Subiaco Reserves Go Back To Back with 2018 Premiership Win

Subiaco’s Reserves have won back to back premierships for the first time since 2003 after outlasting East Perth by 18 points in a highly competitive 2018 WAFL Reserves Grand Final played at Optus Stadium.

 

For the second year in a row Subiaco went into a Reserves Grand Final as an underdog with their depth tested by virtue of having two senior teams in Grand Finals.

As was the case in 2017 when Subiaco stunned South Fremantle with an upset win, the Lions willed themselves to victory with a commanding final quarter performance.

 

Going into the final quarter trailing by five points, Subiaco kicked five goals to two in the last quarter to storm to a memorable Grand Final victory.

 

The last quarter performance was even more fitting given the way the second semi final against East Perth ended.

 

Subiaco was outscored six goals to nil in the last quarter of the second semi final falling to a heartbreaking loss after they had led by over eight goals.

 

Two weeks later, on the biggest stage of the season, Subiaco would reverse that result producing their best quarter of the finals at just the right time.

 

Early in the day, East Perth made the better of the start, with Subiaco’s ability to make the most of their forward chances, kicking three goals from three shots, keeping them within eight points at the first change.

 

Subiaco made the run in the second quarter as they kicked three goals to one, turning that eight point deficit into a seven point half time lead.

 

After half time the game continued to tighten up and East Perth kicked the only two goals of the third quarter to retake the lead as the teams turned for home.

 

That last quarter belonged to Subiaco.

 

Veteran Adam Cockie slotted a goal to give the Lions the lead, young gun forward Tom Edwards-Baldwin kicked a clutch goal and Ryan Borchet added a third to ensure that Subiaco would go back to back with a stunning Grand Final victory.

 

 

GAME CHANGERS:

 

COCKIE STARS

Veteran midfielder Adam Cockie was probably the 23^rd man for the Subiaco league side, but did not let the disappointment of missing a league Grand Final half his performance. The powerful Subiaco midfielder was a class above the rest of the field, producing the pivotal moments around the stoppage. Every time Subiaco needed a key stoppage win, or a key clearance, it was Cockie that delivered. Finishing with 27 possessions and four tackles, Cockie was dually rewarded with the Merv McIntosh Medal as the best player on the ground.

 

HOSKO SETS TONE

Almost as important in the midfield was another veteran of the Subiaco senior squad. Craig Hoskins who has battled injuries throughout 2018, produced probably his most important performance of the year on Grand Final day. Hoskins had 13 tackles to show the resilience needed in the Subiaco midfield. On top of his 13 tackles, Hoskins had 18 possessions and kicked a crucial goal to keep momentum with the Lions.

 

KEY FORWARDS PROVIDE TARGET

Another two regulars of the Subiaco league side in 2018 that just missed league selection were Brad Stevenson and Ryan Borchet. Each of this duo had an important impact in the Grand Final, both providing a target and presence inside 50 while also hitting the scoreboard. Borchet kicked three goals to be the best goal kicker on the ground while Stevenson added two.

 

YOUNG GUNS IMPACT GRAND FINAL

Subiaco had two of its 2017 Colts have a big impact on the Grand Final. Versatile defender Max Dennis came into the side and did an important job down back. Meanwhile up forward Tom Edwards-Baldwin had one of the pivotal moments of the match, kicking an ice cool clutch goal in the last quarter. Belying his inexperience, Edwards-Baldwin rose to the occasion at just the right moment with a crucial running goal.

 

CAVEDON ENDS YEAR ONE WITH FLAG

Taking over from a premiership side is tough for any coach, and Subiaco Reserves coach Matt Cavedon had big shoes to fill in the highly respected footsteps of Andrew Lockyer. Cavedon has grown into the coaching role across the season and nothing highlighted his development more than his ability to make the right moves and inspire the team in the last quarter. The premiership was a fitting reward for Cavedon and his loyal ban of assistant coaches.

 

BACK TO BACK CHAMPS

Subiaco’s wealth of quality depth is highlighted by a host of what is now dual Reserves Premiership players. Daniel Leach, Michael Braut, Nick Menegola, McKenzie Lawrence, Ryan Borchet, Ray Daniels and Ben Reid were members of the 2017 premiership who were also part of the 2018 flag. This group of seven is arguably the next generation of Subiaco league premiership players. Expect all of this group to see more league time in 2019 and beyond.

 

2018 WAFL RESERVES GRAND FINAL

FINAL SCORE

 

SUBIACO         3.0       6.4       6.6       11.11.77

EAST PERTH    4.2       5.3       7.5       9.5.59

 

GOALS: Borchet 3; Nelson, Stevenson 2; Bradley, Cockie, Edwards-Baldwin, Hoskins 1.

BEST: Cockie, Hoskins, Borchet, Braut, Atkinson.