Match Preview v West Perth

This Saturday, Subiaco will travel to Provident Financial Oval to take on West Perth as the two sides tussle to keep their Finals hopes alive. This match holds huge implications for both sides Finals campaigns, with a loss from either side potentially ending their seasons. Bouncedown for this pivotal Round 9 clash is at 2:30pm this Saturday, with mild and clear conditions expected.

Keep an eye on Subiaco’s social media channels and app for updates across the day if you cannot make it to the game.

FORM
The Lions have been building for weeks now with seemingly every match looming as a must-win due to their middling start to the season. Coming off two wins in a row, perhaps their most impressive display in that period was the final quarter of last weekend’s match against East Fremantle. This dominant display saw them hold the Sharks to one behind for the quarter; while they piled on six goals of their own to finish as 41-point winners. It was Subiaco at their dominant best, as their defensive unit was stingy as ever, their midfield proved too slick and their forward line prowess irresistible, as they played the game completely on their terms. With the return of Premiership players Hayden Kennedy, Angus Litherland, Aaron Heal, Kyal Horsley and Rowen Powell across the last few weeks and the return of some more top-end talent on the horizon, the Lions are building toward their best at the right time of year.

OPPONENTS FORM
West Perth have enjoyed a solid season thus far, which has seen them sit outright third on the ladder with a healthy percentage. They may be feeling a little vulnerable heading into this weekend’s clash with the Lions however as their last month has been challenging. A seven-point victory against Perth in Round 5, followed by an even tighter victory against the Sharks in Round 6 led them into their Round 7 bye. Following the week off they suffered a heavy defeat to the hands of the Claremont Tigers by 31 points. This spluttering middle period of their season could be the leg-up the Lions need to take the four points in this one as they too look to solidify their position on the ladder.

LIST – WEST PERTH
Gains for 2020: Kirk Bartel (Gin Gin FC), Josh Chapman (Subiaco FC), Judd Clinch (North Beach FC), Craig Farmer (Wanneroo), Sasha Kernutt (Mines Rovers FC), Matthew Lloyd (Horsham), Jordan Moore (Cervantes FC), Jesse Sands (East Lake FC).

Losses after 2019: Michael Ashfield (Retired), Bailey Chalmers (Ocean Ridge FC), Kael Coleman (travelling), Corey Chalmers (Retired), Fraser Foley (Whitfords FC), Kurt Hindmarsh (Ocean Ridge FC), Ben Johnson (West Coast Eagles), Aidan Lynch (East Perth FC), Jordan Mills (East Fremantle FC), Kurt Monaghan (Whitfords FC), Jaxon Prior (Brisbane Lions FC), Lachie Sherriffs (Retired), Andrew Strijk (Retired).

GOAL KICKERS
Last time these two teams played was in Round 19 of the 2019 Optus WAFL Premiership Season. Subiaco were dominant from start to finish against the Falcons, booting 19 goals to 7 for the day. Ben Sokol was in sparkling form that afternoon, clunking 11 marks on his way to six goals. Ryan Borchet was dominant too, kicking four goals from his 19 disposals, while Max Walters helping himself to three majors also.

LAST TWO TIMES
Subiaco have encountered little resistance from West Perth in recent times, winning comfortably across the last few years. In Round 19 of the 2019 season they won by 70 points at Leederville Oval, 19.8.122 to 7.10.51. When they met in Round 12 of that year away at Provident Financial Oval, they won 13.13.91 to 10.9.69, running out 22-point winners. The Lions will be hoping for similar dominance this weekend as they look to continue their winning form and propel themselves into Finals contention. 

OTHER GRADES
The Colts kick off proceedings against West Perth at Provident Financial Oval at 9:30am, with the Reserves following suit at 12:00 midday. The women’s side will be enjoying a week off in preparation for the clubs first WAFLW Grand Final.