PERTH has secured a hard-fought four-point victory over Subiaco at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on Saturday, holding off a determined Lions challenge to run out 5.8 (38) to 5.4 (34) winners in a contest that had significant implications for the finals race.

The match was a tightly contested affair from the opening bounce, with Perth making the most of their early forward entries to kick 3.3 to Subiaco’s 1.1 in the first term. The Lions responded strongly in the second quarter, adding two goals while holding the Demons to just two behinds, cutting the margin to four points at half-time. The third quarter saw Perth regain some ascendancy to extend their lead to five points at the final change.

The last quarter was a desperate arm-wrestle, with both teams kicking a single major with Isabella Shannon‘s crucial six-pointer giving her side the lead after countering Courtney Lindgren fourth goal earlier in tHE term. Perth’s defence held firm under pressure late with Subiaco attacking to secure a result that lifts them to sixth on the ladder – and leaves Subiaco, who sit seventh, in a precarious position heading into the back half of the season.

Shannon was outstanding for the Demons, collecting 26 disposals, 10 marks, five tackles and a goal to be named best on ground. She was well-supported by Amy Trindade, who racked up 26 disposals and three marks in an industrious performance, while Holly Britton (18 disposals, four tackles, a goal) provided important two-way work and Evangeline Gooch (12 disposals, three inside 50s) was a constant threat going forward. Sienna Timmermans was also solid with 17 disposals and six marks in defence.

For Subiaco, Lisa Steane worked tirelessly to finish with 29 disposals, six marks and seven tackles, while Paige Sheppard was a dominant force around the stoppages, amassing a game-high 38 disposals, five marks and eight tackles. Lindgren was the most dangerous forward on the ground, booting four of Subiaco’s five goals from nine disposals, and Under 16s jet Caitlin Boss was influential with 16 disposals and seven inside 50s.

SUBIACO 1.1 | 3.1 | 4.2 | 5.4 (34)
PERTH 3.3 | 3.5 | 4.7 | 5.8 (38)

GOALS:
Subiaco: C. Lindgren 4, J. Schell
Perth: N. House, H. Britton, I. Shannon, B. Whyte, J. Green

BEST:
Subiaco: L. Steane, C. Lindgren, C. Boss, P. Sheppard, D. Lee
Perth: I. Shannon, A. Trindade, H. Britton, E. Gooch, S. Timmermans

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Swan Districts maintained its impressive form with a 16-point win over East Perth at Steel Blue Oval, 7.4 (46) to 4.6 (30). After a goalless first term for both sides, the Swans broke the game open in the second and third quarters, booting five goals to two. Jaime Henry was again the engine room of the Swans’ midfield with 21 disposals and 11 tackles, while Tamzyn Beros dominated the ruck with 31 hitouts. Taylah Edwards booted two goals and Jemma Sly was busy with 18 disposals and six tackles. For the Royals, Lucy Greenwood (22 disposals, seven tackles) and Meg Brown (18 disposals, 10 tackles) battled hard in defeat.

South Fremantle edged out West Perth by three points in a low-scoring thriller at Fremantle Community Bank Oval, 6.3 (39) to 5.6 (36). The Falcons trailed by 16 points at the last change then booted three goals to incredibly hit the front midway through the fourth term, only for Shannyn Pomersbach to incredibly snatch the victory from the jaws of defeat. Tahleah Mulder was the standout for South Fremantle with 23 disposals, eight tackles and a goal, while Pomersbach booted two crucial majors. For the Falcons, Ellee McEvoy was exceptional with 24 disposals and a goal, Sophie Fisher (16 disposals, four inside 50s, a goal) was lively, and Jessica Roper gathered 19 disposals and nine marks.

Claremont delivered a dominant performance against Peel Thunder at Lane Group Stadium, running out commanding 54-point winners, 13.10 (88) to 5.4 (34). The Tigers were relentless, piling on five goals in the final term to blow the game apart and cement their position in second place on the ladder. Jayme Harken was unstoppable with a massive 40 disposals and six tackles, while Megan Green (27 disposals, six inside 50s and three goals), Jacinta Valentini (16 disposals, three goals) and Bec Anderson (16 disposals, six marks, five tackles and three goals) were lethal up forward. For the Thunder, Chloe Wrigley toiled admirably with 23 disposals and 13 tackles, while Gracie Fenton (26 disposals, five tackles) was the side’s busiest ball-winner in a difficult afternoon.