WAFL & WAFLW: Round Preview

WAFL: Round Six Match Preview vs East Fremantle

Subiaco continue to make statements in season 2023, and will look to do so again against the Sharks at the WACA Ground on Saturday May 13. 

The Lions are eyeing a fourth win in a row, after a strong start to the WAFL season. However, the task won’t be easy, given the Sharks have had Subiaco’s number in recent history.

FORM

The Lions are third on the ladder after five rounds, with four wins in that time. Round two’s loss to East Perth appeared to kick Subiaco into gear, having won the next three by an average margin of 19 points.

Zac Clarke’s form in the ruck has been welcomed by the side, as has the sustained form of Ben Sokol, who continues to perform up forward. However, the next test for the Lions comes against fifth-placed East Fremantle.

The side had a 15-point loss last week at the WACA, a ground they usually perform strongly at with five wins from seven matches last season. The Sharks will be looking to bounce back, and would love nothing more than to take down Subiaco. It’s set to be an exciting clash when the two sides go head to head under lights.

LAST TIME THEY MET

In round 12 last season, the Sharks came to play at Leederville Oval, defeating Subiaco by 25 points. East Fremantle burst out of the gate, kicking the first four goals of the match to set up the win. While the Lions evened up the contest for the rest of the match, the damage had been done. Subiaco will be looking for a strong start to break a three-game losing streak against the Sharks.

ONE TO WATCH

The role Wil Hickmott plays in the League side is not one that should be underestimated. The young wingman works hard both defensively and when going forward, and provides an option in the scoring chain. While sometimes it can be a role that goes without reward, last week his efforts were on full display, with 26 disposals, nine marks, and three inside 50s.

On the wide, but short dimensions of the WACA, he’ll be looking to get involved around the ground and use his aerobic capacity to the Lions’ advantage.

WAFLW: Round 10 Match Preview vs East Fremantle

The Lions will be looking to prove they are a threat in the 2023 WAFLW season, when they take on East Fremantle at the WACA Ground on Saturday May 13. Subiaco have had strong wins, and some losses they’d like to forget throughout the year.

However, a chance to put a buffer between themselves and teams outside the top four is at stake, so the side is set to give it their all away from home.

FORM

The third-placed Lions had a strong 46-point win over Leederville Oval co-tenants East Perth last week. It was a much needed win, following a loss to West Perth at home. With their full contingent of state players at their disposal for the remainder of the season, it gives Subiaco a chance to build on their start, as they eye a spot in the top four.

Meanwhile, the Sharks have a point to prove after making the Grand Final last year. They sit in fourth on the ladder, coming off a loss to the Swans and a draw against Claremont in recent weeks. Saturday afternoon’s clash between the two sides is one both teams will be looking to win, to solidify their spot on the ladder.

LAST TIME THEY MET

The Lions fell by six points when the two sides faced in round three at Leederville Oval. Subiaco were behind at half time, but appeared to have the momentum in the second half. However, the Sharks proved too strong on the day.

Clare McCarthy was one of the best for the Lions on the day, claiming 14 disposals in the backline.

ONE TO WATCH

Fresh off playing for WA, Madison Dodd looks a player full of confidence. The 18-year-old has the capacity to rebound off the half back, and can also burst through the midfield. Her 18-disposal game last week was rewarded with a spot in the WAFLW team of the week.

Her influence could be a factor in Saturday’s match against the Sharks.