Sharks defeat Subiaco in a nail-biter

East Fremantle’s Development League side won it’s elimination final yesterday against a fast-finishing Subiaco to book a mouth-watering first semi Derby Showdown next Sunday.

East Fremantle had the early running with the first four scoring shots. Goals to Green and Coulthard gave the Sharks an early lead. A Lewis Krakouer goal put the Sharks ahead by 19 points at the 16 minute mark and when we kicked a fourth goal, courtesy of Fraser Perry, the boys had got off to the perfect start. The Sharks held Subiaco goal-less and led by 26 points at the first break.

The second quarter, with the Sharks kicking into the breeze, started much the same way as the first, with Jacob Green finding  space to nail his second. By the 7 minute mark of the quarter East Fremantle opened up a very handy 33 point lead, but Subiaco responded and kicked the next three goals to reduce that margin to 16, before goals to Adamini and Green steadied the ship.  However two late goals by the Lions, inside the final five minutes of the quarter, certainly brought the game to life at the major break, with 16 points separating the two sides.

East Fremantle had use of the breeze for the third and got the first goal of the quarter again when Jordan Williamson converted. The Sharks controlled the third quarter, with 17 inside 50’s to 6, however couldn’t apply the pressure on the scoreboard, kicking a wasteful 1.5 and with Subi kicking the final goal of the quarter and coming home with the breeze in the last, the question was whether the 19 point lead was going to be enough.

The Sharks peppered the goals early the last term but could only record 3 points, but Subi had not scored a goal either and by the 15 minute mark of the quarter it looked as though the boys had done enough as the last quarter turned into a defensive struggle. However a 5 minute surge from the 18-23 minute mark by the Lions saw them take the game on and during that time kicked three goals to reduce the game to a 3 point lead for East Fremantle.  With 5 minutes left and plenty of time to score goals Subiaco continued to drive the ball inside 50, but some individual acts of desperation, two in particular by Josh Cuneo, saved the game for the Sharks and they hung on to win by 2 points.

Adamini was outstanding all day to finish with 36 possessions (15 contested), 5 marks, 6 clearances, 5 inside 50’s, 5 score involvements and a goal.  Perry was also solid with 22 possessions, 5 clearances and a goal.  Down back Dylan Winton was resolute, recording a remarkable 10 effective spoils and taking two contested marks when it counted.  Franklin used the ball well, finishing with 21 disposals at 81% efficiency, while Jacob Green always looked threatening up forward, kicking 3.5, but could easily have had six or seven majors.  Many other boys had patches during the game where they were very good.  The desperation and effort was fantastic all day and the boys can go in to next week’s match full of confidence.

East Fremantle  8.14 (62)  def  Subiaco 9.6 (60)

The Sharks will play South Fremantle at Medibank Stadium this Sunday, bouncedown 12:25pm. Sharks fans are welcome to sit in the Gradnstand seating or in the 'shed' and will be able to access the Subiaco or East Perth member's bar. 

More match day info including parking & food outlets is available via Subiaco FC