Subiaco have big impact in State Win

Subiaco played a big influence as WA won their sixth consecutive state league contest beating SA by 26 points in an absorbing state league contest in Adelaide on Saturday.

WA made a slow start in enemy territory as SA jumped from the blocks kicking four goals to nil in an opening quarter where WA wasted a number of opportunities.

The game turned in the second quarter as WA piled on eight goals to turn a three goal deficit into a four goal half time lead.

The second half would be a tight tussle as SA continued to push and press, but WA were able to maintain their lead, eventually pulling away with the last few goals to record a 26 point win.

GAME CHANGERS

STEVO’S BIG GOAL

The current leader in the WAFL’s Leading Goal Kicker race, Brad Stevenson, only kicked one goal on Saturday, but it was a big one. With SA pressing and closing to within two points just before three quarter time, Stevenson took a strong contested mark on the lead. With a shot from outside fifty as the siren sounded, Stevenson coolly slotted the set shot and was mobbed by his WA teammates with the goal extending the buffer to eight points at the final change.

WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN

Rhys Waters kicked two goals on the day, one a very clever soccer from in the goal square and another crucial one in the last quarter to help extend WA’s lead. Waters day could have been even bigger though. He nearly had a second soccer goal in the second quarter and missed a gettable chance on the run in the last quarter. Waters pressure was strong across the day and added a valuable presence around the contest and on the scoreboard for the black ducks.

CHANGING PHEZ

Chris Phelan started his second state game alongside teammate and good mate Kyal Horsley in the middle. Phelan had the first kick of the day and had a few handy possessions early on in the midfield but had a greater impact on the game in the second quarter when moved to half back. His ability to read the game and attack when required was important while his ability to kick the lines allowed WA to maintain meterage throughout.

DEFENSIVE STALWARTS

Aaron Heal and state debutant Angus Litherland were very good throughout the game in key defensive posts. Heal had some timely spoils to repel SA attacks, while Litherland took a number of uncontested intercept marks with his ability to read the game and outpoint his direct opponent crucial in WA’s success.

TACKLE MAN DELAHUNTY

Lachlan Delahunty played an important role in a relief ruck to Brock Higgins. Delahunty’s influence at ground level was obvious throughout the game and his physical pressure was also significant. Delahunty won two holding the ball decisions with strong tackles and was always a threat around the contest throughout the game.

ROLE PLAYING KITCH

Leigh Kitchin once again showed his versatility by being able to win his own ball and have an impact while placed on a number of SA’s prime midfield movers. Throughout this season Kitchin has shown a willingness to play a team role and this was evident again against WA. Kitchin had some important touches and important possessions hitting up teammates going forward of centre while also showing strong presence around the stoppages.

CAPTAIN COURAGEOUS

As he does week in, week out for Subiaco, Kyal Horsley led from the front as skipper of WA. Horsley worked hard all match long to put himself in dangerous positions forward of centre while also working hard defensively to assist his teammates. Horsley produced arguably the goal of the game, intercepting an SA opponent’s defensive kick, outpointing an opponent and kicking a miraculous goal from hard against the boundary line.

WA      0.4       8.6       10.9     15.12.102

SA        4.2       4.6       9.7       11.10.76

WA BEST: Bolton, Meadows, Wellingham, Horsley, Waters

WA GOALS: Gault, Stirjk 3; Johnson, Waters 2; Bolton, Horsley, Palmer, Stevenson 1.