Lions lift for Strack in the heat of battle
One of the many driving forces behind Subiaco's surprise premiership triumph wasn't wearing a Lions jumper on Sunday, nor was he in the coaches' box.
But Barry Strack's outstanding contribution to the club won't be forgotten.
The long-serving club property manager started life at Subiaco as colts manager in 1983 in an extension of the strong family links to the club where his father, Lloyd Strack, played either side of World War II. Both are life members of Subiaco.
Barry Strack was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2009 and secondary lung cancer the following year, but continued his duties at Subiaco until telling the players during grand final week he would finish up at the end of the season.
Veteran defender and five-times premiership player Darren Rumble said Strack had been an inspiration to the players, who were reminded of his contribution by coach Jarrad Schofield during the three-quarter time break against East Perth.
"Everyone just put in for him because he's such a legend, everyone loves him," Rumble said.
"He's part and parcel of the club and to see him retire is a bit of a shame because it won't feel the same without him.
"I'm just so glad that we could send him out on a good note."
Subiaco snared their 12th premiership with a 16-point win over East Perth and Rumble became the first Lions player to claim five premiership medals.
Rumble, who played in the hat-trick from 2006 to 2008, likened Sunday's win to his first in 2004.
"The first one was pretty special but this was a completely new group with heaps of new players and we probably weren't expected to win it," Rumble said.
"I definitely rate this as high as the first one.
"I'm just proud of all the boys. Not just the blokes that played, but all the guys that put in this year. It's just a great feeling."
Rumble, who turned 30 on Saturday, has had a remarkable 211-game career since making his league debut in 2003.
He has enjoyed playing in a revamped back line with the likes of Daniel Leishman, Charles Le Fanu and Scott Worthington, who all performed well in the grand final, and has decided to extend his career next season.
"I feel like I'm travelling OK at the moment, so why not," Rumble said. "Someone said to me when we had our (2004 premiership) reunion the other week that I had to have a go when I'm in my 30s.
"The body's feeling good and I don't think I'm battling too much."
- East Perth's West Coast-listed utility player Patrick McGinnity is likely to require surgery to fix a finger he broke in the grand final.
