Battigelli imploring team first football as Reserves eye Premiership glory

2022 has been a whirlwind for the Subiaco Football Club.

While the League side may have had an underwhelming season, the Reserves have relished in the idea of doing it tough.

It’s a mindset that has allowed them to overcome COVID, injuries, and finishing in fourth spot to book a place in Saturday’s Grand Final against West Perth.

Their coach Jamie Battigelli said it’s the one club mentality that has seen them defy the odds.

“They’ve played football together for a while now, and they’re playing football with their best mates,” he said.

“That drives our energy and the love and care they have for each other.

“That’s been our mantra: we’re doing it for each other and not for ourselves.”

It’s Battigelli’s second season with the club, with the seconds narrowly missing out on Premiership glory last season.

This year has been his first taking the reigns as head coach of the reserves.

A well versed leader through his experience in the amateurs, he said despite the challenges, it’s been an enjoyable season.

“We’ve done it the hard way, and I think this group has just persevered through,” Battigelli said.

“It was kind of like that last year, but this year it’s gone against us a little bit, and the boys have continually risen to the challenge.

“It’s one of the most fun years I’ve had, and it’s the most satisfaction I’ve received from coaching a group.”

He also thanked the efforts of his fellow coaches at the club, in particular senior coach Beau Wardman and Colts coach Chayce Creedy for their influence on the side.

“At the end of the day, it’s Beau’s program, and he deserves a lot of credit for where this group is as well,” Battigelli said.

“He’s been our bench coach throughout the finals series and has given me a lot of advice and been really helpful to me in my coaching journey.

“It’s been fantastic for us to have trained with the Colts over the finals, and really disappointing for Chayce and the group that they weren’t able to make it through because they really deserved it.

“A lot of the boys have come through the Colts system and I’ve been lucky enough to bear the fruits of it.”

The Reserves have had the do or die mentality in each game of the finals.

After blowout results in the Elimination and Semi Finals, the side was put to the test against Claremont in a low scoring affair.

It’s the determination of the playing group to stay in the contest that has seen them carry through, according to the coach.

“We were challenged throughout the game and it wasn’t going our way in the third term,” Battigelli said.

“The boys found a way to hang tough, and we said we weren’t going to die wondering in that last quarter.

“We showed that when we take the game on, we can score quickly and really move the ball well.”

Despite West Perth hosting this weekend’s decider, the game will be held at the Lions’ home ground of Leederville Oval.

Battigelli said the sense of familiarity both on and off the field would be helpful for his side.

“How can you not feel comfortable walking into the biggest game of the year in your own rooms, with your own lockers and the familiar view,” he said.

“I think it’s a small but good advantage to have.”

The Falcons finished top of the ladder in all grades, with each competing for their respective flags on the weekend.

Subiaco’s Reserves coach said there was a healthy respect for their opposition, which was the focus for his team’s preparations.

“They’ve been the benchmark across the competition, and they’re going to be very strong,” he said.

“We’re expecting this game to go down to the wire.

“The encouragement is to take the game on and really enjoy and embrace the occasion, and not die wondering.”