Dominant Bulldogs reserves advance straight to grand final

SOUTH Fremantle's reserves have been the dominant team right throughout the 2015 WAFL season and are now one win away from a second premiership in three years following a 47-point second semi-final win over Subiaco on Sunday.

South Fremantle's reserves finished the home and away season four games clear on top of the ladder as minor premiers to earn the bye in the first week of the finals as Subiaco beat Swan Districts in the qualifying final to set up Sunday's second semi-final at Medibank Stadium.

And it was the Bulldogs who dominated from the outset kicking the only six goals of the first quarter and then they were never really challenged the rest of the afternoon cruising to the 14.17 (101) to 7.12 (54) victory.

The 47-point win sees South Fremantle now move straight into the grand final that will be held at Domain Stadium on Sunday September 27 and will be against the winner of this Sunday's preliminary final at Joondalup's HBF Arena between Subiaco and Swan Districts.

The biggest concern ahead of the game for coach Tony Walters was how to fit 30-plus available players into his final 23, and those unlucky to miss out on selection included Bailey Matera, Brad McPhail, Kaiden Matera, Matthew Gundry, Noah Strom, Steve Mills, Jakeb Tartaglia and Dom Warrell.

However, that group has played a big part in the reserves getting to where they are now and remain in contention for selection as well over the next fortnight.

John Sgherza was a dominant presence in the forward-line for South Fremantle and all 12 of his kicks for the game turned out to be scores. Six of them ended up as goals, the other six were behind as Subiaco had no answers for him.

Ben Sokol was also terrific in the forward-line with three goals from 15 disposals and 10 marks while captain Paul Mugambwa added two majors from 13 touches in his second last game with the Bulldogs following his outstanding career.

South Fremantle's midfield dominated as well with Anthony Collica leading the way finishing with 36 possessions and 13 marks while Shaun Bewick added 28 disposals and 10 marks, and Brendan Verrier 21 touches.

The Bulldogs' defence also held up well led by Dylan Ross who had 16 possessions and seven marks, and he had good support from Nick Borovac, Jason Maskos, Chris Luff and Mitch Banks.

The only concern was a hand injury suffered by ruckman Josh Branchi which limited him to just seven touches and 12 hit outs, but Zac Strom stood up in his absence to end up with 13 possessions, five marks and 25 hit outs for the Bulldogs.

SOUTH FREMANTLE        6.5    9.5    13.12    14.17    (101)
SUBIACO            0.2    3.7    5.8    7.12    (54)

SOUTH FREMANTLE – Goals: Sgherza 6; Sokol 3; Mugambwa 2; Bewick, M Carter, A Carter.
Best: Sgherza, Collica, Bewick, Sokol, Verrier, Ross, Z Strom.
SUBIACO – Goals: Waters, Garcia, Bestry, Ashman, Woodley, Walters, Daniels.
Best: Moore, Bogensperger, Latham, Fimmano, Ashman.