Reserves charge to second consecutive Grand Final

Subiaco are through to the 2022 WAFL Reserves Grand Final following a 39-point win over Claremont in the Preliminary Final.

It was a tight battle all game, but the Lions proved too strong as they kicked away in the final term.

Subiaco kicked seven second half goals and kept the Tigers to just one, which got them over the line to book their spot against West Perth in the decider.

Lachie Vanirsen stood out in the midfield with 18 touches, while Noah Ash worked hard on the wing and gathered 20 disposals.

Corey Robinson kicked three goals, while Corey Bellouard shut down Claremont’s Zac Mainwaring, keeping him to just four touches.

It didn’t take long for the Lions to get on top in the match.

A 50-metre penalty gave Robinson a look in front of goal, and he made no mistake to give Subiaco the perfect start.

Claremont’s pressure kicked up from there, with Patrick Kitchener kicking truly to give his side a spark.

Soon after it was Robinson involved again, kicking his second to put the Lions ahead.

The pressure was immense, with each team having dominant periods.

Kody Eaton roved his own ruck tap inside 50 to kick a goal, giving the side a 14-point lead at quarter time.

The Tigers evened the contest in the second, but Subiaco were still ahead on the scoreboard.

Claremont’s Coen Jackman got the ball rolling for his side, before a nice finish from Noah Ash in front of goal gave the momentum back to the Lions.

Tensions were high, with players from both sides doing all they could to get ahead.

After a stalemate for the majority of the term, the Tigers got a late goal from Zac Mainwaring, with Subiaco leading by six points at the main break.

There was heavy congestion in the third term, which led to multiple repeat stoppages.

At times, the ball was locked in one part of the ground, with neither team able to get it clear.

Claremont kicked the first of the term, before Subiaco hit back with two of their own to lead by 11 points.

However, the Lions turned it on in the last term and burst away to storm into the Grand Final.

CLAREMONT        1.0    3.5    4.7    4.9    (33)
SUBIACO        3.2    4.5    6.6    11.6    (72)

Goals: Robinson 3; Paparone 2; Ash, A Clinch, Eaton, Faraone, Patterson, Vanirsen.
Best: McGowan, Ash, Bellouard, Robinson, Vanirsen, Morgan.