WAFL: Subiaco knocks off reigning premiers

Subiaco have shown their form is no fluke, having defeated the two grand finalists from last year in back-to-back rounds. After a strong win over Claremont last week, the Lions took down the 2022 WAFL Premiers West Perth, winning 9.12 (66) to 6.9 (55). 

In a low scoring affair, Subiaco took ascendancy in the second quarter, and refused to give it up for the rest of the game. The side’s ability to defend across the whole ground was a feature, with intercepts occurring on both ends of the field.

Robert Hansen Jr continues to improve at League level, with six inside 50s and five marks from his 11 disposals. Meanwhile, Michael Braut showed he’s equally as influential down back as he is up forward, having constant presence with 13 disposals and a goal.

The win moves the Lions back into the top five, as they look to continue their rise in 2023.

Neither Subiaco nor West Perth found scoring easy in the first quarter. After plenty of back and forth play, Taj Schofield kicked truly for the first goal of the match.

However, the Falcons responded with two goals to have the lead at quarter time.

The second term saw the Lions get themselves into the match. While keeping West Perth to just two points, the Lions scored through Ben Sokol and Ryan Borchet to assert their authority on the game. In his second game, 17-year-old Luker Kentfield kicked his first goal to give Subiaco the first of the third quarter. The Falcons continued to try to force their way inside 50, but the Lions back six was well disciplined, and refused to give their opposition back-to-back scores.

However, a late goal from Conal Lynch saw West Perth grab the momentum, with Subiaco ahead by 13 points at three quarter time. With the game on the line in the last, it was Borchet who was in the action again, kicking truly for his second goal, which all but sealed the result for the Lions.

The win has the Lions in good stead, ahead of their battle with South Fremantle at Leederville Oval on Saturday May 6.

SUBIACO 1.4 4.8 8.8 9.12 (66)

WEST PERTH 2.3 2.5 6.7 6.9 (45)

Goals: Borchet 2, Sokol 2, Schofield, Robbins, Clarke, Braut, Kentfield.

Best: Dewar, Clarke, Golding, Braut, Hansen Jr.

Reserves and Colts Round Four Recap

RESERVES

Subiaco were able to grind out a 12-point win over West Perth, neither side getting more than two straight kicks away from the other for the majority of the match. The Falcons kicked the first, but Noah Ash got things going for the Lions when he kicked his side’s first goal for the day. The sides continued to trade goals, with each team looking to take advantage of the breeze.

In the last quarter, Subiaco turned on the afterburners, which Jordan Faraone kicking a goal to give the side some breathing room. From there, Jack Mayo put the nail in the coffin, sealing the win with his third goal.

Lachlan Henderson played a vital role in the backline, while Jordan Snadden looked back to his best following his return

SUBIACO 2.5 6.5 6.8 8.10 (58)

WEST PERTH 2.2 5.2 7.3 7.4 (46)

Goals: Mayo 3, J Faraone 2, Ash, Farmer, Gouge.

Best: Henderson, Mayo, Patterson, I Clinch, Ash.

COLTS

Subiaco bounced back to form, taking a strong 74-point win over the Falcons. The Lions kicked four goals in a row to end the first quarter, leaving West Perth plenty to do to get back in the contest.

For every goal the Falcons scored, it appeared Subiaco would get two back, such was their dominance on the day. Lance Collard was impressive with six goals to his name from 17 disposals. Meanwhile, Riley Wills found plenty of the football, with 32 touches and 10 inside 50s.

SUBIACO 5.1 11.2 15.6 18.9 (117)

WEST PERTH 1.0 3.3 4.6 6.7 (43)

Goals: Collard 6, Steinmann 3, Champion 2, Walsh 2, Barbieri, Henderson, Reid, Senge, Wills.

Best: Collard, MacRae, Cordier, Wills, Senge.