Subiaco Through to 2018 WAFL Grand Final

One game has been driving the Subiaco squad for the past 12 months, and that one game is just two weeks away, after Subiaco progressed to the 2018 WAFL Grand Final after beating South Fremantle by 18 points in a hard fought WAFL Second Semi Final.

 

In one of their toughest wins of an unbeaten season so far, Subiaco was forced to come from 23 points back rallying in a 41 point turnaround across the last three quarters of the match.

 

Early on, Subiaco was outplayed and outworked by a determined South Fremantle outfit.

 

After falling nearly four goals behind early, Subiaco reacted strongly to a quarter time address from coach Jarrad Schofield kicking two quick goals in the second to reduce the margin.

 

The decisive move was made in the third though, with Subiaco kicking five goals to nil, with a stout defensive effort highlighting the turnaround.

 

The last quarter remained a tense struggle throughout, however Subiaco had enough class and polish when it mattered most, with the defence again outstanding in holding a surging South Fremantle at bay.

 

Reigning Outridge Medal winner Leigh Kitchin was outstanding, finishing with 26 disposals while fellow midfield teammates Josh Deluca had 27 disposals and Kyal Horsley had 21 disposals.

 

From half back Angus Litherland gave vital drive and continued to take the game on, finishing with 19 disposals and six marks while Jordan Lockyer held the inform Mason Shaw to just one goal.

 

Up forward Kyle Halligan, Zac Clarke and Braden Fimmano each kicked two goals for the Lions.

 

Subiaco will now contest the 2018 WAFL Grand Final, a historic one that will be the first WAFL Grand Final to be held at Optus Stadium.

 

Fans are encouraged to go online to www.subiacofc.com.au for all the information regarding the Subiaco Grand Final Function, Suite Options and General Information for the Grand Final.

 

 

GAME CHANGERS

 

RUCK BATTLE THAT WASN’T

The highly anticpated ruck battle between Subiaco’s Zac Clarke and South Fremantle’s Brock Higgins did not eventuate after Higgins missed the semi final with injury. All weekl it appeared unlikely that Higgins would play after suffering an injury late in the Qualifying Final, however the out was not confirmed until late. In his absence Clarke had the better of the ruck battle having 53 hitouts and getting forward for two goals, including a pivotal one in the last quarter. As he has done through the second half of the year, Clarke was a crucial piece of the Subiaco victory.

 

BIG GAME KITCH

Leigh Kitchin seems to save his best for finals. Two years after dominating South Fremantle in the 2016 Second Semi Final, it was again Kitchin who was the difference maker for the Lions. Kitchin was a four quarter performer, lifting his team when they struggled early and having a big impact during the second half surge. Kitchin finished with 26 possessions but his contribution was shown with 11 tackles and drove the ball inside 50 on seven occasions highlighting a great all round performance.

 

STOPPING THE GUNS

Subiaco had a number of players play important defensive roles in the Second Semi Final win. None were bigger than Jordan Lockyer holding Mason Shaw to just one goal. Greg Clark spend time quelling the influence of Haiden Schloithe and a committed midfield effort prevented the impact from South Fremantle’s in form midfielder Marlion Pickett.

 

DEFENCE STEPS UP WHEN IT MATTERS

The Subiaco defence was uncharacteristically unaccountable during a first quarter wave that saw South Fremantle kick five goals. However as the game progressed the Lions defence again showed both its class and determination to hold opposition attacks. South Fremantle kicked just five goals for the remainder of the game and with the game in the balance in the third quarter, the Subiaco defence conceded just two points. It was another big day for the Subiaco defence.

 

TACKLE PRESSURE

As to be expected with finals, the space around the contest tightened up and it became a war of attrition at the stoppage. Subiaco had one of its highest tackle counts of the year, finishing with 94 and winning the tackle count by 11. Gun Subiaco midfielder Josh Deluca was at his best, finishing with a game and career high 13 tackles.

 

FIFTH STRAIGHT GRAND FINAL

Subiaco for the first time in its history is going to a fifth straight WAFL Grand Final. Twice before the club, both in the 1980’s and 2000’s had made four straight, but never the five that the current group of Lions has now achieved. After waiting 12 months for the chance of atonement for a heartbreaking Grand Final loss, Subiaco are now at the occasion they most want. Grand Final Day. Just as last year’s was a history making last at Subiaco Oval, this will be a history making first, as the first at Optus Stadium. Subiaco fans are encouraged to visit the Subiaco website to get all the information for Grand Final Day including Function and Suite options.

 

FINAL

SUBIACO         1.2       5.4       10.9     12.12.84

SOUTH FREO  5.1       7.2       7.4       10.6.66

 

BEST: Kitchin, Litherland, Lockyer, Deluca, Clarke

GOALS: Clarke, Fimmano, Halligan 2; Delahunty, Deluca, Joyce, Phelan, Powell, Sokol 1.