WAFL: Subiaco surges to top of the ladder

Subiaco has made it four wins in a row, after defeating reigning Premiers West Perth by 55 points at Leederville Oval.

The Lions took the lead in the 12th minute of the game, and didn’t look back as they put on a relentless six goal to one first term.

It was the base for a comprehensive display from Subiaco, who never lost control of the contest.

The win helped them to the top of the WAFL ladder after 10 rounds of football, heading into the bye.

It was the perfect way to celebrate veteran Max Walters’ 100th game.

Aaron Heal played an important role in defence, helping nullify the influence of Mitch Dobson.

Meanwhile, forward Ryan Borchet showed workrate, pushing down the ground to get involved while kicking two goals.

West Perth was the first team to strike, with Tyler Keitel kicking the first goal of the match.

However, the Lions were quick to respond, as Borchet and Alone kicked back to back goals to get their side ahead.

It started a seven-goal run for Subiaco, putting the Falcons on the back foot.

No matter how much offence West Perth could put on, the Lions had the numbers to maintain control of the football.

Part of the story was Zac Clarke, who continued his strong season with 45 hit outs, giving the midfielders first use. 

This, combined with Rylie Morgan having the tagging role on Shane Nelson, meant Subiaco was able to control the ball from the source.

While the Falcons mounted pressure in the second term, it was all Subiaco in the third.

The Lions kicked the first three goals of the second half, within the first five minutes.

It was six goals to two in the third quarter, with Taj Schofield being the 11th goal scorer for the Lions on the day.

With the lead firmly in the favour of the Lions, the last quarter was merely a formality, with Subiaco moving to top spot on the ladder in the process.

 

SUBIACO 6.5 9.9 15.9 17.11 (113)

WEST PERTH 1.2 3.6 5.8 8.10 (58)

 

Goals: Sokol 5, Borchet 2, J Faraone 2, Kitchin, Schofield, Giro, Walters, Clarke, Morgan, Alone, Golding.

Best: Heal, Borchet, W Hickmott, Sokol, Schofield, Clarke.

 

RESERVES

A fast start from West Perth has seen the Falcons defeat Subiaco by 13 points at Leederville Oval.

The Lions were kept goalless for the first half, while the Falcons kicked five of their own to lead by 36 points at the half.

However, the Lions flipped the script, keeping West Perth to 1.5 for the rest of the game.

On the other hand, the Lions managed five goals, but it wasn’t enough to pull back the margin.

Lachlan Vanirsen made his return from injury, and had an influence with 27 disposals and an impressive 18 tackles.

 

SUBIACO 0.0 0.1 3.3 5.5 (35)

WEST PERTH 3.3 5.7 6.12 6.12 (48)

 

Goals: Stergiou, Matthews, C Henderson, Wagenknecht, Nevill.

Best: Vanirsen, Berenger, Murison, L Henderson.

 

COLTS

The bye hasn’t slowed down the Colts, whose win against West Perth made it six in a row.

Despite giving up the first goal, the Lions stamped their authority on the contest early with Hayden Windsor kicking truly.

The Lions kicked two more before the Falcons could counter, but kicked five behinds in that time to keep the door ajar.

However, Subiaco kicked away late, to win by 37 points.

Riley Crane was influential, with 19 disposals and 11 tackles, and Domenic Crupi played his role in the backline to be amongst the best on the day.

 

SUBIACO 2.2 3.9 4.11 8.11 (59)

WEST PERTH 1.0 2.1 3.1 3.4 (22)

 

Goals: Windsor 2, Emes 2, Senge, Wills, Champion, Henderson.

Best: Crane, Crupi, Wills, Burton, Champion.