ONE side will snap a losing streak tomorrow when Subiaco and Peel Thunder take the field in the first of two WAFL Women’s fixtures for Round 14. The Thunder have lost eight straight, while the Lions have suffered two narrow defeats, but are six points outside the top four and desperate for a bounce-back win.
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Subiaco
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Peel Thunder
FORM
Subiaco is coming off a hard-fought loss to Claremont in Broome by 15 points, having lost to Swan Districts by a point the week before. Both were valiant losses which came after a spirited win over East Fremantle. Not completely consistent across the course of the season just yet, the Lions are still a chance for top four, sitting six points off fourth spot and will close the gap to four with a win.
Peel Thunder on the other hand have been cycling through their youth after starting the season 2-1. Since then, the Thunder have dropped eight straight and sit second last, three wins adrift from West Perth who has beaten the Thunder twice. They will be keen to bounce back after a week off, but another tough assignment awaits here.
CHANGES
Subiaco will welcome back a couple of crucial players for the Round 14 clash, with Madizen Wilkins making her long-awaited return from injury, also rejoined in the side by the crafty Tiah Toth. Four others have been named on an extended bench, with Taylisha Brown, Claudia Langley, Dahna Lee and Kelsey Patterson all named. The side will be minus double bottom-ager Olivia Wolmarans, with Agnes Monisse also out of the team.
Peel Thunder will regain the experience of Krystal Carter and Ebony Bilcich, as well as tall, Jordain Thompson. they are among seven inclusions, with the remaining four on an extended bench. They are Emma Grundy, Makinley Minchin, Katrina Shrewbury and Anna Watts. The trio that make way from the side so far are Jessica Ruland, Ashlee Norwood and Kayla Bradshaw.
KEY PLAYERS
Subiaco’s midfield is its engine room and the inclusion of Toth and Wilkins will help provide greater depth to the on-ball brigade. Captain Tarnica Golisano is ever consistent in there, while youngster Olivia Crane and wingers Grace Hahnel and Hayley Corlett are also prime movers. Expect to see forward/midfielder Eva Popovsky get minutes in there as well after some promising form.
The results might not be coming for Peel Thunder, but the youth is driving the team at the moment. Top-age talent Kaitlyn Srhoj along with fellow midfielders and bottom-agers, Holly Britton and Dakota Sexton are becoming crucial best 21 players. Defender Evie Cowcher has been outstanding all season alongside skipper Ebony Dowson, while Greta McKinley and Carter will provide the crucial experience for the youth behind the ball.
PREDICTION
Though both sides are coming off losses, Subiaco has been far closer to a win and has been competitive in every match it has played. The Lions, with some valuable inclusions, should be too experienced and too strong for the young Thunder, especially at home.