Top 10 Players of 2018 so far (3-2-1)

The conclusion of our fan vote of the “Top 10 Players of 2018 So Far” is here as numbers 3, 2 and 1 are revealed.

 

The top three all received over 70% of the fan vote, a significant jump over the previous seven players in the list.

All three have had outstanding seasons and all three have had a significant impact on Subiaco starting the 2018 season undefeated through their first 13 games.

 

A big, two smalls, two members of Subiaco’s newly announced fab four midfield and the big man who plays just like a midfielder, this is the final of the fan vote, and the top 10 voted best players of 2018 so far.

 

10. Rhys Waters

13 possessions per game, 5 marks per game, 4 tackles per game, 26 goals for season

 

9. Angus Litherland

13 possessions per game, 6 spoils per game, 4 rebound 50s per game

 

8. Chris Phelan

28 possessions per game, 7 clearances per game, 4 tackles per game

 

7. Aaron Heal 

15 possessions per game, 5 marks per game, 3 rebound 50s per game

 

6. Zac Clarke

15 possessions per game, 35 hit-outs per game, 14 goals for season

 

5. Leigh Kitchin

25 possessions per game, 8 clearances per game, 5 tackles per game

 

4. Hayden Kennedy

21 possessions per game, 5 marks per game, 4 inside 50s per game

 

3. Lachlan Delahunty (74% of fan vote)

24 possessions per game, 7 marks per game, 11 hit-outs per game, 21 goals for season

 

Lachlan Delahunty has produced one of his best seasons as a Subiaco Lion, proving to be a crucial piece of both the Subiaco midfield and an increasing imposing presence of the Subiaco forward line.

 

After shouldering much of the Subiaco ruck and big man load over the past two seasons, the recruitment of Zac Clarke has freed up Delahunty to play a versatile and fluid role, a role that he has excelled at. Delahunty is producing career high possession numbers while also having his best ever impact on the scoreboard. This dual ability to pick up big numbers when up the field, and kick goals, means Delahunty is proving to be one of the most dangerous Lions this year.

 

Four times this year Delahunty has picked up 28 possessions and has picked up over 20 possessions in his past eight games. He kicked a career high five goals in Round 13 and has kicked goals in 11 of his 13 games.

 

 

2. Josh Deluca (75% of fan vote)

27 possessions per game, 7 tackles per game, 7 clearances per game

 

Another of Subiaco’s key recruits for the 2018 season, Josh Deluca has arguably been the best performer of the group. Returning to Subiaco after three years on the Fremantle Dockers list, Deluca’s game has immensely changed. He left Subiaco a high pressure small forward, but is now one of the WAFL’s premier inside midfielders, with his ability to win his own ball among the best in the competition.

 

Deluca who missed three games with suspension earlier in the season, has not missed a beat when in the side, proving a valuable midfield piece in his 10 games so far in 2018. Having previously not had a 30 possession game at WAFL league level, Deluca has exploded with five 30 possession games already this year.

 

Among his best performances of the tear were a 33 possession outing in Round Two and a 34 possession game in Round 13. Deluca is among one of Subiaco’s most impactful midfielders with his ability to win the ball at the contest and pressure the opposition midfield as the side’s most productive tackler.

 

 

1. Kyal Horsley (78% of fan vote)

32 possessions per game, 6 inside 50s per game, 5 clearances per game

 

To put it simply, Subiaco captain Kyal Horsley is having one of the greatest ever WAFL seasons. The Subiaco veteran midfielder has mixed outstanding on field production with continued improved excellence in leadership to be the main spearhead of Subiaco’s 13 win start to the 2018 season.

 

Averaging a career high with over 32 possessions per game, Horsley has picked up over 30 possessions in eight games and back to back 40 possession games in Round Six and Round Seven. Horsley continues to be one of the key drivers of forward play with Subiaco, leading the team in inside 50 entries per contest and is also averaging five clearances per game indicating his ability both inside and outside.

 

Horsley has shown his leadership both on field and off field amidst a backdrop of difficult circumstances that have embraced the Subiaco playing group in 2018 so far. Horsley’s ability to both lead by example and be the inspirational leader behind the scenes is testament to his standout 2018 season so far.  Horsley’s leadership was also acknwoeldged with being the captain of the successful WA state side earlier in the year.

 

Having now played in over 170 games for Subiaco, having received life membership of the club and being a triple premiership player; Horsley continues to be one of the most important pieces of a great Subiaco side.