Bulldogs get early shot at redemption in Grand Final Re-MatchThursday, April 7, 2022 - 4:54 PM

By the time South Fremantle runs out against Subiaco in Round 1 it will be 196 days since the teams played off in the 2021 Grand Final. 

If it seems rare that the two best WAFL teams of one season play each other at the beginning of a new year, then you’re right. 

Not since 1998 have two Grand Finalists met in the opening round of the following season. 

On that occasion it was reigning Premiers South Fremantle renewing its rivalry with East Fremantle after a Derby decider the previous year. 

When Subiaco unfurls its 2021 Premiership flag in Round 1 against the Bulldogs, it’ll be a painful reminder for South Fremantle coach Todd Curley. 

“At half time in the Grand Final we had really dominated the game, but a couple of silly errors gave up easy scores for them.   

Whether having four or five of our best 18 not there, we probably didn’t have the class to finish the good work we’d done,” Curley said. 

The Bulldogs Premiership coach doesn’t subscribe to the theory of exacting revenge. 

” You’re never going to make up for a Grand Final loss, but it’s a great chance to jump out of the blocks. 

We believe it’s really important to prepare well, start well and bank some early wins.” 

With matches against Subiaco, West Coast, Claremont, and West Perth to start their season, the Bulldogs will know where they stand in the first month. 

“Look it’s a great challenge and it will give us a really good idea of where we’re at,” Curley said. 

South Fremantle faces Subiaco at Leederville Oval in Round 1 on Easter Saturday.