Lions honour Club Greats with a Dominant Victory

Subiaco finished their time at Leederville Oval for 2022 on a high note with a dominant victory over Perth on Saturday, August 27th.

With a day full of milestones for the Club, including Leigh Kitchin’s 150th WAFL game, Ryan Borchet’s 50th WAFL game and Lachlan Delahunty’s final game, Subiaco was too strong from the bounce.

With multiple goal scorers, the Lions showed their versatility throughout the midfield and forward line, whilst their defence continued their dominance. Despite inaccuracy, Subiaco ran out with the 14.14 (98) to 4.11 (35) win.

Midfielder Stefan Giro was once again amongst the best on ground honours, with 33 disposals and two goals, while captain Leigh Kitchin continues to find the football with 36 disposals and eight inside 50s.

A downpour to finish the Reserves game meant the ball was slippery early, leading to a scoreless opening 10 minutes. Subiaco had the momentum but were unable to convert until Ben Sokol stood tall once again.

Angus Dewar continued to impress up front, kicking his first with a burst of speed 18 minutes into the first quarter.

Late into the first, with Perth only managing to hit the scoreboard once, Stefan Giro snapped through congestion to put the Lions up by 19 at the first break.

The Demons managed to steal some momentum in the second with two consecutive goals, but the Lions continued their pressure with Ryan Borchet the beneficiary.

Extraordinary set shots from Max Walters and Liam Hickmott lead Subiaco into halftime as 27-point favourites.

With momentum well and truly favouring the home side in the third quarter, some great team play saw Liam Hickmott mark 35m out from goal just four minutes in. Kicking truly for his second, Subiaco looked a class above.

A series of three feats of incredible athleticism, from Giro, Brandon Matera and Dewar respectively put the game out of reach for Perth as the crowd started to become a factor. 

The final term was much closer than the last with the Demons fighting to keep a respectable margin.

Ben Sokol kicked an early major for the Lions, his third for the day and his 38th for the season, a league-high with one week remaining in the season.

With the crowd in attendance to celebrate the milestones the game provided, Lachlan Delahunty reached deep into his archive to produce his best performance for the season.

This was encapsulated late in the fourth term as he snapped from 40m to kick his final WAFL goal.

With both Kitchin and Delahunty chaired from the ground, the noise was heard around Leederville as the Club honoured two of its greats.

It was a terrific round of football for the club, with the Colts bouncing back to form with a 23-point win, while the reserves were too strong, winning by 26.

Subiaco will look to continue their momentum in the final round of the home and away season against West Perth.

SUBIACO        3.2    6.6    11.9    14.14    (98)
PERTH    0.1    2.3    3.7    4.11    (35)

Goals: Dewar 3; Giro 2; L Hickmott 2; Borchet 2; Sokol 2; Walters, Delahunty, Br Matera.
Best: Giro, Kitchin, Delahunty, Atkinson, Harris.