A CRITICAL finals-shaping clash headlines Round 17 of the WAFLW season, with South Fremantle hosting Subiaco at Fremantle Community Bank Oval on Saturday afternoon. With just two rounds remaining, the finals equation is crystal clear for the Bulldogs: a win over the Lions, coupled with an East Fremantle victory over Boorloo, will lock in the top four.

South Fremantle currently sits fourth on 34 points, while Subiaco is desperately fighting to keep its season alive in sixth on 28 points. For the Lions, a loss would spell the end of their finals aspirations, making this a genuine elimination final come early.

SEASON AT A GLANCE

South Fremantle enters Round 17 full of confidence after a dominant 48-point demolition of East Perth in Round 16. The Bulldogs controlled the contest from start to finish, running out 9.8 (62) to 2.2 (14) winners on the back of a massive 17 scoring shots to four. The victory was their eighth of the season and solidified their grip on fourth spot. They have found a rich vein of form at the right time of the year, winning three of their past four matches. The Bulldogs will be looking to carry that momentum into this crucial encounter and seal their finals berth.

Subiaco’s season remains alive following a miraculous one-point victory over second-placed Claremont, 5.2 (32) to 4.7 (31), last weekend. The Lions trailed by 21 points in the third quarter before storming home with a phenomenal final-term defensive effort to snatch the win. The thrilling comeback highlighted their resilience and ability to match it with the competition’s best. When these sides last met in Round 6, South Fremantle secured a hard-fought 16-point win, 5.7 (37) to 3.3 (21), at Sullivan Logistics Stadium. Subiaco will be desperate to flip that result and keep the pressure on the top four.

CHANGES

South Fremantle’s lineup remains relatively settled following their comprehensive win over East Perth. The Bulldogs boast a formidable midfield unit led by Ashleigh Gomes and Tahleah Mulder, while Shannyn Pomersbach provides a dangerous target up forward. Their structure across the ground has been key to their recent success, and they will back their settled 21 to get the job done at home.

Subiaco will lean heavily on the experience of Paige Sheppard and Krstel Petrevski, who were both instrumental in the stunning comeback against Claremont. The Lions have named an extended interchange bench, providing them with plenty of options to inject fresh legs into the contest. The return of State Academy talent, including co-captain Macy Fair, adds vital depth and class to their defensive half.

ONES TO WATCH

Ashleigh Gomes (South Fremantle)

The experienced midfielder was influential in the Bulldogs’ big win over East Perth, finishing with 15 disposals, eight inside 50s and eight tackles. Gomes is a clearance machine who consistently drives the ball forward and sets up her teammates. Her ability to win the contested ball and apply immense defensive pressure makes her a vital cog in the South Fremantle engine room.

Paige Sheppard (Subiaco)

Sheppard produced a dominant performance in the thrilling win over Claremont, racking up a game-high 32 disposals, three marks and 11 tackles. The former Sydney Swan is a relentless ball-winner who thrives in the clinches. Her work rate and ability to accumulate possessions will be crucial if Subiaco is to match South Fremantle’s midfield depth.

Tahleah Mulder (South Fremantle)

Mulder is a dynamic midfielder-forward who can turn a game on its head. She gathered 17 disposals, five tackles and five inside 50s last week, showcasing her ability to impact the game both around the contest and in the forward half. Her burst of speed and penetrating kick make her a constant threat that Subiaco must monitor closely.

Krstel Petrevski (Subiaco)

The reigning Dhara Kerr Medalist was brilliant against Claremont, finishing with 26 disposals and eight inside 50s. Petrevski is a class act who uses the ball exceptionally well and constantly looks to create scoring opportunities. Her leadership and poise under pressure will be vital in what shapes as a high-stakes encounter.

Kiana Lee(South Fremantle)

The mid-season recruit from the SANFLW has wasted no time making her mark in WAFLW colours. Lee announced herself with six goals on debut against Peel Thunder before backing it up with two more majors last week against East Perth. Her marking ability and forward craft have translated seamlessly from her time at Norwood, and with 11 goals from just two appearances, she has quickly become one of South Fremantle’s most dangerous weapons. Subiaco’s backline will need a plan to contain her.

Macy Fair (Subiaco)

The State Academy co-captain returned to WAFLW action last week after a long stint on the sidelines with an ACL injury. Fair showed glimpses of her class in defence, taking a strong mark and distributing the ball effectively. As she continues to build match fitness, her composure and precise ball use will be a significant asset for the Lions.

TACTICAL BATTLE

The midfield battle looms as the decisive factor in this contest. Subiaco boasts a prolific on-ball division led by Sheppard, Petrevski and Lisa Steane, who combined for 82 disposals and 28 tackles last week. South Fremantle must find a way to curb their influence at the stoppages. Conversely, the Bulldogs have a potent forward line featuring Pomersbach and Lee, who can quickly capitalise on inside 50 dominance. Subiaco’s defence, marshalled by Fair and Beatrice Crane, will need to be at its absolute best to contain South Fremantle’s scoring threats.

PREDICTION

This shapes as a cracking contest with massive finals implications. Subiaco’s miraculous win over Claremont proved they have the resilience and top-end talent to challenge anyone, but South Fremantle has been building nicely and has the added motivation of locking away a finals berth. The Bulldogs’ depth across all lines, combined with their strong recent form and home-ground advantage, should see them edge out a desperate Subiaco outfit in a tight finish. South Fremantle by 8 points.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Boorloo vs. East Fremantle

Boorloo hosts East Fremantle at Mineral Resources Park in a game with huge ramifications for the top four. Boorloo sits fifth on 30 points and must win to keep their finals hopes alive, while East Fremantle (third, 36 points) will secure its finals spot with a victory. Boorloo was impressive in a 32-point win over West Perth last week, but East Fremantle’s defensive structure, which kept Peel Thunder goalless in the second half of Round 16, will be tough to crack. East Fremantle’s class should see them secure the points.

Swan Districts vs. Peel Thunder

Ladder-leaders Swan Districts welcome the winless Peel Thunder to Steel Blue Oval. The Swans are flying high on 48 points and are locked in a tight battle with Claremont for the minor premiership. Peel Thunder showed some fight against East Fremantle last week, with Chloe Wrigley gathering 31 disposals, but the challenge of facing the top side away from home is immense. Swan Districts will be looking for a percentage-boosting win and should salute comfortably.

East Perth vs. West Perth

East Perth hosts West Perth at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Royals (2-12) have struggled for consistency this season, while West Perth (6-8) has suffered four consecutive defeats to slide out of finals contention. Both sides will be eager to finish the season strongly and build momentum for 2027. West Perth’s returning state talent, including Lexi Strachan and Cara Dziegielewski, should give them the edge over the Royals. West Perth to win.