Sierakowski reflects on 50 years of Lions’ success

The Subiaco Football Club will commemorate a special milestone in its history this weekend at the club’s Gala Night on Saturday March 11.

Members, staff, and former players will gather and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1973 WANFL Premiership.

In the match, Subiaco went head-to-head against West Perth, where just one point separated the two sides at half time.

However, the Lions were inspired in the second half, kicking away to a 32-point win in front of 47 thousand people at Subiaco Oval.

Premiership player Brian Sierakowski said the result was an enormous achievement for the club.

“We played West Perth four times that year, and in three of them we were beaten well and truly,” he said.

“Other players will tell you it was the sounding board which gave them the inspiration to continue winning more flags for Subiaco.”

Sierakowski’s journey to a state premiership in WA came to fruition thanks to a practice match.

Having been a part of St Kilda’s only VFL flag in 1966, a pre-season clash between the Saints and Lions in 1967 saw the side come to Subiaco Oval.

A function was held that evening at Perry Lakes Stadium, where the then-22-year-old met his wife-to-be.

A couple of years later, he moved his life to WA and began his career at Subiaco.

The 1973 flag in many ways marked an important change for the club going forward.

Subiaco prior to their win that season had gone 49 years without premiership glory.

Sierakowski believed a change of leadership has led to the club’s sustained success, particularly when Kevin Merifield took over as President.

“Ever since that time, the club has become very successful because we were able to get some wonderful people on the board,” he said.

“They all complemented one another and we had very few elections.

“The leadership of the club was fundamental to where we are today.”

Since the 1973 flag, the Lions have been synonymous with success.

Subiaco has played in 29 Finals campaigns in that time and competed in 20 Grand Finals, which resulted in 11 Premierships.

Sierwakowski has been involved with the club for over that time in one capacity or another.

From a player, to Vice-President, to the chair of the events committee, or even just as a supporter, he’s always wanted to be involved at the Lions.

His efforts were acknowledged with life membership in 1988, and as a Subiaco diehard in 2005.

However, despite winning a best and fairest in 1972, and a premiership with St Kilda in 1966, Sierakowski said the flag with Subiaco in 1973 could be his most prestigious achievement.

“It was wonderful because it was the twilight of my career and I was virtually ending my playing days having played in the Premiership for Subiaco, the first in 49 years,” he said.

“It means a lot to me, possibly even more than the ‘66 Grand Final because I was only really a kid when that occurred.

“I was 28 when the ‘73 Premiership occurred, so I was right at the finish of my career.”

The premiership player said he’s looking forward to the event, to celebrate the success of the club over a number of years.

Some West Perth players from the game will be in attendance, showing some things in life are bigger than football.

“It’s not to acknowledge just the ‘73 Premiership side, but also to acknowledge our success over the past 50 years,” Sierakowski said.

“For the opposition to come along and celebrate the occasion, it’s a wonderful thing.

“Of course, we’re going to take the mickey out of them, some of those guys still think they won the flag.

“We’ll let them know that wasn’t the case.”