South Fremantle’s high pressure created turnovers from Subiaco. Photo credit: James Cresswell

The South Fremantle Bulldogs have surprised the WAFLW world by defeating 2025 preliminary finalists Subiaco in Leederville on Sunday.

Both teams struggled to find their feet in the first quarter, with the Lions keeping the Burley in their forward half and multiple shots at goal resulting in just one point.

South Fremantle’s defensive pressure was on show throughout, but the Lion’s forward dominance was soon taken away.

High pressure in the first quarter resulted in mixed goal accuracy and neither team kicked a major, leaving the scoreboard with 1 point to Subiaco compared to 4 points to South Fremantle by the end of the first quarter.

Both teams scored their first goals in the second quarter and the Bulldogs appeared to work harder on their structure at quarter time, providing better entries in their forward half.

Lions ruck Tess Lyon’s dominance was on show throughout, ending the day with 24 hit-outs and 10 disposals.

Despite the Bulldog’s ability to keep the ball in their forward half, the scores sat at 11-8 to South Fremantle by half time.

The halftime tradition of kick-to-kick on the field took place, with families enjoying the warming West Australian sun, while a group of toddlers danced along to the Wiggles.

Subiaco member Louise said she comes to most games to take in the vibe.

“It’s great bringing my kids down, having a cheap day out, being a part of a club and seeing some footy,” she said.

Subiaco started the third quarter strong, scoring the opening goal of the second half.

The Lions then struggled to contain South Fremantle’s intense pressure and the Bulldogs extended their halftime lead from 4 to 12 points.

Bulldogs’ player Shannyn Pomersbach made her mark with 3 goals in a tight low scoring game.

After the game Subiaco strength and conditioning coach Beatrice Devlyn said she was happy with the effort and pressure her team put on the opposition but that they “need to work on efficiency”.

“We won the contest well, but once we got the ball, the skills weren’t there to create good chances,” Devlyn said.

By the time the siren went South Fremantle had taken out Subiaco with a score of 37 to 21.