WAFL: Lions fall short in Bassendean thriller

 

Subiaco has suffered the heartbreak of a two-point loss to Swan Districts at Bassendean Oval on Sunday July 18.

Despite the Swans controlling the majority of the game, the Lions got things going late, hitting the lead at the 20-minute mark of the last quarter.

With it all to play for, the Swans landed a double blow.

Although Subiaco got one back, it was too late with the side going down 11.5 (71) to 10.9 (69).

While it wasn’t the result the side was after, Aaron Heal celebrated his 150th game for the Lions, while Wil Hickmott raised the bat, notching his 50th match.

Taj Schofield threatened to change the game at times, kicking two late goals and gathering 23 disposals.

Meanwhile, in his first League match for the year, Lachlan Henderson performed strongly in defence to keep his side in it.

The results of round 14 has the Lions sitting in fifth, one game behind third and fourth, but two games inside the five.

While the Lions started off strong, they weren’t able to convert on the scoreboard.

The side dominated the inside 50s, but the Swans’ backline was up to the challenge.

They kicked the first two goals of the game, before a free kick saw Ben Sokol kick Subiaco’s first goal of the day.

But for every offence the Lions made, Swan Districts rose to the challenge.

The Swans’ lead grew to as much as 22 points in the third term, but a change of fortune had the Lions back in it.

Koltyn Tholstrup received a 50 metre penalty in his favour, giving him a set shot directly in front which he converted.

Soon after, he was in the action again, smothering a kick out and snapping through a brilliant goal.

When Leigh Kitchin put through a goal of his own shortly after, the momentum was with the Lions and the margin down to three points.

The last term saw the Swans extend their lead, before a huge effort from Kyle Stainsby brought the Subiaco faithful to their feet.

Jordan Faraone and Taj Schofield both kicked goals shortly after, to get the Lions back the lead.

However, the Swans were able to keep their cool on their home deck, kicking multiple goals to get the four points.

 

SUBIACO 1.3 3.6 6.8 10.9 (69)

SWAN DISTRICTS 2.2 5.4 7.5 11.5 (71)

 

Goals: Schofield 2, Tholstrup 2, J Faraone 2, Kitchin, Stainsby, Sokol, Golding.

Best: Schofield, L Henderson, Tholstrup, Clarke.

 

RESERVES

It was a nailbiter in the reserves, but Swan Districts took a five-point win over the Lions.

Subiaco got off to a strong start, as Fil Muavou kicked the first goal.

The lead was as high as 23 points, but the Swans refused to back down.

The Lions held the lead to begin the fourth quarter, but four goals in a row saw Swan Districts take the win.

Corey Robinson led from the front, with 27 disposals, nine inside 50s and eight tackles.

 

SUBIACO 3.3 4.7 5.10 6.13 (49)

SWAN DISTRICTS 1.0 3.1 4.3 8.6 (54)

 

Goals: Hitchcock 2, Muavou 2, Robbins, Cook.

Best: Robinson, Eaton, Cook, Snadden, Stergiou.

 

COLTS

Subiaco got on top in the early game, winning by 30 points against Swan Districts.

Lance Collard got the side off to a good start early, kicking the first goal.

However, it was an even first term, before the Lions got going in the second half.

Subiaco capitalised on momentum shifts, kicking multiple goals in quick succession.

Their efforts were enough to get the win away from home.

Collard finished with five goals to be among the best on the day, while Hayden Windsor attacked the contest hard in the ruck, with 17 hitouts and 11 tackles.

 

SUBIACO 2.1 6.4 11.4 15.5 (95)

SWAN DISTRICTS 2.2 3.2 7.3 10.5 (65)

 

Goals: Collard 5, Kentfield 3, Mayfield 2, MacRae, Wills, Sarre, Drewett, Brooks.

Best: Collard, Windsor, O’Keefe, Walsh, Kelman, Dees.