Colts bow out of season 2022 after Preliminary Final thriller

Subiaco have fallen 10-points short of victory in the Preliminary Final, putting an end to their remarkable 2022 campaign.

The side fought tooth and nail at New Choice Homes Park on Sunday September 25, but the Thunder were too strong on the day.

Just three points separated the two sides at three quarter time, with the Lions ahead.

With the intensity high, the Thunder made the most of their opportunities kicking three goals to get themselves on top.

Subiaco kept coming, but Peel’s ability to turn defence into attack allowed them to catch the Lions out on transition.

The Lions’ effort can not be questioned, with the side giving their all to try and force a Grand Final berth.

Ky Franceschini was the best for the Lions, with 26 disposals and five inside 50s in an effort to will his side over the line.

Meanwhile, Luker Kentfield had a strong presence up forward, while Rory Murison kept the pressure on in the midfield.

The Lions were without important players Koltyn Tholstrup and Tyrell Dewar, with the latter a late out.

It paved the way for Future’s product Thomas Macgillivray to make his Colts debut on the big occasion.

Subiaco started strongly, with Franceschini leading the way by bursting through for multiple clearances.

After some back and forth, it was Kentfield who stood tall up forward, taking a strong pack mark.

He kicked truly for the Lions’ first, before Richard Bartlett got in on the action with a goal of his own.

Subiaco’s precision kicking was on show, as they looked to pick apart the defensive set up of Peel.

However, the Thunder got on the board through a disposal error from the Lions, with Corey Tregenza-Cashell capitalising.

Tyzreise Clark hit back with a goal after bursting through a pack, but the Thunder scored late to bring the margin back to five points.

The second term belonged to the Thunder, who looked more settled after quarter time.

The Lions maintained their intensity, but Peel found ways to get to goal.

With a settler needed for Subiaco, Robert Hansen Jr stepped up, kicking truly to stop the bleeding, with the side 10 points down at half time.

Tensions were high in the second half, but the Lions were first to put their authority on the contest.

In a perfect start to the term, Tyler Senge laid a strong tackle and was awarded a free kick, nailing the goal within the first minute.

Subiaco looked on top when Hansen found Riley Mayfield in space, but the Thunder wouldn’t give in.

They kicked a pair of goals to get the lead back, but it did little to deter the Lions.

Franceschini kicked a goal on the run, before Clark kicked truly for his second to give the Lions a three-point lead at three quarter time. 

With the game on the line in the last term, Peel Thunder got their noses in front with Tregenza-Cashell kicking his fifth.

Peel proved too strong in the end, with a Richard Bartlett goal a late consolation prize.

PEEL THUNDER    2.4    5.8    7.8    10.9    (69)
SUBIACO        3.3    4.4    8.5    9.5    (59)

Goals: Bartlett, Clark 2; Franceschini, Hansen Jr, Kentfield, Mayfield, Senge.
Best: Franceschini, Murison, Burton, Wright, Kentfield, Senge.