Subiaco too strong for fast finishing West Coast

An unleashed Stefan Giro spurred Subiaco to a confident win against a strong West Coast side at New Choice Homes Park on Saturday, August 6.

A dominant second quarter saw the Lions playing a brand of football they had been looking to implement throughout the season. Despite periods of inconsistency, Subiaco was the far better side and ran away 23-point victors.

Much like the last time the teams met, Subiaco's accuracy in front of goal proved to be the difference, with the two teams having similar statistics across the game.

The Lions were more consistent for longer, getting them the 14.6 (90) to 9.13 (67) win in their first-ever home game at Shark Park.

Through the middle, Giro amounted 30 possessions and including two goals and eight tackles, showing his force as one of the best mid’s in the league.

Meanwhile, Ben Sokol extended his lead in the Bernie Naylor, kicking three goals and three behinds.

An even battle through the first quarter, saw Subiaco lead by 9 points into the first break.

The Lion's first goal came 18 minutes into the first term through Angus Dewar, swapping positions to inject some speed into the forward line.

Max Walters and Brandon Matera fired late in the first quarter to give Subiaco three consecutive majors and swing the momentum to the home team into the break.

It was an even second quarter, Subiaco proved far too strong for the AFL affiliate after yet another slow start.

Sokol started the onslaught with a set shot 12 minutes into the term before the flood gates opened and Subiaco kicked out to a 44-point lead.

Two majors from Sokol and Giro and one from Snadden put the reigning premiers in a commanding position. With the midfield working together well and delivering the football forward, Subiaco looked to be playing the brand all fans have come to love.

With the defence holding the Eagles to just two points, Subiaco went into the major break with the wind in their sail, looking for their fifth win of the 2022 season.

However, the Eagles were able to stop the bleeding in the third and kicked three goals to one to bring the margin back to 28 points at three-quarter time.

Subiaco ruckman, Lewis Putt who had been playing one of his best games this season was taken out of the game in the third quarter having injured his clavicle in the contest.

The final term was a tight affair between both sides, with West Coast hunting the lead down with every centre clearance.

Despite the pressure from West Coast, the forward pressure from Sokol, Brandon Matera and Aaron Breman put the game out of reach.

A goal after the siren from Jordan Faraone completed the win for the Lions capping out their first home game at New Choice Homes Park, taking the four points by 23 points.

Subiaco will return home to face East Perth in the North Perth Community Bank Cup, looking to continue their winning ways.

WEST COAST 2.0 2.2 5.8 9.13 (67)
SUBIACO 3.3 9.4 10.6 14.6 (90)

Goals: Sokol 3; Matera 3; Giro 2; Dewar, Breman, Snadden, Walters, Marsh, Faraone.
Best: Giro, Sokol, Dewar, Matera, Rohde.