SUBIACO TOO GOOD

DESPITE the best efforts of West Perth, Subiaco proved too good in the 2015 WAFL Grand Final at Domain Stadium on Sunday. It was a tight contest until midway through the second term when scores were tied but from here it was all the Lions as their midfield took control and gave their forwards ample opportunities to kick a winning score.

Aidan Lynch kicked the first score of the grand final, a behind, after five minutes. The first two goals of the game went to the Lions and they were scored by Matt Boland and Shane Yarran. They went on to kick 12 goals between them and the Falcons defence had no answer to them. The first West Perth goal went to the leading goal scorer, Michael Lourey, who finished from 40 metres out on the boundary. When Andrew Strijk received a free for a great tackle 40 out and kicked the first of his two the Falcons had grabbed a two-point lead. This was short-lived as Boland kicked his second but at the 25-minute mark Marcus Adams kicked a ripper from the boundary after receiving a handball. This gave West Perth back the lead but the Lions finished with three behinds to take a one-point lead into the first change. It was an even quarter of football and West Perth were right in the game. Scores were 3.4 (22) to 3.3 (21).

It was more of the same for the first half of the second quarter. Subiaco scored the first before a great tackle and pass by Rohan Kerr enabled Strijk to kick his second. Shortly after a point to Aaron Black tied scores up before Sam Menegola replied for the reigning premiers. At the 16-minute mark Steve Potente slotted one for the Falcons to tie things up again but from here the game spun out of the Falcons control. In the next 16 minutes the Lions kicked five goals three to take control of the game. Their precise ball use gave their forwards every opportunity to capitalise and they did. West Perth were in big trouble trailing 10.7 (67) to 5.4 (34) at the main change.

The Falcons managed to reduce the margin at the seven-minute mark courtesy of the first of two goals to Laine Rasmussen. This reduced the margin to 26 points but over the next 10 minutes Subiaco well and truly put the game to bed as they extended their lead to 42 points. There was a moment of respite when Lynch scored but once again Subiaco took control and at the final chance the 2015 flag was in the bag as they led by 59 points; 17.8 (110) to 7.9 (51).

West Perth were outscored four goals to three in a final quarter that both teams played for the siren with the game a done deal. The Falcons goal scorers were Rasmussen, Drew Rohde and Black. The young West Perth side didn’t give it away but they struggled against a very polished side. At the final siren Subiaco had prevailed 21.10 (136) to 10.10 (70).

It was a tribute to all involved at West Perth that the side made the grand final and the result should not take away from this achievement. The club has a bright future and a lot to look forward to. It was great to see so many people head back to the Italian Club to acknowledge the playing group for the great deal of pleasure that they have provided this year. Players to receive awards included Shane Nelson, Andrew Strijk, Steve Potente, Steven Browne and Jay van Berlo who led from the front all day. The famous West Perth passion was evidenced by the fact that up to 60 former players and coaches organised a personal box for the day to get together and support the Falcons. The group included Darren Harris, Clayton Lasscock, Corey Johnson, Brent LeCras, John Dimmer, Dan Hunt and Geoff Valentine just to name a few. They came back to the Italian Club to support the team and this type of unity amongst former players underlines why we all love the red and blue. See you next year.

BY DARRELL KENT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BELINDA TAYLOR