Subiaco win emotional encounter over West Perth

Subiaco made it five straight wins to start 2018 as they overcame an emotional occasion, a slow start and a plucky West Perth to record a hard fought 22 point win.

Subiaco trailed by 10 points at quarter time and took until just before half time to hit the lead, but maintained a slight advantage throughout the second half eventually pulling away to win.

The win was spurred by an outstanding defensive display, particularly in the second half as the Lions restricted West Perth to just six scoring shots after the long break.

Defensive stalwart Jordan Lockyer was outstanding while Hayden Kennedy continued his excellent start to 2018 with both his defensive stopping efforts and rebound proving crucial in the win.

Kyle Halligan overcame a pre-match injury concern to prove a difference maker up forward with four goals while Ben Newton, Brad Stevenson and Rowen Powell all chipped in with two goals.

Newton and Leigh Kitchin were each instrumental through the midfield with their toughness inside and clinical finishing with ball in hand proving influential.

However no-one was as important to the contest and the win as captain Kyal Horsley. With his side trailing early in the game, he willed himself to take command, adding 14 possessions as Subiaco took control in the second quarter.

Horsley would go on to finish with 40 possessions on the day, adding five marks, five inside 50 entries, two tackles and a host of crucial clearances.

The majority of Subiaco players will enjoy a weekend off next week as the WAFL takes a general bye for the State Game as WA travel to Adelaide to take on SA.

Subiaco’s next game will see the Lions travel to Mandurah for the Grand Final replay with Peel on Saturday May 19^th.

GAME CHANGERS

EMOTIONAL DAY

Pre-match Subiaco paid their respects to premiership player Shane Yarran with a pre-game minutes silence with players joined by the Yarran family, Subiaco coaches and support staff in a show of unity following the tragic passing of Shane. Captain Horsley and coach Jarrad Schofield admitted post-match that it had been an emotional occasion and an overwhelming build up.

CAREER BEST SKIP

Captain Kyal Horsley produced the first 40 possession game of his career eclipsing his previous career high of 39 in the 2016 Grand Final. With the game calling for leadership and someone to stand-up in the second quarter, it was the captain who delivered with arguably the most inspirational display of his career given the circumstances heading into the game and after conceding a slow start.

RED TIME

Subiaco kicked over half of its goals in time on of the four quarters, with the Lions ability to run out quarters strongly proving pivotal to the final result. Brad Stevenson’s late goal in the first quarter helped the Lions avoid a goalless opening, they added three in time on of the second and another two in time on of the second half.

HALF TIME SWING

Those three goals in time on of the second were crucial. Leigh Kitchin scored in the 28^th minute, Lachlan Delahunty the 29^th minute and Kyal Horsley in the 32^nd minute of the quarter. After looking at a three goal deficit at half time, Subiaco in a stunning space of five minutes had snatched a half time lead, a lead they did not relinquish for the remainder of the game.

CLARKE’S BIG IMPACT

Subiaco ruckman Zac Clarke has been working nicely into form across the season and produced his best game as a Lion on Saturday. Clarke finished with 33 hitouts, 16 possessions and seven marks giving Subiaco the best big man on the ground. Clarke helped Subiaco dominate the air, finishing plus 26 in hitouts for the game.

SUBIACO         1.4       6.7       10.7     13.10.88

WEST PERTH   3.2       6.4       7.5       10.6.66

BEST: Horsley, Clarke, Halligan, Lockyer, Kitchin.

GOALS: Halligan 4; Newton, Powell, Stevenson 2; Delahunty, Kitchin, Perkins 1.