Football comes full circle for Borchet as WAFL returns to Kalgoorlie

For Subiaco forward Ryan Borchet, timing has been a blessing and a curse during his WAFL career to date. 

In his first year at League level, he was the unlucky omission from Subiaco’s team heading into the 2018 Grand Final, but claimed a reserves flag in the process.

In 2019, he fulfilled the Premiership dream after a superb season where he kicked 42 goals for the year.

Last year, Borchet fractured his tibia in the club’s round seven clash against Swan Districts, and returned five months later through the reserves, narrowly missing out on being part of the League Grand Final.

After a solid preseason, Borchet told Subiacofc.com.au the ability to play multiple games in a row has been something he hasn’t experienced in the past few years.

“The last two years I've only managed to string a couple of games together,” he said.

“The main thing has been trying to get a bit of consistency and getting out on the track each and every week and trying to perform.”

Timing in Borchet’s case will work in his favour this week, with the Lions heading to his hometown of Kalgoorlie to take on Swan Districts.

He said it will be an exciting occasion.

“I haven't played there in forever, so it’ll be great to see some old friends and it's always good to go back and see the family,” Borchet said.

“It’ll be especially good to come back to the footy club I grew up playing for.”

Subiaco will head to Karlkurla Country to play League football for the first time since 2014.

It’s set to take place at Sir Richard Moore Oval, the home ground of Borchet’s local side Railways.

He hoped there would be a lot of support for the Lions come bounce down on Saturday.

“A lot of my Dad’s side of the family lives down there and a little bit of my mom's side too, and they don't get to come out and watch me play regularly,” Borchet said.

“I’ve made a lot of good friends and good relationships with coaches and other players there.

“Hopefully we get a good crowd and good support down there and we can come away with a win.”

The last time WAFL football was played in Kalgoorlie, Borchet was a part of Subiaco’s colts squad, where he said he was fortunate enough to play a few games while still living at home.

It was a part of his journey which has led him to becoming a regular in the Lions’ best 22.

He said his team mates and the feeling around the club makes it the perfect club for him.

“Everyone rants and raves about the culture here, and it’s true,” Borchet said.

“You want to come to training each and every week and playing is such a good time with Subiaco with the club being so dominant over the last 10 years.

“You want to play footy to win premierships and have fun and play with your mates, which is what drives me to come down each and every week”