WAFL: Round Three Match Preview vs West Perth

The Lions will be looking to bounce back in season 2022 when they take on West Perth at Leederville Oval on Saturday April 30.

The match may prove to be a litmus test for Subiaco, as they look to recover from their 0-2 start to the season.

FORM

Subiaco have fielded a much younger side than the one that played in the 2021 premiership in the first two rounds due to health and safety protocols, injuries, and player movements.

A total of 10 debutants have been used by the club this season across the first two matches.

In the opening rounds, Subiaco has been in the fight but haven’t been able to maintain the intensity in the final quarter, which has proven costly.

The Lions sit ninth on the ladder, but have a chance to move up when they take on the Falcons at home.

Meanwhile, West Perth have had a mixed start to 2022, with a loss in round one to Claremont before a win last week against Peel Thunder.

Aaron Black was prolific in round one, but missed round two due to COVID-19, and will be someone the Lions will look to stop should he return in round three.

LAST TIME THEY MET

It was a Brandon Matera masterclass when the two sides last fought against one another in season 2021.

Round 17 last year saw the former Sun and Docker dominate the first quarter to get the Lions ahead.

He finished the day with 5.3 to his name, helping Subiaco to a 20-point win against the Falcons.

Jordan Lockyer was important in shutting down West Perth’s Tyler Keitel, while Harry Marsh was among Subiaco’s best with 28 disposals and a goal in the last term to seal the game.

ONE TO WATCH

With COVID-19 ruling out most of Subiaco’s backline over the opening rounds, Aaron Heal has continued to be influential on the last line of defence.

The 29-year-old has been important in the back half, often looking to intercept and rebound inside defensive 50.

He’s averaging 16.5 disposals per game, and his experience has been important in guiding the fresh faces in Subiaco’s backline, including Jake Stergiou, Abraham Clinch, Bailey Holt, and Connor Faraone,