WAFL: Round One Match Recap vs Perth

It may only be round one, but Subiaco is back on top of the WAFL competition after their 26-point win over Perth at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday, April 8. The Lions had to work themselves back into the game after being down at quarter-time. However, a five-goal second term got Subiaco back into the contest, ultimately setting up the win.

Max Walters showed his ability to find the goals, kicking two majors from 25 disposals while spending time in the midfield. Forward Ben Sokol was instrumental to the side’s win, kicking five goals which was his fourth bag against the Demons. Ruckman Zac Clarke showed he’s still up to the standard, dominating with 44 hit outs, 19 disposals, and five marks. Subiaco named six debutants for the clash, all of whom played their respective roles throughout the match.

Perth initially looked the better side. They looked to move the ball quickly, and were able to catch Subiaco off guard. A few ill-disciplined moments from the Lions led to the Demons scoring on multiple occasions in the first term. They led by 21 points towards the start of the second quarter, before the Lions put them through their paces. Suddenly it was Subiaco who were on the front foot, and taking the game to the home side.

Debutant Corey Hitchcock put through the Lions’ first of the quarter, before Sokol, Walters, and Michael Braut were able to convert to give the side five out of the next six goals. It meant Perth was one point ahead at the main break. The pace of the game slowed in the second half, with an element of fatigue settling in for both sides.

17-year-old Koltyn Tholstrup was able to kick truly for his first goal in League football, before Sokol kicked another to get the Lions ahead. With the game on the line in the last term, the first score loomed as the most important in terms of momentum in the game. It was Sokol again who held his nerve, putting through his fourth early, before sealing the match with his fifth. It was a strong defensive effort from the Lions, who kept Perth scoreless in the last term.

It was a win that celebrated defender Angus Dewar’s 100th game for Subiaco, who has been a mainstay in the side since he joined the club in 2017. The Lions will be looking to back up their efforts in round two against Leederville Oval co-tenants East Perth on Saturday, April 15.
 

SUBIACO 2.3 7.5 9.9 11.15 (81)

PERTH 5.5 7.6 8.7 8.7 (55)

Goals: Sokol 5, Braut 2, Walters 2, Tholstrup, Hitchcock.

Best: Walters, L Hickmott, Hitchcock, Dewar, Berenger.

Reserves and Colts Round One Recap

Reserves

Subiaco controlled the majority of their clash against Perth, and held strong when the Demons came back in the last quarter. The Lions started strongly through Robert Hansen, who scored the first of the match. It was the start of a four-goal run for the Lions, before Perth began the fightback in the second.

However, Subiaco were able to maintain control, setting the pace of the game to claim a 15-point win. The game marked the returns of Ryan Borchet and Jack Mayo, as they look to rebuild their fitness. Meanwhile, Wil Hickmott performed strongly as he looks at a return to the League side.

SUBIACO 5.1 7.7 9.11 11.16 (82)

PERTH 2.1 5.4 7.5 10.7 (67)

Goals: Hansen 3, Muavou 2, South 2, Alone, Borchet, J Faraone, E Hayden.

Best: W Hickmott, Cook, Stergiou, Hansen, Alone.

COLTS

The Colts attempted a comeback at Mineral Resources Park, but ultimately ran out of time, losing to Perth by 17 points. Subiaco were let down by a six-goal run from the Demons in the first quarter, and played catch up for the rest of the match. The lead got out to as much as 51 points in the third term, but to the Lions’ credit, they kept fighting.

They outscored Perth six goals to two in the last term, but weren’t able to secure the win. Xavier Hickey stood out, with 20 disposals and seven marks, while Malakai Champion showed plenty of spark from his 11 touches.

SUBIACO 2.0 3.3 5.6 10.8 (68)

PERTH 7.2 9.6 11.7 13.7 (85)

Goals: Kentfield 3, Bell 2, Champion, Henderson, MacRae, Mayfield, Reid.

Best: Hickey, Champion, Henderson, O’Dea, Dees.