WAFLW: Lions’ season in limbo after Bulldogs loss

Subiaco is no longer in control of its destiny in the 2023 WAFLW season, following a 19-point loss to South Fremantle at Fremantle Oval on Saturday June 17.

After leading the first half, the Lions weren’t able to navigate through a well structured Bulldogs defence.

At the other end, South Fremantle was able to capitalise in front of goal, putting Subiaco’s season in jeopardy.

Swan Districts’ win over East Fremantle hours later had made the road to July action harder for the Lions.

Sitting a game and percentage outside the top four, they’ll need to not only defeat West Perth by a significant margin, but hope Peel Thunder can do the same against the Sharks in the final round of the home and away season.

Defender Madison Dodd led from the front against the Bulldogs, having the tough match up on Noa McNaughton while gathering 17 disposals.

Winger Grace Hahnel also had an influence on the game, with 21 disposals and seven marks.

The Lions started off the game hot, with Hayley Corlett finding the goals within the first minute of the game.

The winger backed up her efforts shortly after, with a long range goal to put the Lions 12 points up.

The Bulldogs attempted to get on top towards the end of the first, but Subiaco held strong.

South Fremantle’s McNaughton sparked her side in the second, kicking the first of the quarter.

While the Lions had their fair share of possession, they weren’t able to penetrate for major scores.

However, they held a seven-point lead at the main break.

The Bulldogs came out after half time with a fresh mindset.

Their ability to control the ball going forward while maintaining their defensive pressure worked for them on the day.

Subiaco weren’t able to match their intensity, with South Fremantle gaining the lead in the third term.

With their tails up, the Bulldogs ran away with the momentum.

They kicked the next two goals, and continued to surge forward, preventing Subiaco from regaining the lead.

Meanwhile, the Rogers Cup side were also competitive in the first half, but were overrun in the second, going down by 72 points.
 

SUBIACO 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 (17)

SOUTH FREMANTLE 0.1 1.2 3.2 5.6 (36)

Goals: Corlett 2.

Best: Dodd, Hahnel, Corlett, Newland, Golisano.