WAFL: Subiaco’s rise continues with win over Peel

Subiaco has knocked off an in from Peel Thunder to send a message to the rest of the WAFL competition. In the wet at Lane Group Stadium, the Lions weathered the storm to win by six points on Sunday June 4.

Despite constant pressure from a Thunder outfit that had 14 AFL-listed players, Subiaco was able to better it, capitalising off 14 more inside 50s.

The 8.14 (62) to 8.8 (56) win means Subiaco moves to third on the ladder, equal on points with first-placed Claremont and the second-placed Thunder. Young gun Ben Golding had a big impact, with seven tackles, four inside 50s and a goal from his 17 possessions.

Meanwhile, ruck Zac Clarke continues to step up in the big games, with 18 disposals and 35 hit outs.

Subiaco looked strong from the opening siren, with multiple inside 50s early. Ben Golding was able to find Ben Sokol up forward, who made no mistake to kick the Lions’ first for the day.

The opportunities continued for Subiaco, but they weren’t able to capitalise with major scores.

This kept the door open for the Thunder to stay in the contest, which they did by scoring at the other end.

Sokol was in the action again late in the quarter, nailing his second goal to give the Lions a nine-point lead at quarter time.

With the rain pouring, both teams found it difficult to hit the scoreboard.

However, Peel managed back to back majors, getting the lead in the process. There were plenty of stoppages, and the strong wind was against the Lions in the second term.

It didn’t stop Jaimon Alone from hitting the scoreboard, who kicked from beyond the 50 metre arc and got the right bounce to steal the lead back.

Josh Robbins got the side off to the perfect start after half time, nailing the set shot from a tight angle. The Lions had their chances to build on their lead, but accuracy in front of goal on the day let them down at times.

Peel continued to press, and as a result kicked three goals in a row to snatch the lead back.

Stef Giro, in his 50th WAFL game, was the first to respond, kicking a goal in traffic to level the score.

Wil Hickmott made no mistake soon after, putting through a major to give his side the lead.

The Lions had well and truly caught fire when Golding marked inside 50, and goaled after the siren to give his side a 12-point lead at three-quarter time.

It was highly contested and competitive in the last term, with neither side willing to accept a loss.

Sam Sturt converted for Peel, bringing the margin back to six points.The Thunder continued to bring the intensity, but the Lions were able to match them.

Ryan Borchet took a late mark and converted, sealing victory for Subiaco.

SUBIACO 2.6 3.7 7.13 8.14 (62)

PEEL THUNDER 1.3 3.6 6.7 8.8 (56)

Goals: Sokol 2, Giro, Borchet, W Hickmott, Robbins, Alone, Golding.

Best: Golding, Clarke, L Hickmott, Dewar, Alone.
 

RESERVES

Subiaco returned to their winning ways, taking down Peel by eight points. The Lions started the game on fire, kicking the first three goals of the match.

With a significant breeze favouring on end, the Lions kept Peel to two goals in the second term, while Jordan Faraone was able to kick one going the other way.

Subiaco led by as much as 27 points midway through the third term. Peel attempted to claw their way back, but the Lions held strong for the win.

Leigh Kitchin looked ready for a League return, with 27 disposals and eight inside 50s in a best on ground display.

SUBIACO 3.2 4.3 7.5 7.6 (48)

PEEL THUNDER 0.1 2.6 3.7 5.10 (40)

Goals: J Faraone 2, Farmer, Franceschini, C Henderson, Bellouard, Muavou.

Best: Kitchin, Heal, Morris, C Faraone, Stergiou.

COLTS

Subiaco remain in touch with the top teams in the Colts, following their win over Peel. 

Peel were the ones to get the early jump on the Lions, kicking the first two goals.

However, the Lions were able to come back, before exploding in the second term. The side kicked six goals to one before half time, setting up the result.

Riley Wills continues to impress, with 30 disposals and four tackles to go with two goals.

Meanwhile, Hayden Windsor thrived in front of the big sticks, with three goals.

SUBIACO 2.2 8.5 10.8 13.13 (91)

PEEL THUNDER 2.2 3.2 8.7 9.8 (62)

Goals: Windsor 3, Wills 2, Champion 2, Senge, Woodley, Mayfield, Walsh, Mibus, Rowell.

Best: Wills, Windsor, Barbieri, Crupi, Burke.