The Winners - Round 5, 2019

Subiaco found a way to maintain their winning start to 2019, forced to call on all their resources in a comeback win over Swans in Round Five.

Down by 22 points in the shadows of three quarter time, Subiaco kicked the last six goals of the game in a 40 point turnaround.

The comeback was just one of many winners on another memorable day for the Subiaco Football Club.

COMEBACKS

In the past two seasons, only one other time has Subiaco trailed in a match by more than 20 points. In the second semi final last year the Lions trailed by 23 points before turning that match around over three quarters. Arguably Saturday’s win was the most impressive comeback during a 25 match winning streak. Down by 22 points, Subiaco kicked six goals in the last 30 minutes of game time, overcoming a plucky Swans.

JOSH DELUCA

Quietly Deluca is putting together a career best season and has become one of the WAFL’s most dangerous and damaging players. Deluca is averaging 27 disposals and five tackles a contest and was Subiaco’s match winning player on Saturday. Deluca had a season high 32 disposals including 13 in the last with the match on the line. His work around clearances and quick burst of speed, is somewhat underappreciated in a standout midfield group.

LAST QUARTER HEROES

While Deluca was outstanding throughout, a couple of his midfield mates were pivotal when it mattered most. Well held for three quarters it was a mixture of will, determination and pride that inspired the Lions midfield. Both Leigh Kitchin and Kyal Horsley had 12 disposals in the last quarter, with Horsley also adding a goal that gave Subiaco the belief they could pull off the comeback win.

BEN SOKOL

After just missing out on a state spot last year, there should be no denying Sokol this year after another crucial performance in the Subiaco forward line. Sokol was a presence all day long finishing with three goals while also collecting 20 disposals and taking 11 marks. Sokol has taken the most marks in the WAFL so far in 2019 while also having had the second most scoring shots. The presence and role that Sokol plays within the Subiaco forward line cannot be underestimated.

DEBUT GOALS

Debut goals don’t come much better than match winning ones. In his first game Jack Mayo kicked the goal that gave Subiaco the lead for good midway through the last quarter. After missing an early chance for a goal with his first kick, Mayo made amends by delivering the much needed soccer late in the game.

JAMES ECCLES

The hard working Subiaco player has been a mainstay of the Reserves side over the past two years. Eccles was one of the hard luck stories of 2018, missing out on the Reserves premiership despite playing 17 games for the year. Not deterred, Eccles has put together a strong start to 2019 highlighted by a career high 30 disposals on Saturday. A story for perseverance, Eccles continues to be a player that does all the right things for the team.