel Thunder

Saturday afternoon is a chance for the Lions to further enhance their credentials as a team capable of featuring in finals. They take on Peel Thunder at Lane Group Stadium on Saturday April 22.

However, Subiaco will have to defeat a side who has had the better of them in recent times in order to do so.

FORM

The Lions bounced back into form post-bye to defeat East Perth at Leederville Oval. It was a 57-point victory, which was much needed after the side’s back-to-back losses heading into the round five break. Skipper Tarni Golisano continues to deliver on ball, leading the competition for disposals across the first six games.

Meanwhile, Peel sit sixth on the ladder, with two wins and three losses. Coming off two losses in a row, they will be fired up for a win, setting up an exciting contest.

LAST TIME THEY MET

Round 17 was the nail in the coffin for Subiaco’s chances at making the 2022 finals. They fell five points short of securing a finals berth, going down to the Thunder at Leederville Oval.

In a low scoring contest, Tiah Toth did all she could to will her side over the line, with 27 disposals, 11 marks, and eight tackles.

ONE TO WATCH

Hayley Corlett’s role as a utility player is an important one for the Lions. Her impact comes whenever she uses the football, which more often than not is hitting a target. She’s proven she can defend, move up to a wing, or even provide an option in front of goal.

Her role will be important on Saturday.