WAFL: Lions ready to roar in season 2023

Subiaco is looking to get back on top of the WAFL competition as we inch closer to round one.

A variety of off-season moves have been made in order to facilitate this goal.

From staffing changes to list management, the Lions have searched far and wide to get the best support for the upcoming season.

Subiaco has brought in high level recruits, some of whom may be familiar to Lions’ fans.

Former AFL-listed ruckman Zac Clarke returns to the club to bolster Subiaco’s ruck stocks.

Football operations general manager Kristian Dicton said his recruitment filled an off-season need for the club.

“With the retirement of Lachlan Delahunty, we were in the market for a ruckman,” he said.

“We wanted a senior ruckman who could fast track some of our younger rucks which we’ve landed.

“He’s been a coup for the club, and we’re excited about what Zac has brought to the table so far.”

Kyron Hayden and Taj Schofield have all returned to Leederville Oval after spending time on AFL lists, and will take part in season 2023.

Dicton said it was pleasing to see both men come back to the club after spending a number of years away.

“The club loves our local products and we wish them all the best when they get to the AFL, but it’s always nice when they return,” he said.

“Kyron will add more depth and is a big bodied midfielder to replace the likes of Harry Marsh and Greg Clark.

“Taj was more to complement our outside run and ball use, he was kicking at about 80 per cent in the SANFL.

“We feel like we’ve fulfilled the needs that we were looking for.”

As well as looking at the highest level, the club has also looked interstate, regionally, and within its own ranks to find players who could have an impact.

Key defender Henry Berenger comes to the club from Frankston YCW in Victoria, while emerging ruck Jacob Wagenknecht joins from Esperance.

Meanwhile, Subiaco colt Koltyn Tholstrup could have an impact for the senior side this year after impressing as part of the club’s transition program.

For months, the team has been preparing under a new strength and conditioning team, Athlete Alliance.

The group is run by former S&C coach Daniel Hiscock, and heading the on-field training is Matt Lester.

Dicton said the program has been well received.

“Up until Christmas and beyond, it’s looked really good,” he said.

“It’s a fresh approach, and the boys seem up and about, and very fit.

“It’s been a changing of the guard, but we’re happy so far with what they’ve brought to the table.”

Meanwhile, the team has had some staffing changes.

Chayce Creedy has joined the senior coaching staff having been the head coach of the Colts program for a number of seasons.

Joining him is former Docker Kara Antonio, who comes on as the forwards coach.

Overall, it’s a recipe that has all the makings of success, according to Dicton.

“It’s been a long off-season and we’re keen to get into round one,” he said.

“I think we’ll bounce back pretty quickly.”