Colts: Subiaco go down in Qualifying Final thriller

Subiaco fell four points short of a remarkable come from behind victory in the Qualifying Final against Peel Thunder at New Choice Homes Park on Saturday September 10.

Down by 19 points at three-quarter time, the Lions saved their best football for the end.

Luker Kentfield caught fire, taking strong marks and kicking goals to try and save the game for Subiaco.

Koltyn Tholstrup also had a moment up forward where he held his composure to snap through a goal to give the Lions the momentum.

Their ability to take the game on and play fearless football allowed them to get within four points of the Thunder.

Time was the enemy in the end, with Peel taking the 9.12 (66) to 9.8 (62) win.

Ky Franceschini was instrumental in the midfield, using the ball well with 19 touches and three inside 50s.

Rory Murison laid a whopping 10 tackles, while Tyrell Dewar showed his football IQ in his 13 possession and two goal game.

The Thunder came out firing early, but Subiaco’s defence was up to the challenge.

Scores were hard to come by, with neither team able to make the most of their opportunities.

It wasn’t until the 18th minute that a goal was scored, and it was off the boot of Peel’s Ben Hollow.

A goal for the Thunder shortly after put the pressure on the Lions, as quarter time approached.

It was Richard Bartlett who stood up, putting through the set shot right before the quarter time siren to get Subiaco their first.

It was heavily contested in the second half, but the Thunder’s height advantage began to take its toll.

The talls at both ends of the ground were beginning to control the ball in the air, meaning the Lions needed to find another way to goal.

Speed was the answer, as some quick ball movement inside 50 led to a Robert Hansen Jr goal to give Subiaco a spark. 

However, Peel were able to extend their lead to 15 points at half time.

It was the Thunder who burst out of the gate in the third term, kicking a goal in under a minute to put the Lions on the back foot.

However, it did little to deter them, as Tyrell Dewar put the ball into space for Hansen Jr to run onto to kick his second.

The two sides continued to trade goals, as Dewar kicked two to help Subiaco fight back.

But right before the three-quarter time siren, a 50 metre penalty was awarded to Peel, resulting in a goal and a 19-point lead.

Subiaco came hard in the last term, kicking four goals to one, but ran out of time in the end.

It sets up a semi-final clash with South Fremantle at Revo Fitness Stadium on Sunday September 18.

PEEL THUNDER    2.4    4.7    8.7    9.12    (66)
SUBIACO        1.2    2.4    5.6    9.8    (62)

Goals: Dewar, Hansen Jr, Kentfield 2; Bartlett, Clark, Tholstrup.
Best: Franceschini, Murison, Kentfield, Wright, Dewar.