Subiaco Ready for 2018 WAFL Grand Final

After two years of Grand Final heartache and 12 months of waiting for another opportunity, Sunday’s 2018 WAFL Grand Final arrives with Subiaco looking to win premiership number 13.

Subiaco fans are hoping it will be third time lucky after the past two Grand Finals have ended in defeat to a Fremantle Docker laden Peel Thunder.

This Sunday, Subiaco faces an opponent though not brimming with the same talent as previous Grand Final opponents, is one of the most resilient having overcome great challenges both on and off field.

Subiaco has added four players to the extended 26 man squad for Sunday’s Grand Final with veterans Rhys Waters, Brad Stevenson and Adam Cockie all among the squad for the Grand Final.

The fourth addition is budding young defensive star Michael Braut.

Sunday marks a new era for WAFL football, as a year after playing in the last WAFL Grand Final at Subiaco Oval, Subiaco now plays in the first WAFL Grand Final at the new Optus Stadium.

Fans are encouraged to get along early with Subiaco to compete in both the Reserves and Colts Grand Finals earlier in the day.

Sunday’s Grand Final will be broadcast live on Channel 7 from 2.30pm, with live radio coverage available through ABC Grandstand, 6PR, Footy Radio and being updated online through Subiaco’s Social Media channels.

GAME CHANGERS

MAKING 26 INTO 22

It promises to be one of the most difficult selection decisions in Subiaco history, as Jarrad Schofield and his group have to cut a very deserving group of 26 to a final squad of 22. All four inclusions warrant selection based on their form both in 2018 and with service previously given to the club. However the winning formula that saw Subiaco overcome a deficit in the second semi final is a tough one to change up. As was the case 12 months ago, expect a couple of unlucky players who will instead look to help the Subiaco reserves claim back to back flags.

ACCURACY MATTERS ON THE BIG DAY

Subiaco know better than most the need to kick accurately on the big day. Sunday’s Grand Final opponents are the most accurate kicking side in WAFL football. Ensuring that Subiaco make the most of their forward chances, while not giving West Perth their usual array of set shots will be crucial to the final outcome of the Grand Final.

HORSE RESPONSE

After missing out on the Sandover Medal on Monday night, look for captain Kyal Horsley to put everything into Sunday’s Grand Final to ensure he, and his 21 teammates take home the medal that matters most. Horsley has been dominant against West Perth in 2018 and looms as Subiaco’s most important player in the Grand Final.

FAST START NEEDED

Subiaco has had two tough battles with West Perth and one comfortable win. Those two tough battles came after West Perth made the better of the start. A strong first quarter is paramount for Subiaco if they want to claim premiership success. West Perth better than most are up for the challenge early and it is on Subiaco to come out of the gate quickly to halt any possible West Perth momentum.

RUCK DOMINANCE

One area where Subiaco has had a strong advantage over West Perth so far in 2018 has been in the ruck. Recruit Zac Clarke looms as the biggest inclusion to Subiaco’s Grand Final teams compared to 2016 and 2017. Making sure that the Subiaco midfield makes the most of Clarke’s ruck work is another crucial part of Sunday’s decider.

ONE MORE TEST FOR A HISTORIC DEFENCE

Subiaco’s defence has been strong all year, holding opponents to 51 points per game. Though West Perth have got passed this mark three times, they have not gotten beyond 66 against Subiaco in 2018. One last time, Subiaco’s defence looms as the key to a premiership win.

TWO DESPERATE SIDES, ONE PREMIERSHIP

There are complete different reasons for it, but Subiaco and West Perth are two desperate sides that have shown incredible resilience to be in Sunday’s Grand Final decider. Subiaco has shown incredible resilience in overcoming the disappointment of two Grand Final defeats, putting together an irresistible 2018 season. Meanwhile West Perth’s off field troubles have not affected the on field performance and Subiaco will be well aware that this is a side that has caused upsets already in the WAFL finals.

GRAND OCCASION AGAIN

Sunday’s 134^th WAFL Grand Final also marks the sixth Grand Final battle between Subiaco and West Perth. The Lions will be looking to add to the premiership success that they had over the Falcons with the drought breaking 1973 win and the big 2015 win a few years ago. Sunday marks the fifth straight Grand Final appearance for Subiaco. Previously they had made four in a row between 1985 and 1988 and again between 2006 and 2009. This year marks a new record though, as the Lions aim to make it three flags in the past five years.