A LOW-SCORING thriller between South Fremantle and Perth headlined an intense Round 13 of the WAFLW, with the Bulldogs snatching a narrow two-point victory despite a late charge from the Demons.

Across the competition, defences reigned supreme, with Subiaco pulling off a remarkable come-from-behind victory against Swan Districts, Claremont edging out East Fremantle in a tight contest, and West Perth proving too strong for Peel Thunder.

The match of the round took place between Perth and South Fremantle, where goals were at a premium in a scrappy but gripping affair. South Fremantle managed to secure the 3.6 (24) to 3.4 (22) win, relying on their slight edge in scoring shots and inside 50s (44-34) to hold off a determined Perth outfit.

The Bulldogs controlled much of the play early, leading by 14 points at the first change, before Perth cut the deficit to seven at half-time. However, it was a genuine arm-wrestle, with Perth refusing to let South Fremantle break the game open. Perth found an avenue to goal in the final term to give themselves a chance, kicking two goals to South Fremantle’s one, but the Bulldogs did enough to hold on when the final siren sounded.

Tahleah Mulder was the undisputed star for South Fremantle, putting together a massive performance with 34 disposals, 10 tackles, and five inside 50s. She was well supported by Ashleigh Gomes (22 disposals, four marks, six inside 50s) and Madison Evans (20 disposals, five marks, five tackles).

Meanwhile the run of Tara Stribley and Makaela Tuhakaraina proved important once again. Up forward, Madison Hadley, Lauren Vecchio, and Annalie Polimeno each kicked a crucial major.

For Perth, Evangeline Gooch was immense across the ground, collecting 25 disposals, four marks, and four tackles to be named among the best. Holly Britton (28 disposals, three marks, seven tackles, five inside 50s) and Amy Trindade (26 disposals, three tackles) worked tirelessly to keep the Demons in the hunt. Fresh off her 30-disposal, six-goal game last week, Isabella Shannon was also prolific, racking up 25 disposals, six marks, and seven tackles.

PERTH 0.0 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 3.4 (22)
SOUTH FREMANTLE 2.2 | 2.3 | 2.5 | 3.6 (24)

GOALS:
Perth: N. House, I. Baldwin, B. Whyte
South Fremantle: M. Hadley, L. Vecchio, A. Polimeno

RMC BEST:
Perth: E. Gooch, H. Britton, I. Baldwin, I. Shannon, A. Trindade
South Fremantle: T. Mulder, A. Gomes, M. Tuhakaraina, M. Evans, T. Stribley

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Subiaco produced the upset of the round to defeat Swan Districts by five points, 5.1 (31) to 3.8 (26). The Swans dominated the early proceedings and inside 50 count (35-20), leading at the first two breaks until scores were level heading into the final term. However, their inaccuracy in front of goal proved costly, managing just three majors from 11 scoring shots. Subiaco, conversely, were lethal when given the opportunity, booting five goals from just six chances.

Lisa Steane (29 disposals, five marks, nine tackles) and Paige Sheppard (28 disposals, 10 tackles) were a formidable duo for the Lions, while Krstel Petrevski booted two vital goals from her 26 disposals. Youngster Caitlin Boss also chipped in with a goal from eight disposals. For the Swans, Jaime Henry continued her phenomenal form with 28 disposals, 14 tackles, and five inside 50s, while Keira Fawcett and Luka Davis also kicked goals in defeat.

Claremont maintained their strong form with a hard-fought three-point victory over East Fremantle, 4.8 (32) to 4.5 (29). The Tigers held a narrow lead for most of the contest, capitalising on their 39 inside 50s to the Sharks’ 29. Jayme Harken was again the standout for Claremont, amassing 32 disposals, four marks, and eight tackles, while Jacinta Valentini (21 disposals, five marks) and Ruby Sargent-Wilson (20 disposals, 10 tackles) were also influential.

Bec Anderson was the only multiple goalkicker for the Tigers with two, while Amy Evans and Megan Green also troubled the scoreboard. For East Fremantle, Jae Flynn battled hard with 26 disposals and 13 tackles, and Zoe Keley dominated the ruck with 32 hitouts alongside 18 disposals and 13 tackles. Lara Fuller booted two goals for the Sharks, with Sarah Wielstra and Eve Wilson-Sieber also finding the net.

West Perth rounded out the weekend with a comfortable 14-point win over Peel Thunder, 4.9 (33) to 2.7 (19). The Falcons controlled the play with 304 disposals to 251, keeping the Thunder goalless for three quarters. Jessica Roper (28 disposals, four tackles) and Megan Norbury (22 disposals, five marks) led the way for West Perth, while Zoe Huggett booted two goals and Brooke Hongell and Sabreena McKinnon also hit the scoreboard once again.

For Peel, Chloe Wrigley was a standout in a losing side, collecting a game-high 34 disposals, eight marks, and five tackles, with Kate Bartlett kicking both of the Thunder’s goals. Ebony Bilcich and Cassie Davidson tried hard as always.