WAFL: Lions keep top spot within reach after win over Bulldogs

Subiaco was challenged, but ultimately able to complete a 30-point win over South Fremantle at Fremantle Community Bank Oval on Saturday August 19.

A competitive first half saw the two sides separated by just eight points, with the game in the balance.

Beau Wardman’s men took the fight to the Bulldogs in the second half, with a number of players stepping up.

It allowed Subiaco to claim the 13.15 (93) to 9.9 (63) win, setting up a top of the table clash with East Fremantle in round 20.

Young forward Luker Kentfield had his best return at League level, kicking a game-high four goals from his seven possessions.

Meanwhile, Stef Giro was important in the middle of the ground, amassing 32 disposals, nine inside 50s, and seven marks in a dominant display.

After some early possession from South Fremantle, the Lions got on the board through Jack Mayo with a goal from a tight angle.

Majors soon after to Ryan Borchet and Ben Golding had the side gaining the momentum.

However, the Bulldogs were able to compose, kicking the next two goals to be five points down at quarter time.

Some wayward opportunities in front of goal from the Lions stopped them from getting away.

It left the door open for South Fremantle, who brought the margin back to two points through Kyle Russell.

A late second term goal from Jordan Faraone gave Subiaco some breathing room, heading into half time.

Following the break, Kentfield found rhythm, kicking back-to-back goals to stretch the Lions’ lead.

It was the start of a five-goal to two quarter, with Giro snapping through a goal in traffic to extend the lead to 26 points at three-quarter time.

Although the Bulldogs found the first goal of the last term, Wil Hickmott steadied the ship with a nice finish in front of the big sticks to help seal the victory.

SUBIACO 3.1 4.6 9.7 13.15 (93)

SOUTH FREMANTLE 2.2 3.4 5.5 9.9 (63)

Goals: Kentfield 4, Mayo 2, Borchet 2, Giro, W Hickmott, J Faraone, Rohde, Golding.

Best: Kentfield, Giro, Mayo, Borchet, L Hickmott.
 

RESERVES

Subiaco was too strong for the Bulldogs, taking a 60-point win in the reserves.

Filimone Muavou kicked the first goal of the match, within the first minute.

The Lions were able to kick five consecutive goals during the first half, to lead by 23 points.

They worked hard in the second, outscoring their opposition nine goals to six to kick away.

Jaxon McGowan provided plenty of drive with 31 disposals and 10 inside 50s.

Meanwhile, Lachlan Henderson played his role in defence, as part of a strong back line effort.

SUBIACO 3.3 6.6 11.6 15.10 (100)

SOUTH FREMANTLE 2.0 3.1 5.2 6.4 (40)

Goals: Muavou 4, South 3, Stergiou 2, Bartlett 2, Cook, Matthews, C Henderson, McGowan.

Best: McGowan, L Henderson, Muavou, South, Snadden, Vanirsen.
 

COLTS

Subiaco was made to earn their win in the early game, but they did so in the end by 57 points.

Neither team was able to kick a major score in the first term, before Hayden Windsor kicked the side’s first in the second term.

With the scores level at half time, the Lions got the game on their terms, kicking four goals while preventing their opposition from getting major scores.

It created a launching pad for Subiaco, who put on seven goals in the last term to set up the win.

Tyler Senge continued his strong season, with 34 disposals and eight marks in the win.

The result sets up a big clash between the Lions and East Fremantle in round 20, with the winner earning a double chance come September.

SUBIACO 0.2 2.3 6.5 13.6 (84)

SOUTH FREMANTLE 0.2 2.3 2.7 3.9 (27)

Goals: Walsh 3, F Henderson 3, Champion 2, Montgomery 2, MacRae, Burke, Windsor.

Best: Senge, O’Keefe, Sadowski, Garlett, Barbieri.