Subiaco shock Royals in grand final

Subiaco have bucked the odds to beat raging premiership favourites East Perth by 16 points in the WAFL grand final at Patersons Stadium today.

It was the Royals second consecutive grand final loss, beaten by West Perth in last season's decider, while the Lions rose from eighth on the ladder to claim the flag.

A rampant midfield brigade, led by Jason Bristow, helped guide the Lions to an unlikely 11.16 (82) to 9.12 (66) victory.

Bristow, who claimed the Simpson Medal as the best player on the ground, finished with 23 possessions, five tackles, four inside 50s and a goal.

Subiaco captain Kyal Horsley also worked tirelessly though the middle of the ground with support from Chris Phelan, who capped off his outstanding work with two goals.

The Lions defence, led by Wayde Twomey, Scott Worthington, Darren Leishman and veteran Darren Rumble, were in miserly form.

Rumble notched a fifth league premiership, the first player for Subiaco to achieve the feat, adding today’s medal to two reserves flags and two losing grand finals.

The 30-year-old restricted Josh Smith to two goals and marshalled the backline with aplomb.

Royals key defender Blayne Wilson battled hard all day along with fellow defender Jacob Brennan, co-captain Brendan Lee and Dean Cadwallader.

Subiaco after their WAFL premiership triumph. Pic: Sharon Smith/WA News

East Perth key forward Fraser McInnes should have had the first goal of the match but kicked the ball into the man on the mark at the four minute marks of the opening quarter.

Teammate Pat McGinnity kicked the Royals’ first four minutes later, Subiaco booting four points before Josh Deluca snapped accurately at the 18-minute mark after gathering in the ball from a ruck contest.

McInnes kicked East Perth’s second in the dying minutes of the first stanza to give the raging favourites a slender one-point lead at the first change.

The Lions got on top in the second term, with goals to Hampson, Chris Deluca and Chris Phelan giving them an unlikely 11-point advantage at the 22-minute mark.

Josh Smith slotted a left-foot snap at the 28-minute mark to get East Perth within four points at the long break.

Subiaco opened up the match in the third term, outscoring the Royals by six goals to two.

Turning for home 28 points clear, Subiaco’s George Hampson kicked the first goal of the last quarter at the nine-minute mark to seal victory.

Simpson Medal winner Bristow. Pic: Sharon Smith/WA News

West Perth and Swan Districts were winners in the minor grade grand finals.

The Falcons beat the Lions 5.9 (39) to 3.7 (25) in the reserves with Swan Districts outpointing Claremont 11.9 (75) to 7.13 (55) in the colts season decider.

West Perth kicked the last three goals of the match to edge out Subiaco, with Shaun Marusic winning the Merv McIntosh Medal for best player on the ground.

Victorian recruit Marusic had 18 possessions, five marks, six tackles, 14 hit-outs, seven clearances, five inside 50s and kicked a goal in a tremendous all-round effort.

Teammate Aidan Lynch was also busy with 27 disposals, eight tackles, seven clearances, three inside 50s and a goal.

Minor premiers Swan Districts proved too good in the colts, holding the Tigers scoreless in the final quarter.

Swans’ Jason Daniels was awarded the Mel Whinnen medal for best afield.

Daniels had 25 possessions for the winners with Alec Waterman did well for the Tigers with 22 disposals, seven tackles and five inside 50s.

Kyal Horsley celebrates a Subi goal. Pic: Sharon Smith/WA News

SCOREBOARD

SIMPSON MEDAL VOTING

TONY MICALE (91.3 SPORT FM)

5. Kyal Horsley (S)
4. Jason Bristow (S)
3. Chris Phelan (S)
2. Kyle Anderson (EP)

1. Daniel Leishman (S)

SHAYNE HOPE (THE WEST)

5. Jason Bristow (S)
4. Kyal Horsley (S)
3. Chris Phelan (S)
2. George Hampson (S)

1. Wayde Twomey (S)

UMPIRES

5. Jason Bristow (S)
4. Kyal Horsley (S)
3. Chris Phelan (S)
2. Brendan Lee (EP)
1. Daniel Leishman (S)