SOUTHS WOMEN WIN BIG OVER SUBI

Article courtesy Eliza Reilly, The West Australian

South Fremantle have taken a massive step in their WAFLW development after smashing formation side Subiaco by 40 points.

After being granted a WAFLW license ahead of a condensed 2020 season, the Bulldogs couldn’t score a win in their first two years at league level.

South Fremantle made history in round one this season, defeating fellow newcomers West Perth to claim their maiden four points.

But the Bulldogs took another leap in this weekend’s round eight, downing the Lions 8.2 (50) to 1.4 (10) at Fremantle Community Bank Oval for their second victory.

First-year coach Craig McNaughton said the win was a big reward after two challenging seasons but acknowledged the Bulldogs still have a way to go.

“We understand where we are and we’re developing. We all want wins but it’s about how we’re playing and how much development we can see occurring from week to week, ” he said.

“It was important for us to beat an established club. No disrespect to West Perth, but it was important for the group to get validation that we can beat sides who have had success in the competition.

“There hasn’t been a game this year thinking ‘I hope we go okay or I hope we’re competitive’. We know if we play the sort of footy we’re aspiring to, we can challenge teams.”

The Bulldogs were also able to celebrate the contribution of their captain Lauren Vecchio, with the fiercely loyal skipper playing her 100th game against Subiaco.

South Fremantle captain Lauren Vecchio played her 100th game.

“It’s one thing to be a leader through your deeds. What you do, how hard you train and prepare. But her personal connection with the players is as good as any leader I’ve seen in a footy club,” McNaughton said.

“The incentive was there to make sure we honoured her service to South Fremantle but we also didn’t want to fall two games behind the team above us on the ladder.

“Our training form over the past two weeks has been as good as I’ve seen it so it was good to see that translate on-field.”