The Lions Immortalised at Subiaco Oval

The Subiaco Football Club’s Subiaco Oval facility is long gone, but a small reminder was erected not far from the site it once stood as a lasting reminder of the Club’s proud history at the former home of footy.

Subiaco Oval now operates as an open community space as well as a playground for Bob Hawke Senior School students during school hours.

The heritage listed entry gates on Hayden Bunton Drive still remain, and the Sandover Ring around the oval with the names of winners is a unique feature whilst in the Northwest corner of the venue, there are a number of story boards telling the history of the venue, including some iconic WAFL & AFL matches played there, the State’s champion players and events such as U2 and ACDC rock concerts.

Last week, in the old forward pocket, a story board of the Club was also erected.  This milestone had been a project that involved a number of passionate Lion’s fans who lobbied the City of Subiaco about the need to have a lasting reminder of the Club’s long history installed.

As well as the small committee, members of the family of the late Basil Fuller including his wife Jenny and son Craig were there to remember Basil – who is pictured on the plaque – and the impact he had on the Club, and vice versa.

“Basil’s contribution to the Club was so immense over such a long period, the committee felt it was important to have him acknowledged on the plaque and within the Club’s history” said recently retired CEO Peter Capes.

“Knowing how much dad loved the club and Subiaco Oval, I think he would be elated to have a presence at the venue” said Basil’s son Craig Fuller.

Long time Lion’s fan and City of Subiaco resident David Murray said “he was proud that there was now some acknowledgement of the Club at the site” and was already looking for the next opportunity to get more presence for the Lions there. Whilst former Subi champion and WA Football Commissioner Phil Lamb thought a life-size poster of himself may be appropriate for the next sign – albeit, these comments may have been tongue in cheek.

Subiaco Oval is unfenced and can be visited at any time.  Night markets run through summer across the road on Saturday evenings.  The Club is currently exploring opportunities to reconnect with the City of Subiaco following our departure in 2017.