Lions win Grand Final thriller to become Reserves Premiers

Subiaco are champions of the WAFL Reserves competition after a thrilling six-point win over West Perth in the Grand Final at Leederville Oval on Saturday October 1.

With the scores level at three quarter time, both sides did everything they could to get on top in the contest.

The lead changed six times during the final term, with Jordan Faraone kicking a goal on the run to give the Lions momentum.

It was halted by Falcon Rudy Riddoch, who kicked a goal of his own to put his team back in front.

With the game on the line with five minutes to go, Jake South held his nerve and kicked truly with a 50m set shot from the boundary to see the Lions home.

Lachlan Vanirsen was a deserving Merv McIntosh Medallist for best on ground, with 27 disposals and eight tackles.

Meanwhile, Noah Ash was handy with ball in hand with 18 disposals and six inside 50s, and defenders Jake Stergiou and Jaxon McGowan were strong drivers from the back half.

It’s the Reserves’ 16th Premiership in the club’s history, and the first since 2018.

Their triumph from fourth on the ladder is just the third time across all grades in the known WAFL history a team has come from the Elimination Final to win the flag.

After a nervy start from both sides, Subiaco were the first to settle, as Filimone Muavou centred the ball inside 50, with Kody Eaton taking a strong mark.

He kicked truly to give the Lions the perfect start, before West Perth began to rally. 

Subiaco’s defence however stood up, preventing any scores despite constant pressure.

Soon after it was Jaimon Alone who intercepted and launched from outside 50 to kick the second for the Lions.

Jake South followed suit, and another major to Eaton gave the Lions a 24-point lead at quarter time.

However, the Falcons’ willingness to get back into the contest was evident, as forward Mitch Antonio kicked three of his side's next five goals to get themselves back into it.

Ben Golding was able to convert to stop the bleeding, but it meant West Perth held a one-point lead at half time.

It was a physical match, with members of both teams succumbing to injuries.

With West Perth kicking a goal early, the Lions fought hard to stay alive in the match.

While Subiaco had the play at times during the contest, the Falcons were up to the challenge.

It wasn’t until the final play of the third term the Lions had their best chance, as Muavou marked inside 50.

With the pressure on, he held his nerve and converted to even the scores at three quarter time.

The final quarter had everything, with plenty of big contests and moments.

But none was larger than South, who kicked the goal to give the Lions a special victory.

WEST PERTH    0.0    5.2    6.4    7.6    (48)
SUBIACO        4.0    5.1    6.4    8.6    (54)

Goals: Eaton, South 2; Alone, Faraone, Golding, Muavou.
Best: Vanirsen, Ash, Stergiou, McGowan, South, Eaton.