WAFL: Falcons seven-goal run stops Subiaco

Subiaco were unable to overcome a fast start from West Perth, going down by 31 points at Leederville Oval on Saturday April 30.

The Falcons put on an uninterrupted seven-goal run during the first half, and it proved to be a bridge too far for the Lions.

West Perth were accurate up forward, while Subiaco had missed opportunities as they fell 10.9 (69) to 16.4 (100).

Ruckman Lachlan Delahunty impacted around the ground with 31 disposals and 10 marks, while Leigh Kitchin was busy with 26 touches and eight tackles.

Up forward Ryan Borchet looked to have a strong impact on the game, working hard up the ground with 16 disposals.

Two debutants in Jaimon Alone and Lachlan Vanirsen were among the seven changes for Subiaco, as the side looked to get on the board in 2022.

It started off well for the Lions, who got the opening clearance and sent the ball forward.

Alone was the recipient of a free kick in front of goal, which he converted for his first goal in maroon and gold.

West Perth responded quickly, with a turnover inside 50 resulting in a goal to Sasha Kernutt.

It became difficult for either team to get an advantage, with each side’s backline holding up in the contest.

Ben Sokol was able to take a strong mark inside 50 thanks to a desperate spoil from Angus Dewar, which he converted to break the stalemate.

However, the rest of the quarter belonged to the Falcons.

Their style of taking the game on and surging the ball forward by any means necessary proved to be effective, as they kicked four goals in a row to finish to term.

At quarter time, Subiaco had some work to do, trailing by 17 points.

West Perth continued to control the game in the second term, where they got off to a hot start to the quarter.

The Falcons kicked three majors, making it seven goals in a row.

Subiaco were making too many errors trying to go forward, which is where West Perth were able to capitalise. 

With their backs against the wall, the Lions needed a response, which came through forward Ryan Borchet.

He was able to perform a strong chase down tackle inside forward 50 which resulted in a free kick.

Captain Leigh Kitchin took the advantage and put it through to spark life back into the Lions.

Soon after it was Brandon Matera who took a mark on the boundary 40 metres out from goal.

The 30-year-old made a tough kick look simple, guiding the ball through with ease to get Subiaco their second goal in a row.

Despite a change in momentum, West Perth was still taking the game on, and found a quick response with a goal from Keegan Knott.

Soon the Falcons had another goal, and it was up to the Lions to fight to stay in the game.

Bailey Matera was able to deliver, finding space inside forward 50 and snapping it through to get the margin to five goals at half time.

It was a better quarter for the Lions in the third term, albeit without scores on the board.

Subiaco had periods where the ball was well inside their forward 50, but were let down by poor execution.

West Perth proved to be more efficient up forward, kicking four goals to the Lions’ two, earning a 39-point lead with one quarter to go.

To add to the Lions’ troubles, they would be a man down for the rest of the match, as defender Jake Stergiou clashed heads with another player and did not return to the field.

With much of the sting taken out of the game in the last, both teams took the foot off the gas.

Subiaco managed to outscore the Falcons in the final term, with Alone and Matera both kicking their second goals during the term.

However it was too late, with West Perth taking a 31-point victory.

Subiaco were defeated by the Falcons by 33 points in Colts action, while the reserves were unable to hold a first half lead, going down by 22.

The Lions will give it their all when they take on East Perth at Leederville Oval on Saturday May 7.

SUBIACO            2.2     5.3     7.6     10.9     69
WEST PERTH     5.1     10.3   14.3   16.4     100

Goals: Alone, Kitchin, Ba. Matera 2; Ash, Borchet, Br. Matera, Sokol.
Best: Borchet, Delahunty, Ash, L Hickmott, Heal, Kitchin.