WAFL: Sharks end Lions’ winning streak

Subiaco were handed their first loss in four games, going down to East Fremantle by 32 points at the WACA Ground on Saturday May 13. The Lions had their chances, but were ultimately beaten by their opponents around the ground. The side was also struggling for numbers, with Taj Schofield and Rylie Morgan both succumbing to injuries early.

Subiaco struggled to find clearances, and the Sharks were able to take advantage going forward. It made life difficult for the Lions, who were forced to play catch up for the remainder of the match.

East Fremantle took the win 13.10 (88) to 7.14 (56).

Despite being in a losing side, the Hickmott’s both had an influence on the game. Liam wasn’t deterred by an early knock requiring bandages, amassing 25 disposals.

Meanwhile, Wil had a strong presence on the wing, with 19 touches. The Sharks kicked the first goal of the match through Chris Walker, the first of four in a row for their side. The Lions needed to respond to stay within touching distance, and it was the returning Jack Mayo who took a strong contested mark inside 50.

He kicked truly from 50 metres out, bringing the margin back to 19 points.

East Fremantle continued to find ways to goal, and appeared to have answers for Subiaco. Despite an even second term, the Sharks had the momentum to start the second half.

They got on another run, kicking four unanswered goals to put the Lions on the back foot. Subiaco kicked back to back majors to bring the margin down to 31 points, but it was too much of a gap for the side to overcome.

It ends the Lions’ winning streak at three games, but the Lions remain in the top five as the WAFL takes a break for the State Game. Subiaco will look to get back to their winning ways on Saturday May 27 when they take on Swan Districts at Leederville Oval.

SUBIACO 1.3 4.6 6.9 7.14 (56)

EAST FREMANTLE 4.4 7.9 11.10 13.10 (88)

Goals: Mayo 2, Alone 2, Sokol, Golding, Hansen Jr. 

Best: L Hickmott, W Hickmott, Braut, Heal, Clarke.

RESERVES

The Lions encountered their first loss of season 2023, falling to East Fremantle by 21 points at the WACA Ground on Saturday May 13. They were the first to make a move, with Noah Ash kicking the first goal of the match.

Subiaco kicked two in a row before the Sharks evened things up before quarter time. While no goals were kicked in the second quarter, the Lions managed four behinds, which could have changed the game.

Instead, East Fremantle got on a run in the wet, taking out the win. Corey Bellouard performed strongly for the Lions, with 18 disposals and three inside 50s.

SUBIACO 2.3 2.7 3.9 4.11 (35)

EAST FREMANTLE 3.2 3.3 7.7 8.8 (56)

Goals: Ash, J Faraone, C Henderson, Bolton.

Best: Bellouard, I Clinch, C Faraone, McGillivray.

COLTS

The Colts had the biggest win for the Lions over the weekend, winning by 49 points against the Sharks. East Fremantle kicked the first goal, but the Lions responded through Luker Kentfield.

It was the first of six goals in the opening term for Subiaco, putting the Sharks on the back foot. The Lions continued to dominate in the second term, leading by 39 points at half time.

While the Sharks fought back to reduce the deficit, it was a bridge too far with Subiaco running away with it in the fourth quarter. Hayden Windsor was instrumental to the side’s win, controlling the hit-outs with 37 to give his midfielders first use of the ball.

SUBIACO 6.1 11.2 14.4 16.7 (103)

EAST FREMANTLE 3.1 4.5 8.5 8.6 (54)

Goals: Collard 4, Wills 2, Champion 2, Steinmann 2, Kentfield 2, Clark, Woodley, Mayfield, Kelman.

Best: Windsor, Kelman, Woodley, Senge, Wills.