SOUTH Fremantle is back on the winner’s list after defeating Subiaco at Leederville Oval yesterday in what was a much-needed victory for the bulldogs. Since thrashing the Sharks in Round 1, South Fremantle only took two points home against Perth and dropped the remaining 12 across the other three games to sit sixth on the ladder.

While the Bulldogs remained in that spot after their Round 6 win against the Lions, they edged within two points of third spot in what is a tightly run race. For the Lions, the opportunity to hold onto outright third was dashed, with the loss seeing last year’s big improvers slump to fourth with West Perth’s percentage-boosting victory over Peel Thunder the day before.

The clash between the Lions and Bulldogs was a real arm-wrestle with the home side having plenty of chances going forward, but being unable to capitalise on them. They dominated possession, did well out of the middle, but the Bulldogs defenders were able to clear time and time again. Both sides peppered the goals across the first half with just two majors kicked and the visitors up by three points at the first two breaks.

While Paige Sheppard, Krstel Petrevski and Lisa Steane were racking up teh ball as per usual for Subiaco, former Sharks Ashleigh Gomes and Natasha Entwistle were outstanding in transition, and Makaela Tuhakaraina provided run out of defence in a different role to her usual goalsneak position. Madison Evans was also a rock in the back 50, intercepting constantly in the air and driving the ball out to safety.

The Bulldogs started to get on top in the second half and looked the better of the sides until Subiaco kicked the first goal of the last through Sheppard. That cut the deficit to just three points and the Lions had the wind which brought many to conclude that the top four side would run over the top of thE bulldogs. However the tall combination of Charlotte Vandenberg and Shannyn Pomersbach had other ideas. The former gave her side breathing room, while the latter kicked the sealer running into the goalsquare.

While it was a massive win for the Bulldogs, the Lions will be counting the toll of a gruelling contest, with Steane and Bridget Corcoran having to come off midway through the last term with the game in the balance. While Corcoran reappeared, Steane did not, and the Lions were down rotations late. All eyes will be on how both teams pull up with Subiaco having a huge top four battle with West Perth next Saturday, while the Bulldogs should be able to string a couple of wins together when they tackle Peel Thunder at Fremantle Oval.

Gomes (26 disposals, five marks and five inside 50s) and Entwistle (23 disposals, four marks, six tackles and three inside 50s) were the clear standouts for the red and white, though Tuhakaraina (19 disposals, four tackles and three inside 50s), Evans (18 disposals, five marks) and Tara Stribley (18 disposals, two marks and four tackles) were also rock solid. Up forward, Pomersbach finished with three goals from 13 disposals.

For Subiaco, Sheppard (30 disposals, seven marks and six tackles) and Petreveski (28 disposals, two marks and six tackles) lead the way, while Steane finished with 25 touches, five marks, three tackles and three inside 50s despite missing the second half of the last quarter. Corcoran and forward Courtney Lindgren impressed, as did Jorja Schell and Under 16s talent, Caitlin Boss.

SUBIACO 0.1 | 1.2 | 2.2 | 3.3 (21)
SOUTH FREMANTLE 0.4 | 1.5 | 3.6 | 5.7 (37)

GOALS:
Subiaco: P. Sheppard, J. Schell, C. Smith
South Fremantle: S. Pomersbach 3, T. Stribley, C. Vandenberg

RMC BEST:
Subiaco: P. Sheppard, K. Petreveski, L. Steane, J. Schell, C. Lindgren
South Fremantle: A. Gomes, N. Entwistle, M. Tuhakaraina, M. Evans, S. Pomersbach

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Round 6 action all kicked off on Friday night with East Fremantle proving too good for Perth in a minor upset at Shark Park. The home team kicked away in the freezing cold with two goals to nil in the second half with the Demons blowing some genuine chances on goal. Noa McNaughton and Amber Kinnane were huge through the middle, while Mackenzie Webb and Jae Flynn stood out from defence. For the Demons, Isla Baldwin starred, as co-captains Isabella Shannon and Holly Britton were strong yet again.

West Perth snatched up third spot with a strong three-quarter performance against Peel Thunder down in Mandurah. With the exception of the third term – where Peel booted two goals to one – West Perth had its way with the inexperienced Thunder, booting 12 goals to two across the other three quarter to win, 13.12 (90) to 4.1 (25). Inclusions Lexi Strachan and Cara Dziegielewski were massive for the Falcons, while Sara Riou was a headache up forward and Sabreena McKinnon (four goals) caused her former side all sorts of problems. Debutant Layla Scott impressed for Peel Thunder, while Kate Bartlett kicked two goals in defeat.

In the second game of the Leederville double-header yesterday, Swan Districts did as many expected and took care of East Perth in a battle between two sides at the opposite ends of the ladder. The undefeated Swans won 10.9 (69) to 3.2 (20) over the eighth placed Royals, who slumped to their fourth consecutive loss. In a shock to no one, Jaime Henry racked up the ball again and hit the scoreboard, while Ashley Sharp kicked four, and Lauren Quaife gave her midfielders first use. Lucy Greenwood caught the eye for the losing team, while Natasha Spurr tried hard all day.