COMPLETING the split round of WAFL Women’s action on the weekend, just two games took place. Subiaco dominated Peel Thunder keeping the Mandurah-based side scoreless, while Claremont ended Swan District’s seven-game winning streak.

Due to less State Academy players in Round 14, we will highlight the standouts in a different format for this round before returning to the regular structure for the full round this weekend.

One of the clear standouts, particularly from a winning perspective was Subiaco midfielder/forward Eva Popovsky. We detailed her performance in our WAFLW Player Focus for the round, but she continues to loom as a draft possibility. When forward, she can hit the scoreboard as she did on the weekend, kicking a goal from her 20 touches.

>> WAFLW PLAYER FOCUS: EVA POPOVSKY

In the same game, double bottom-ager Olivia Crane was enormous through the midfield and rotating back into defence, picking up 22 touches and laying 10 tackles. She has become a critical part of the Lions’ line-up this season with a potent left foot and is a member of the Under 18s Academy which will be on show later in the year at the AFLW Under 18 Championships.

Fellow double bottom-ager Evie Cowcher was up the other end of the ground, chopping off anything that came her way. The Peel Thunder youngster took 12 marks from 26 disposals and laid four tackles in another standout performance. While the Thunder have had a rough season in 2023, the emergence of young players like Cowcher has been a promising sign for Steve Markham‘s side.

The Sandgropers’ defensive unit looks strong for the upcoming national carnival with the West Australians set to take on the Allies and Vic Country in August. Along with Crane and Cowcher, there was also fellow tall Mackenzie Webb who looms as a prospective over-age draft prospect. Against Swan Districts she had seven disposals and took two marks but limits her opponent so well.

With quick closing speed and good footy smarts, she has been a reliable lockdown defender for Jack Schwarze and one who is definitely in the draft conversation, particularly considering her performance against the best player in the draft, Lauren Young at the AFLW Under 18 Championships.

Staying in defence and Peel Thunder’s AFLW Academy member Kaitlyn Srhoj has enjoyed her role there. Providing run and carry, Srhoj had 13 disposals, three marks and laid four tackles and tried her best to keep the ball moving in transition. She will also run out for the Academy this weekend against the Under 23 All-Stars at Marvel Stadium.

Subiaco tough nut Madison Dodd was solid across the board in the Lions’ win over the Thunder and just competes regardless of the opposition. She had a number of nice touches including handballing clear while surrounded by four opponents, and brought the ball to ground against taller opponents later in the game.

Among the other players to take to the field across the weekend were Peel Thunder utilities Dakota Sexton (13 disposals, four marks and six tackles) and Holly Britton (10 disposals, one mark and three tackles). Both have some promising traits with Sexton’s aerial ability and Britton’s vision among their standout aspects from Round 14.

Subiaco defender Charlotte Newland (five disposals, one mark), Peel ruck Kate Newson (23 hitouts, five tackles) and Claremont double bottom-ager Juliet Kelly (seven disposals, two marks) played their respective roles on the weekend.