WAFL: Lions taken down by Swans

A dominant third quarter from the Swans has seen Subiaco fall by 51 points at Steel Blue Oval on Saturday June 25.

After an even contest across the first half with the lead changing multiple times, Swan Districts put on the afterburners to stop the Lions in their tracks.

Six goals were kicked in a row, with the Lions unable to score in the term to try and shift the momentum.

The burst saw the Swans run away with the 16.8 (104) to 7.11 (53) win.

For the Lions, Stefan Giro continued to win the ball in the midfield, with 37 disposals, while Liam Hickmott continued his purple patch with 31 touches and a goal.

Meanwhile, Drew Rohde continued his impressive season, as did Kyle Stainsby who was hard at it all day.

The Lions had welcomed returns in the Matera brothers, while Rylie Morgan played his first league match making it Subiaco’s 16th debutant for the year.

Subiaco got off to a hot start, with Ryan Borchet converting a set shot for goal early in the piece.

There were flows of momentum throughout the quarter, with both teams keen to make their mark on the contest.

The two sides traded goals throughout the term, with Subiaco taking a narrow one-point lead into quarter time.

The Lions again had the early break in the term, when Liam Hickmott intercepted a Swans kick inside 50, before kicking the goal.

The intensity was alive for the remainder of the term, as Swan Districts worked their way back into the contest.

The Swans managed three in a row to put themselves in front, with the momentum well and truly on their side.

However, the Lions would not give in, with Ben Sokol rising to the occasion by taking a strong mark and kicking truly, as Subiaco kept their one-point lead at half time.

It was all Swans in the third term, as they took control of the game. 

Swan Districts forward Jesse Palmer kicked a goal early in the term, his third of the match.

It was the start of a six goal run for the Swans, who put the pressure on the Lions in a big way.

Meanwhile the Lions struggled to get the game on their terms, with the Swan Districts backline keeping them scoreless as Subiaco trailed by 37 points at three quarter time.

With everything needing to go the Lions’ way in the last, Borchet kicked an early major to provide hope for Subiaco fans.

However, a winning result proved too far out of reach, as Swan Districts prevailed by 51 points.

It was a brighter outcome for the Reserves and Colts, who both took home the four points earlier in the day.

The competition has a bye next week, before the Lions return to Leederville Oval to host East Fremantle on Saturday July 9.

WEST COAST   3.2   6.2   12.4   16.8   (104)
SUBIACO   3.3   5.9   5.9   7.11   (53)

Goals: Borchet, Sokol 2; L Hickmott, Kitchin, Walters.
Best: Giro, L Hickmott, Rohde, Stainsby, W Hickmott.