Peel Thunder survive a Subiaco-sized scare to begin flag defence (Photo: @waflofficial Instagram)

The WAFLW Waffle: Round 1 - A round of firsts and early scares

The WAFLW kicked off on Saturday, with early scares, a game of firsts and emerging contenders. Here's all the action from Round 1.

There was plenty of action in the opening round of the WAFLW, as six of the seven sides went head-to-head in Round 1.

Reigning premiers Peel Thunder overcame a hungry Subiaco side to kickstart their campaign, South Freo demolished league debutants West Perth for its maiden WAFLW victory, and Claremont established themselves as potential contenders.

Here's a recap in case you missed all the WAFLW action in Round 1.

Peel survives early Subiaco scare to kickstart flag defence

Peel Thunder's premiership defence got off to a thrilling start on Saturday, overcoming a raring Subiaco side by one point.

Pre-game, last year's flag was unveiled to the home crowd at Lane Group Stadium. This year, Peel will search for a three-peat, but not without a challenge from other hungry sides.

Subiaco enjoyed a 4-point lead into the main break, which extended to 13 points by three-quarter time. However, Kira Phillips and Ebonee Hardie kicked a goal each taking Peel to a 4.8 (32) to 5.1 (31) win.

In the middle, Chloe Wrigley was dangerous, finishing with 16 disposals and 12-tackles. Grace Fenton (17 disposals, four tackles), Aisha Wright (16 disposals, six inside 50s), and Jaide Britton (15 disposals, two tackles) provided adequate support.

Ebony Dawson was noteworthy in defence, collecting 19 touches and a game-high eight marks.

For Subiaco, skipper Tarnica Golisano (19 disposals), Jayme Harkin (20 disposals, eight tackles) and Lara Filocamo (18 disposals, eight tackles) were all influential.

Additionally, Wembley product Amy Mulholland also impressed with 19 touches and two goals on debut.

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South Freo on the winners list, West Perth debuts

Sunday's match at Fremantle Community Bank Oval was a game of firsts for South Fremantle and West Perth.

South Fremantle recorded its maiden win over league debutants West Perth, scoring 10.14 (74) to 0.0 (0).

2021 Rogers Cup best-and-fairest Noa Anderson had a brilliant debut, kicking three goals and gathering 15 disposals. Ruck and 2022 draft hopeful Lauren Wakfer (19 touches, 16 hit outs, 1 goal) also featured throughout.

Midfield duo Tahlia Holtze (19 disposals, five inside 50s) and Lauren Vecchio (19 disposals, six inside 50s) had plenty to do.

Up forward, Ashleigh Reidy kicked three goals, along with Anderson, while Hunter Cronin kicked two.

It was a disappointing day for West Perth, but there were numerous performances to be pleased with.

Megan Norbury (16 disposals) was the Falcons' best, while Lilliana Grassenis (12 disposals, 9 tackles) and Jeevna Heer (8 tackles) led the games' tackle count.

A dominant Claremont outfit ruffles Swans' feathers

It might be round one, but Claremont established itself as contenders in 2022 after a dominant display against Swan Districts at Revo Fitness Stadium.

Last year's grand finalists were held scoreless for the first half until Fremantle's Bianca Webb broke through for the only goal. But the momentum stayed with Claremont to secure the Dhara Kerr cup 8.12 (60) to 1.2 (8).

Reigning Dhara Kerr medallist, Ella Smith (23 disposals, one goal) shone in the midfield, while Kate Orme (21 disposals, nine marks) was solid on the wing.

Tessa Doumanis and Sasha Goranova (16 disposals) kicked two goals apiece.

For the Swans, Lauren Osbourne (14 disposals) led the charge, while Fremantle duo Bianca Webb (13 disposals, three marks, one goal) and Sarah Wielstra (25 hit outs, four marks) did plenty in their respective roles.

What's next?

East Fremantle - who had a Round 1 bye, will host Swan Districts at New Choice Homes Park on Saturday for its first WAFLW game of the season. Later that day, Peel takes on South Fremantle under the lights at Lane Group Stadium.

On Sunday afternoon, Subiaco goes head to head against Claremont at its home of Leederville Oval.

West Perth has a bye.