Fierce Lions too strong for Sharks

The East Fremantle Sharks were handed a heavy defeat by the Subiaco Lions on Sunday afternoon at ATOM Stadium, falling by 78 points in difficult conditions.

While East Fremantle were out to replicate their 80 point victory from Round 8, the Lions had other plans.

The reigning premiers were determined for redemption, playing four strong quarters of football and leaving the Sharks scoreless in the third.

From the first bounce it was the second placed Subiaco with the clear ascendency, winning both the contested football and the stoppages.

Matthew Jupp, Sam Read and Jayden Schofield played important roles in the under-siege backline. After kicking two goals, Brock O’Brien made his was down back and held up against some of the strongest forwards in the competition.

Peel’s loss to South Fremantle means the Sharks only dropped one position on the ladder, now sitting in fourth place.

A disappointing loss for the Sharks was made somewhat brighter with the standout debut of Lewis Krakouer.

Standing at just 161cm, Lewis made an impressive start to his league career kicking three of East Fremantle’s five goals.

“It was a bit of a consolation prize to be able to get the goals and help try and show a bit of fight even though it was late in the game,”

“Watto [Matt Watson] was good enough to give me one so I owe it to him,” Lewis said.

The wet conditions proved to be an obstacle for the small forward.

“Next time I’ll have to bring an umbrella, I was walking around and I thought I was going to drown that’s how small I am,” Lewis said.

In his first season of consecutive games, Lewis had a number of people to thank for their support.

“I owe it to my family, my kids and my girlfriend who have been supportive and to Rob Wiley and the East Fremantle Football Club for giving me an opportunity after some personal challenges.”

Sunday’s two earlier games were better results for the Sharks.

Responding well after half time, the Colts recorded a 25-point win that places them half a game outside of the top 5.

The Development League displayed true character against Subiaco, coming from behind to win the nail-biting game by only one point.

Despite a heavy defeat, the League team will be determined to learn from playing one of the best teams in the competition, and are expected to respond during the short 6-day turn around to face the Perth Demons.

The team will travel to Lathlain Park for the first time this season, with bouncedown at 1:40pm and broadcast live on Channel 7.