SUBIACO looks set to finish fifth on the table this year even if it beats West Perth, with a large percentage needed to make up the difference to fourth placed East Fremantle in the WAFL Women’s. The final round of the competition kicks off tomorrow, with Subiaco up first against a Falcons side that beat it last time around.

While Subiaco should be favourites given recent form, the Lions will need to produce a massive victory then become Peel Thunder fans on Sunday needing the seventh placed Thunder to knock off the Sharks. We preview the Lions-Falcons clash as well as the Royals-Tigers match tomorrow.

FORM

Subiaco came agonisingly close to giving itself the best possible chance of finals last week, falling short after a strong start against South Fremantle. The Lions can perhaps look back at the loss to West Perth as one to rue, but they have a chance to bounce back against the Falcons here. For the Falcons, they cannot make finals but could officially put a line through Subiaco even if just by being competitive. However a win would be sweeter and it would cap off a brilliant 2023 season.

CHANGES

West Perth made just the two changes for its final game of the season, with Grace Betti and Claire Norbury coming into the side, replacing Jeevna Heer and Cameron Dawson, The Lions have only made one confirmed change with forward Kelsey Patterson out of the side, but five players coming in as part of an extended bench. Among those coming in are Taylisha Brown, Liana Burchell and Dahna Lee.

KEY PLAYERS

Subiaco’s midfield group of Tarnica Golisano, Tiah Toth and Olivia Crane bring different elements to the table against a West Perth side that has Emily Bennett, Kayla Van Den Heever and Bianca Webb. Up forward, the Lions look to Jessica Ritchie and Hanna Dethlefsen, with Liliana Grassenis and Erin O’Brien coming off a strong game for West Perth.

PREDICTION

Subiaco is in the better form and should get up, but West Perth will want to finish on a high after the disappointing loss last week. The Lions need to win by a massive margin and hope Peel Thunder upsets East Fremantle to make finals, though both are not overly realistic.

FORM

Two sides at opposite ends of the ladder face off in the one game without any finals ramifications. Reigning premiers Claremont is well placed to go back-to-back, having not lost a match all WAFL Women’s season. The Tigers drew to East Fremantle but have otherwise ticked off every box and will retain their spot at the top, while East Perth is the opposite, winning the wooden spoon in its first season. Competitive at times such as last week against Peel Thunder, the Royals are in a different developmental phase to the Tigers and this game will be a tough end to the season.

CHANGES

Both teams have made two changes for the match, with Claremont regaining teenagers Mackenzie Webb and Jayde Musika for the clash. They come in for Kate Orme and Charlotte Adams. For East Perth, Leah Keating and Bramley Haran return to the side, while Kelsey Lang and Eliza Van De Veldes go out.

KEY PLAYERS

Though the Tigers will be minus Orme, they still have some ridiculous ball-winning depth, highlighted by Jayme Harken coming off a 38-disposal game last round. She is in the midfield along with the likes of Sarah Viney, Matilda Sergeant and Sarah Garstone, while Adele Arnup is set to win the competition leading goalkicker with a decent day out.

East Perth ruck Matilda Bennett and midfielder Chloe Sauzier have been shining lights this season, while former Tiger Jorja Elisseou takes on her past teammates for the first time. Sarah Madden and Taylah Suda will have big jobs in defence.

PREDICTION

The easiest match of the round to predict, with Claremont set to win and win big, it will just be a case of how much. East Perth has been competitive in patches throughout the season, but this is a Tigers side gearing up for finals, and they will not want to take the Royals lightly heading into the post-season series.