Subiaco Colts Claim Historic Third Premiership

Subiaco’s Colts have won just their third WAFL Colts Premiership in history holding on for a tense two point win over Swan Districts in an absorbing Grand Final at Optus Stadium.

 

The win helped deliver Subiaco their first Colts premiership in nearly 30 years, with the only other two premiership wins coming in 1989 and 1974.

 

It helped end what has arguably been the greatest season in Subiaco Colts history, as for the first time ever, the Colts won both the minor premiership and premiership in the same season.

 

They were forced to work through their toughest game of the season to claim the premiership, as their opponents Swan Districts made them work for every possession and every goal.

 

The quality of the play and the contested work of both teams highlighted why they were the Grand Finalists of 2018.

 

Subiaco made the most of a tight start with back to back goals midway through the first quarter building the early lead, before Swans hit back with the last two goals of the quarter.

 

After conceding the lead for the first time in the second quarter, Subiaco hit back with three goals before a late second term goal meant Swans were within nine points at the long break.

 

The third quarter continued the trend of play as Subiaco threatened to open the game apart, but were unable to get an extra goal or two to build a comfortable lead. S

 

Swans continued to press and grabbed the lead early in the final quarter, meaning Subiaco would have to come from behind to claim the 2018 flag.

 

As they have been all season, the Colts were up for the challenge as two quick goals gave them back the lead.

 

The final 10 minutes was a tense affair as Swans pressed for the lead, pulling to within two points with two minutes to go.

 

However with Swans preparing for one final fling to the forward line, Subiaco defender Jake McKinnon produced a crucial smother, Subiaco retained the ball and from there held on to the ball to record a memorable win.

 

After nearly 30 years of waiting Subiaco had a third Colts flag as the 2018 Subiaco Colts took their place among the great teams of this proud club.

 

 

GAME CHANGERS

 

HOBLEY STARS

Subiaco Colts midfielder Tristan Hobley was rewarded for a fine season, as a fitting winner of the Mel Whinnen Medal as the best player in the Colts Grand Final. Hobley has overcome a series of setbacks across the year to be one of Subiaco’s most consistent midfielders, and that was evident on Sunday. Hobley finished with 28 disposals and had six marks to be the prime midfield mover for Subiaco on Grand Final day. This performance on the big stage has rocketed Hobley into draft calculations. Hobley goes into draft day holding the medal every player wants though, a premiership medal.

 

MAYO DELIVERS

The WAFL Colts leading goal kicker showed on the big stage why he has been the best forward in the Colts competition this year. Jack Mayo was a continual presence inside the Subiaco forward 50 all game. Mayo finished with two goals including a clutch one in the last quarter. The two goals took Mayo to 50 goals on the season, a nice achievement from a player who looms large for higher honours.

 

MARTIN THE X-FACTOR

While all eyes were on Mayo inside the forward 50, Subiaco unleashed another forward on the big stage with Nic Martin kicking three goals in an important contribution to the premiership win. Martin was outstanding early, making the most of every chance. Expect Martin to be one of the Colts to watch for Subiaco in 2019.

 

MCKINNON THE PHYSICAL

One of the lasting moments of the 2018 WAFL Colts Grand Final will be Subiaco defender Jake McKinnon throwing himself in front of what could have been the crucial last attack by Swans. McKinnon’s smother was another one of those defensive moments that highlight premiership wins. Before that smother, McKinnon had shown his physical nature with a team high eight tackles.

 

WINNING THE TACKLE COUNT AGAIN

Indeed winning the physical, contested side of the game has been a hallmark of Subiaco’s Colts in 2018. They once again beat their opponent in the tackle count, finishing plus six in this area, 68 to 62. Alongside McKinnon’s eight tackles, midfielders Liam Hickmott, Luke Foley and Kyle Stainsby all had six tackles.

 

DRAFT TALENT SHINES ON TV STAGE

The 2018 WAFL Colts Grand Final was broadcast live on Channel 7 and Subiaco had a series of players who showed their talent and why they are marked for higher honours in coming years. Jack Clarke Medallist Liam Hickmott was crucial in and around the stoppages, Luke Foley showed his class throughout the day, Taj Schofield gave strong run and carry on the outside, Jack Mayo was a looming presence, Mitch Georgiades had some crucial marks and goals and Hobley took out best player honours. Expect a few of these boys to be running around at AFL level in the years to come.

 

WORST TO FIRST

A two year journey culminated in the fairytale ending. Just two years ago Subiaco’s Colts were last on the WAFL Colts ladder claiming an unwanted wooden spoon winning just one game. Fast forward 24 months and they are premiers. The hard work by all those involved with Subiaco’s colts, from talent staff, to support staff, to trainers, to volunteers and of course the players are to be commended on being part of Subiaco history.

 

2018 WAFL COLTS GRAND FINAL

FINAL SCORE

 

SUBIACO         2.4       5.6       7.6       9.10.64

SWANS           2.1       4.3       6.6       9.8.62

 

GOALS: Martin 3; Mayo 2; French, Georgiades, L. Hickmott, McKinnon 1.

BEST: Hobley, Mayo, McKinnon, Foley, Martin.