ARGUABLY the hardest to predict team, Subiaco did miss out on finals by a couple of games despite finishing fifth, but do have a host of experienced players coming into the lineup for 2025. Not only is a star youngster returning from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, but the Lions have beefed up their WAFLW side with a couple of AFLW-experienced talents.

LAST SEASON: 5th
2025 PREDICTION: Top 4

Subiaco has the widest scope of potential, with the Lions more than capable of finals on paper, and a sneaky chance to contest for the flag. Boasting a stack of top-age State Academy members who can also play a serious role in 2025, the addition of a couple of ex-AFLW players only further boosted their hopes of a return to finals.

STATE ACADEMY MEMBERS (TOP-AGE)

Comments by West Australian Female Talent Manager Trent Cooper

Olivia Crane
Tall Utility | 179cm | 08/10/2007

“Olivia had the ACL last year and we’re not rushing that. Normally you’d try and get back within 12 months. We always said this is her draft year so it’s important to make sure that there’s no lingering affects from that so we’ve just been a bit slow and cautious from that. She’s tracking really well, her change of direction, joining in drills at the moment. She’ll be ready for Subiaco, I don’t think she’ll be ready for Round 1, but just after that. She was ready to have a really big year.”

>> WAFLW 15 to Watch in 2025: #4 Olivia Crane

Macy Fair
Midfielder | 169cm | 20/04/2007

“Macy’s one who her athleticism stood out in the testing and she was probably a borderline selection but she made the summer squad really based on that testing and she’s really excelled in the program. She’s worked really hard, her footy’s coming along really well and with that run, we see her as being a player who can probably play on a wing going forward.”

Sunni-Quay Peters
Tall Utility | 172cm | 29/01/2007

“Sunni’s a very versatile player. I really like her as a defender and Subi like her as a forward. She’s played well at both ends. Tall, left-footer and really competitive as well, really good at one-on-ones, looking forward to seeing her year.”

>> WAFLW 15 to Watch in 2025: #15 Sunni-Quay Peters

Layla Quinn-Schofield
Forward | 166cm | 27/07/2007

“Layla’s a really smart forward, a left-footer. Really smart around goals, very good in the contest and has got the ability to get hand to foot really quickly which can create havoc for the opposition.”

>> WAFLW 15 to Watch in 2025: #13 Layla Quinn-Schofield

Olivia Wolmarans
Key Forward/Ruck | 181cm | 02/09/2007

“Wolly’s obviously had a really good year last year and we just continue to work on her craft as that forward, keeping that work rate up which is her strength and keep improving on that contested marking.”

>> WAFLW 15 to Watch in 2025: #1 Olivia Wolmarans

OTHERS:

N/A

KEY PLAYERS

Paige Sheppard
Midfielder | 160cm | 23/04/2001

A massive inclusion for the Lions, Sheppard will bring fantastic ball-winning ability and a hard edge to the contest. Since being delisted by the Swans AFLW program, Sheppard has kept match fit by playing in the NTFL Women’s and will come into Subiaco’s squad cherry ripe for a big year and will be one of the major disposal winners at WAFLW level.

Lisa Steane
Midfielder | 166cm | 21/01/1995

Complementing Sheppard and making the move from the east to the west coast, Steane might be six years older than her partner in crime, but will bring equal amounts of toughness around the ball. She adds natural talent to the Lions squad and in the blink of an eye, the combination of Sheppard and Steane will make Subiaco tough to beat at the stoppages.

Aimee Schmidt
Forward | 173cm | 16/04/1993

While not a new player, Schmidt is one of the most naturally gifted talents around goal. The Lions only saw her for four games upon her return from AFLW level, and she kicked five goals in that time. A damaging forward, Schmidt will benefit from being beside Wolmarans – who will learn plenty off the veteran – and potentially allow her to take a second or third forward and hit the scoreboard consistently.

ROUND 1

vs. West Perth
Saturday March 29, 6:30pm
Joondalup Arena