Wheelchair Team vs Perth

It’s not often the Father/Son AFL combo has them both competing at the same time, but last Sunday’s game at ARC Cockburn had them on opposing teams as well. Subiaco Lions captain Ryan Zilioli had a clash of the titans type match against his son, Zach, who plays for the Perth Demons wheelchair AFL team.

Ryan is fresh back from representing Western Australia at the Toyota Wheelchair AFL Nationals in Victoria where our state team took the bronze medal in Division A. His son Zach is able-bodied and a rising star playing the regular footy season for the Demons which explains his loyalty on the court for the wheelchair team too. Keep an eye out in coming weeks for a player profile on both.

Sunday’s game had Subiaco quick off the mark with a series of close behinds by Shane Bell and Mark Adams in the first quarter tied off with a couple of goals leaving Perth Demons scoreless at the end of the first quarter. Subiaco 19, Perth Nil. The second quarter had both teams sufficiently warmed up kicking goal for goal bringing a half time score of Subiaco 32, Perth 13.

The Demons must have had some red cordial during the break as they soon found another gear. Zach scored five goals for the Demons in a short space of time while Subiaco’s Jennifer Rennie moved into the forward position and took some epic grabs and scored two goals for the Lions. By the end of the third we were neck and neck at 46 points each.

Perth started the final quarter with consistent play inching ahead. Subiaco came back strong during the last five minutes but unfortunately fell short in the end by a single goal. At the siren it was Subiaco 60, Perth 66. Well done to all players. 

Next matches are Sunday 16h November at Cockburn ARC Indoors. Subiaco has a double header playing East Fremantle at 12pm on Court 6 followed by a 2pm game versus East Perth on the same court.