Walyalup have shown they can match it with the best teams in the competition after fighting back from a 20-point deficit in a game that went down to the wire against Carlton at Cockburn ARC Oval. 

The home side hit the lead at the main break but couldn’t hold on, going down by six points in a “Wharfie Time” thriller against the Blues, with ruck Mim Strom ruing the one that got away. 

“It was disappointing not to come away with the win, I think we showed some real maturity after the first quarter,” Strom said. 

“Obviously, they'd piled on a couple of goals, but to come back in the second and then keep them goalless in that second term too was great. 

"Overall, the fightback was really positive.” 

Strom was full of praise for debutants Noa McNaughton and Holly Egan in their first game for the Club. 

“They showed up really well. Coming in, the big message was that they didn't need to play out of their skin, just to be themselves,” Strom said. 

“Holly did a few side steps and took on the game, which she's known for at training. And Noa just presented really well, really quick feet crumbing at the bottom of our talls.  

"It won't be long until she gets a goal on the board.” 

Walyalup played their Round 3 clash in front of a sell-out home crowd at Cockburn ARC Oval.  

“That was awesome! I nearly didn't get tickets for all the family. Luckily, they got in just in time,” Strom said. 

“Obviously, there's a bit of hype with the boys in finals now. We're going to support them on Thursday, it's really exciting to be around the Club at the moment and to have a sellout crowd, it was awesome.” 

Cockburn ARC Oval experienced “Wharfie Time” late in the final quarter, which had both the crowd and players elevate. 

“It was good. I felt it. I was like, we're on here, and I thought we were on for a little seven-point play at the end there, but ultimately they just flooded too many back, and we just couldn't get them up.” Strom said. 

“Unfortunately, we couldn't get it done for the fans, but I think they would have had a really great day. 

Walyalup now switch focus to their Round 4 clash with Richmond at Ikon Park on Sunday 6 September. 

“It'll be good to get away again. We really enjoyed our last road trip and got the win. So hopefully we can do that," Strom said

Ikon Park is a beautiful deck and the Tigers are looking really good. We’ll be coming up against a few old friends, so it'll be really exciting to get away with the girls.”