Barbieri one of three Lions in Colts Team of the Year

Subiaco Colt Ethan Barbieri is living proof that hard work leads to success.

The North Beach product has been a part of the Lions’ pathway since under 14s, and broke into the Colts team towards the end of last season.

After playing 17 games this season, his good form was rewarded with selection in the WAFL Colts Team of the Year, one of three Lions to receive the honour.

Barbieri told Subiacofc.com.au it was nice to be recognised for his efforts.

“It feels really good, you put in all that hard work during preseason that we started nearly a year ago,” he said.

“All the hard work with your teammates and the coaches, it’s starting to pay off.”

Barbieri is averaging 19 disposals and nearly five tackles per game, with his skills by foot and his football smarts evident on field.

A natural backman, the 17-year-old said his move to the wing during the second half of the season was due to multiple factors.

“During community footy, I’d always played halfback but halfway through the season, the midfield coach (Ryan Redfern) wanted me on the wing,” he said.

“There were some injuries, but there was an element of trying to change up the team to try something different.

“It’s the link between the backline and the forwards, and I’ve enjoyed both roles.”

He said family has been an important part of his success, and credited his Mum, Dad, and sister for their contribution to his life so far.

For Barbieri, there’s a stark difference between his football this season and last year.

He conceded it wasn’t the strongest start for him, but that he worked his way to form.

“I got off to a bit of a slow start, but Chayce saw my progression towards the end of the season,” Barberi said.

“Then this year, with a really good team around me and the coaches we have, I was able to grow mentally and physically and get into the swing of things.”

Also named in the Colts Team of the Year was Newtown-Condingup product Koltyn Tholstrup and Mines Rovers’ Rory Murison.

Barbieri credited his teammates, saying they’ve both played a role in the team’s success.

“Rory’s a bull, he just goes through packs and will somehow get the ball out,” he said.

“Koltyn is an exciting player, you can put it anywhere in his area and he’ll take a mark.

“They’ve both been awesome to play with.”

Subiaco has bounced back from an eighth-placed finish in 2021 to play finals this season.

According to Barbieri, the experience of players during last season has helped the side in 2022.

“Towards the end of last season, we played a lot of the Futures’ boys and most of them have come across this year,” he said.

“We’ve had nearly two years together, and we’ve created such a tight connection.”

The Colts will play a do-or-die final against South Fremantle on Sunday September 18.

Barbieri said the team is excited for the opportunity.

“The mood has definitely been up and about,” he said.

“Chayce has said we’ve got our crack, we beat West Perth two weeks ago and then came close to Peel, so we’ve got that confidence that we can do it.

“We’ve just got to get the little things right, then we know we can make it all the way.”