All eyes on Leederville

by LES EVERETT

FOR those concerned with the overall health of the WAFL the game to be played at Leederville Oval on Saturday afternoon is as important as they come.

Young Bulldog forward Tommy Corbett-Wynne in action last week at Fremantle Oval. Photo by Les Everett

In a season where the battle for the wooden spoon seems to be more spirited than the one for the premiership, one team appears capable of filling the season with interest. While Subiaco dominates the competition in unprecedented fashion, South Fremantle has been quietly belting the opposition too.

In fact the Bulldogs did the impossible early this year and defeated the Lions.

While Subiaco is acclaimed for its skill, organisation and discipline the same old questions linger over the Bulldogs.

Are they truly a team?

Will they crumble under pressure?

Are they a real contender?

The keys to South's recent run of good form have been various. Good ruck work from Adam Hay. In-form midfielders including Toby McGrath who is running as hot as anyone in the competition. Attacking marking options in Evan Hewitt and Ryan Webb and run from defence, particularly from Shane Tipuamantamerri and Daniel Gilmore.

It's a similar story at Subiaco where talk of the talented midfield simply turns into a listing exercise even without last year's Simpson Medal winner Paul Vines.

The team also includes the competition's leading goal scorer Lachlan Oakley, who could kick his 50th of the season on Saturday, and the WAFL's best ruckman Luke Newick.

Those with an eye on the good of the game would realise there's one outcome of this match that the competition couldn't really tolerate.

A crushing victory by Subiaco could mean we might as well call it all off and hand over the flag. We need a close encounter and even a big Bulldog win would be "good for football" because it wouldn't have the same damning ramifications.

It's hard to recall a home and away game in recent times that promised so much, Subiaco vs South Fremantle, Leederville Oval, 2.15pm Saturday June 25.

From the Fremantle Rooster & Voice News.

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