The Season So Far

Subiaco are 2-2 after round five of the 2020 Optus WAFL Season and currently sit 5^th on the WAFL ladder after an emphatic win against Peel Thunder this past weekend.  

Five-time Best & Fairest winner Kyal Horsley is expected to return in the coming weeks as he works his way through some general soreness. Having not played since Round 3, he is likely to be managed upon his return to the side. Aaron Heal is set to return against East Perth or Perth after a training mishap two weeks ago. Both Jordan Lockyer and Rowen Powell suffered knee injuries in the Round 1 loss to Claremont that will keep them sidelined for the mid-term, with both hopeful of returning at the backend of the season. Ryan Borchet and Michael Braut have been managing knee concerns throughout the season, with the Round 8 clash against East Fremantle a likely return date at this stage. Angus Litherland is still dealing with a hip complaint that will see him miss a large portion of the season. Harrison Marsh is moving well since he sustained a hamstring injury against South Fremantle in Round 4 and is expected to be fit for selection come Round 7 against Perth.

Full injury list;

With injuries to key personnel throughout what has been a challenging season thus far, the club has taken the chance to build experience within the squad by giving opportunities to five debutants already this season. Both Isaac Clinch and Lewis Upton were rewarded for their strong starts to the season with League debuts against Peel Thunder this weekend, slotting straight into the structure of the side with strong individual contributions. Football Manager Michael Farmer said it is always beneficial to a club when you get the opportunity to blood youth and build depth within a team. “Our players that have been in the development side or the Colts program from the last couple of years have been outstanding in their ability to learn and understand our structures.” Farmer lauded the efforts of Beau Wardman, Paul Vines and the coaching staff for the impact and positive contributions that have been made by this season’s debutants, while citing that the club’s strong culture was also integral in aiding the transition players have had to make when entering the League side. 

Farmer was full of praise for the contributions that 2020 debutants Nicholas Martin, Wil Hickmott and Andrew Doyle have made so far this season. “Nic Martin has taken on a more senior role in Ryan Borchet’s absence and has been able to hit the scoreboard frequently, with his contested marking being a highlight.” He noted Hickmott’s endurance running and pace up and down the wing, while Andrew Doyle’s work rate and physicality in the ruck and forward line had impressed him also.

“Both have shown their ability to impact games at times and the more exposure they get, the more they will benefit both themselves and the team going forward.” 

Farmer was disappointed about the loss to last year’s Grand Finalist, South Fremantle a week ago, crediting their ability to play strongly across the ground for the four quarters. He was encouraged however by the development of the younger players who were given opportunities in the match, with a total of 11 changes from last season’s Grand Final winning team. “I think in this day and age, we can always expect some changes from the previous year given retirements, injuries and the development of younger players but 11 changes is quite a big number.” Farmer was excited by that positive steps the team was taking, the exposure that was given to these younger players and the potential to fast-track the development, no doubt benefiting the team in the long run. Farmer was also really pleased with the people working behind the scenes, saying “Our coaching staff have been really well measured in their direction and coaching of the side”.