Optus WAFLW Grand Final Preview Friday, September 18, 2020 - 11:10 AM

THE pathway to the 2020 Optus WAFL Women's Grand Final couldn’t have been more different for Subiaco and Peel Thunder, but in a year that has thrown up so many challenges, both teams wouldn’t have it any other way. 

The 2020 WAFLW Grand Final takes place this Saturday afternoon at Joondalup's Provident Financial Oval. 

A big day is planned for all those who can attend including the Youth Girls and Reserves Grand Finals to begin proceedings, but if you can't be there the Grand Final between the Lions and Thunder will be broadcast live on Channel 7 from 2.30pm.

ABBY CONTINUING BARNDEN FAMILY LEGACY AT THUNDER

REDEMPTION SO CLOSE NOW FOR THE LIONS

OPTUS WAFLW PRELIMINARY FINAL WRAP

Subiaco reach the finale 12 months after an agonising defeat at the hands of Swan Districts in the 2019 preliminary final.

For the past two seasons, the Lions, alongside the Sharks, have been the dominant force in women’s football. 

In 2019, Subiaco finished two games clear at the top of the ladder with gun forward Tarnee Tester kicking 26 goals and Hayley Miller and Danika Pisconeri dual winners of the Dhara Kerr Medal.

Aside from winning the premiership the maroon and gold couldn’t have done much more. 

Fast forward a year and the season has played out largely similar. Subiaco claimed the minor premiership losing just the one fixture and head into the final as favourites after a tight victory over Peel in the second semi-final. 

Peel’s rise to the top has been equally as remarkable. Put simply, the Thunder have gone from last to first, in one season. 

The 2019 season couldn’t have gone worse for the team from Mandurah, winning just one game and finishing 20 points behind fifth-placed Claremont. 

That same side with some added firepower now finds itself in a WAFLW Grand Final.

Make no mistake, this has been a phenomenal team effort.

The depth of Peel’s squad has been the catalyst behind the stunning rise, seeing youngsters step up against some of the AFLW’s best players. 

Midfielder Ella Roberts is the epitome of Peel. Just 15 and with nothing to lose, the young star stepped up in the final quarter of the preliminary final to kick two match-winning goals. 

The youngest player on the ground by some margin and she was the difference. 

Fellow up-and-comer Sarah Verrier has impressed, while a returning Kira Phillips has been the dominant forward of the competition. 

Kate Bartlett’s composure and leadership has given Peel an extra edge, while Cassie Davidson has held up the back-line. 

The Subiaco side is full of stars. Fremantle star Hayley Miller will lead the side and wants nothing more than a Premiership. 

Ange Stannett is a standout player in the AFLW giving her the perfect platform to show her ability in the WAFLW, while GWS’ Aimee Schmidt has provided a target up forward. 

Seasoned WAFLW campaigners Tiah Haynes, Danika Pisconeri and Lindal Rohde round out an impressive line-up. 

The two sides do share one thing in common, new coaches. 

Steve Markham took over as Peel Thunder’s head coach after a successful stint in the Rogers Cup, while former Fremantle player Amy Lavell began the season at the helm of the Lions. 

Despite the different journeys, Provident Financial Oval will host the two best teams of the 2020 season. 

We are set for an epic clash.

The day at Joondalup will get underway with the Youth Girls Rogers Cup Grand Final from 9.45am between South Fremantle and Peel Thunder. The game will be live streamed through the WAFL Facebook and YouTube pages.

Then from midday, the Reserves Grand Final will be fought out between East Fremantle and Claremont.

OPTUS WAFLW PREMIERSHIP SEASON – GRAND FINAL

SUBIACO v PEEL THUNDER – PROVIDENT FINANCIAL OVAL, SATURDAY 2.40pm
Live scores, stats  
Broadcast – Channel 7