TWO matches take place on Saturday in the WAFL Women’s with a virtual elimination final between South Fremantle and Subiaco, while Claremont hopes to recapture form against the struggling Peel Thunder.
- Team
South Fremantle
Subiaco
FORM
Two sides battling it out to try and keep their finals hopes alive sees fifth placed Subiaco travelling to take on sixth placed South Fremantle. The Lions had a huge win over Peel Thunder last week and thanks to smashings against the Thunder and Royals have built a massive percentage. South Fremantle has been gallant but narrow losses to Claremont and West Perth have hurt the Dogs, as well as the shock loss to East Perth when missing key players.
TEAMS
CHANGES
South Fremantle has made the three changes with Zina Fetahagic, Alira Fotu and Kahra Sprylan replacing Hannah Young, Jasmine Bazeley and Ella Matthews. Subiaco has brought in a trio of key players for the clash with Tiah Toth making her long-awaited return, while Aimee Schmidt and Tess Lyons also come in. Lauren Vaisey, Taya Strickland and Dahna Lee are the three outs.
AFLW DRAFT TALENT
South Fremantle top talent Molly O’Hehir wills her team to get over the line, while Noa McNaughton has enjoyed a strong season. Inclusion Fotu will provide a spark inside 50, while tall Zoe Keley has been named on the wing. For the Lions, forward/ruck Olivia Wolmarans is a key player to watch.
PREDICTION
The form and ins of Subiaco means the Lions have a great chance of victory. South Fremantle must win if it is to have any chance of playing finals, with a loss in the last few weeks of the season essentially fatal to the Dogs’ season, so they will be hungry for the points.
- Team
Peel Thunder
Claremont
FORM
A spurned Claremont outfit that has surprisingly lost three of its past four – and won that fourth one by a point – will look to turn it around against a struggling Peel Thunder outfit. The Thunder have been smashed the past fortnight and are set to take home the wooden spoon this season, while the Tigers are still hoping for a double chance.
TEAMS
CHANGES
Peel Thunder will be without Gracie Fenton for the match, joining Giaan Evans and Cierra O’Donnell as outs for the Thunder, while Holly Coomey, Kandice Hart and Kristen Rudler are the three ins.
The Tigers have rolled out the changes with youngster Juliet Kelly and unlucky omission, joining Brooke Whyte, Amy Evans, Ella Gilbey and Jessica Ritchie as outs. Claremont regains Matilda Husband, while Bec Anderson, Laura Cinnani and Bridie Garlick are among five inclusions.
AFLW DRAFT TALENT
The Thunder have seen some impressive performances from top-ager Holly Britton and bottom-ager Evie Cowcher this season, while Dakota Sexton provides great defensive pressure. With the omission of Kelly, it leaves Anderson and top-age gun Claudia Wright as Claremont’s State Academy members.
PREDICTION
Claremont has been in its worst form of the past few years, but should have no problems coming home with the points. The Thunder are young and tiring towards the end of the season, and the goal will be to try and remain competitive for as long as possible against an experienced outfit.