WAFLW: Subiaco hold off Sharks to end hoodoo

The Lions have broken a three-game losing streak to East Fremantle, taking a 10-point win at the WACA Ground on Saturday May 13. Holding a 10-point lead in the final term, the Lions were put through their paces and were made to earn the win.

Anjelique Raison kicked truly to put her side back in it, with less than a goal separating the two sides with 11 minutes to play. But as they had done all day, Subiaco continued to take the game on and push forward, much to the frustration of the Sharks.

A 100-metre penalty saw defender Liana Burchell become the hero, kicking her first WAFLW goal and sealing the 5.4 (34) to 3.6 (24) in the process. Eva Popovsky thrived in the wet conditions, laying seven tackles, while Tarni Golisano continued her fine season, with 18 disposals and six inside 50s.

With the rain having just finished prior to the bounce, conditions were wet and the centre circle resembled a mud pit, making disposal difficult and forcing plenty of stoppages. Tiah Toth was left alone inside 50 early, taking an uncontested mark and kicking the Lions’ first for the day.

Shortly after, it was Olivia Wolmarans who put through a goal, putting the Lions on top. The Sharks tried to fight back, but their inaccuracy cost them, allowing Subiaco to capitalise.

Hanna Dethlefsen was awarded a free kick inside 50, and made no mistake in front of goal to put the Lions ahead by 17 points. The second term saw East Fremantle fight their way back.

A goal to Raison reduced the margin, as Subiaco weren’t able to hit the scoreboard. The pressure gauge was turned up in the second half, with both teams’ defences holding up.

Repeat entries inside 50 for the Lions failed to result in scores, before the Sharks narrowed the margin to two points. Meadhbh Moloney provided a spark, kicking a goal while being spun in a tackle to give the Lions a boost.

When Raison kicked her third goal in the fourth term, it was game on again with just four points in it. Burchell stood up to convert the goal, putting the Lions ahead before copping a hard minutes later. While she was able to come off the ground, it meant Subiaco was a player down in defence.

The Lions continued to compete, and were able to secure the four points, making it four wins from their past five games. Meanwhile, the Rogers Cup side weren’t able to replicate the League side, falling to the Sharks at Leederville Oval.

SUBIACO 3.1 3.1 4.2 5.4 (34)

EAST FREMANTLE 0.2 1.5 2.5 3.6 (24)

Goals: Toth, Burchell, H Dethlefsen, Moloney, Wolmarans.

Best: Popovsky, Golisano, Hahnel, Crane, Moloney.