WAFL: Subiaco prevail in Kalgoorlie thriller

Subiaco have staged a remarkable come from behind victory, winning by 14 points against Swan Districts in Kalgoorlie on Saturday May 21.

Down by 20 points at the start of the last, it was fitting the local product Ryan Borchet had a big influence, kicking two goals to get the Lions back into the game.

From there, the experienced Ben Sokol stood up, kicking the next three goals of the match to get Subiaco in front, and eventually the 12.10 (82) to 10.8 (68) win.

Between them, they kicked eight goals for the match and played superbly in wet conditions that traditionally don’t favour key forwards.

Midfielder Stefan Giro was awarded best on ground honours, with 28 disposals and seven inside 50s, while captain Leigh Kitchin continues to find the football with 33 disposals and eight tackles.

It was a free flowing contest in the first term, with eight goals scored between the two sides.

Hometown hero Ryan Borchet was into the action early, taking a mark and kicking the goal within the first minute of the match.

However, the Swans looked to assert their authority in the match. 

A string of goals including two from Chris Jones saw Swan Districts stretch their lead to 19 points.

The Lions were competitive, and looked to move the ball quickly which was detrimental at times.

Subiaco were uncharacteristically turning the ball over, giving the Swans opportunities.

Backman Drew Rohde was able to hit Aaron Breman up forward, who kicked truly to stop Swan Districts’ momentum.

It was shortly followed by a goal from Jordan Snadden, but a late major from the Swans saw them take a 13-point lead into quarter time.

It was a quieter second term, as the rain began to come down.

The weather made precision kicking more important, as both teams adjusted to the conditions.

Ben Sokol took a mark inside 50 and converted to give Subiaco the momentum.

Borchet shortly after kicked his second, and Stefan Giro nailed his first to level the scores.

Swan Lachie Riley was able to kick a goal against the flow of play to get things back on track for Swan Districts.

However, the Lions fought back, going end to end in the final minutes of the term, leading to a Max Walters major.

It meant just one point separated the two sides at the main break, with the Swans ahead.

The third term belonged to Swan Districts.

A classy snap from Harry Marsh was the only goal for the Lions, while the Swans were able to extend their lead.

They kicked four consecutive goals in the quarter to lead by 20 points at three quarter time.

With their backs against the wall, but the Kalgoorlie crowd behind them, Subiaco piled on the pressure.

The contest was well and truly on for the Lions, who kept Swan Districts scoreless for the term. 

Borchet nailed two clutch goals to get Subiaco within a goal, and Sokol finished it off with three goals of his own to give the Lions the 14-point victory.

It was a terrific round of football for the club, with the Colts bouncing back to form with a 64-point win, while on Sunday the reserves were too strong, winning by 36.

Subiaco will look to continue their momentum against East Fremantle, where football will be played at the WACA Ground for the first time since 1994.

SUBIACO        3.1    6.4    7.6    12.10    (82)
SWAN DISTRICTS    5.2    6.5    10.8    10.8    (68)

Goals: Borchet, Sokol 4; Breman, Marsh, Snadden, Walters.
Best: Giro, Sokol, Kitchin, Delahunty, Rohde, Borchet.