Subiaco V West Perth - Round 6 Preview

Subiaco returns to WAFL action this Saturday after an extended 16 day break, set to battle arch rivals West Perth in what promises to be an intirugin encounter.

It has been an eventful fortnight for Subiaco, with the passing of Shane Yarran, suspension of Josh Deluca and 10 Subiaco players being selected to the WA State team, since the Lions last win on Thursday Night Football against Claremont.

Now the focus returns squarely to the field as Subiaco looks to maintain its unbeaten run to start 2018 against a West Perth side that has recently found some good form.

In the 16 days since Subiaco last played, West Perth had comprehensive wins over both Perth and Swan Districts, with those wins seeing the Falcons rise to third after sitting in seventh two weeks ago.

Subiaco will make at least two changes with Josh Deluca and Nick Menegola confirmed outs for this weekend’s game.

After being a late withdrawal two weeks ago, leadership group member Hayden Kennedy returns to the side with experienced midfield duo Scott Hancock and Craig Hoskins named for their first games of 2018 after injury interrupted pre-seasons.

Braden Fimmano and Daniel Perkins solid form at reserves level has seen them return to the mix for league selection this week.

With Subiaco set to face another bye following this game for the state game, the Lions will be focused on ensuring they head to another break in top form.

GAME CHANGERS

RESPECTS TO YARRAN

The Subiaco Football Club will pay its respects to former premiership player Shane Yarran before Saturday’s game with both teams, umpires and the Yarran family to be present on field for a minute’s silence following the Reserves game.

VETERAN PRESENCE RETURNS

Subiaco’s efforts to slowly work experienced players into the 2018 season is set to ramp up in coming weeks, with Scott Hancock and Craig Hoskins among an experienced group of players set to return to league action in coming weeks.

LOG-JAMMED LADDER

While Subiaco has enjoyed a strong start to the season, a logjam of teams sit just one win behind the Lions, with four teams just one win behind the ladder leaders. The pressure remains on Subiaco to keep winning and maintain their game buffer at the head of the table.

FORMER FALCONS TO ROAR

A couple of former West Perth players are set to battle their old team for the first time on Saturday with Drew Rohde and Kaidyn Fullgrabe both former Falcons who are making a mark with Subiaco. Rohde has continued to show the versatility that made him a desired prospect for Subiaco, while Fullgrabe has continued to impress in his first four games of WAFL league football.

BIG MEN SET TO BATTLE

Both Subiaco and West Perth boast a host of tall players who can have an impact in the ruck and at either end of the ground. Subiaco tall trio Zac Clarke, Lachlan Delahunty and Brad Stevenson have provided headaches for opposition sides so far, while Jordan Lockyer looks set to have another key one on one battle on Saturday.

RECENT FORM

Subiaco has enjoyed one of its best ever runs against rival West Perth in recent matches. Subiaco has won seven of their last eight battles with the average winning margin in excess of 40 points over that span. The two teams played two tight battles at Joondalup last year, with Subiaco recording a pair of 11 point wins, before Subiaco recorded an 82 point win in the last battle in the Imagine Vincent Match late in the year.