Impressive Lions too strong for Sharks
Defending WAFL premier Subiaco served notice they will be a force to be reckoned with in 2015 with a convincing 47-point win against East Fremantle at ATOM Stadium today.
The Lions overpowered the Sharks in the second half, running away for a comfortable 17.12 (114) to 9.13 (67) victory.
Inspirational captain Kyal Horsley led the way for the winners, dominating through the middle of the ground with 33 possessions and setting up many of his team’s scoring opportunities.
Frankston recruit Leigh Kitchin was also busy in the Subiaco midfield with 28 disposals while classy forward Shane Yarran slotted five goals.
Defenders Scott Worthington, Jordan Lockyer and Wayde Twomey in miserly form for the Lions.
East Fremantle were well served by Brock and Rory O’Brien, Bradd Dalziell and Brandon Ellis.
Subiaco caught the Sharks napping at the start of the game, former Sharks wingman kicking the Lions first goal after just 17 seconds.
Shane Yarran and Clancy Wheeler kicked accurately for the visitors to give them a 19-point lead after six minutes of the opening quarter.
Brock O’Brien sparked a Sharks revival, booting his side’s first goal nine minutes into the match.
Consecutive goals to Jayden Schofield and Sean Henson helped East Fremantle to a two-point lead before Michael Wood hit back to give the Lions a five-point lead at the first change.
Ellis stood up in attack for the Sharks in the second quarter with three goals, Michael Wood hitting back for the Lions with a late reply to level the scores at half time.
Subiaco broke the game open in the third quarter, rattling on 7.1 (43) to 0.2 (2) in what was an impressive display.
Yarran, considered unlucky not to be drafted last year, broke free from Sam Read to slot three for the quarter.
The two clubs split the minor grades, East Fremantle winners by 69 points in the colts and Subiaco by 94 points in the reserves.
Subiaco had several players on the fringe of league selection do well, with Simon Moore (29 possessions), Ray Daniels (27 possessions, seven inside 50s), Matt Bogensperger (27 possessions, three inside 50s) and Braden Fimmano (22 possessions, four goals) all doing well.
Emerging ruckman Jack Fletcher was outstanding for the Sharks with 12 possessions, four marks, four inside 50s and 35 hit-outs.
SUBIACO 4.3 6.7 13.8 17.12 (114)
EAST FREMANTLE 3.4 6.7 6.9 9.13 (67)
GOALS – SUBIACO: Yarran 5; Wheeler 3; Waters, Delahunty Garcia 2; Wood, Kitchin, Hancock. EAST FREMANTLE: Ellis 5; McNamara, Henson, Schofield, O’Brien.
BEST – SUBIACO: Horsley, Yarran, Kitchin, Worthington, Twomey, Delahunty. EAST FREMANTLE: B O’Brien, Ellis, Dalziell, R O’Brien, Boyle.
REPORTS: Phelan (S) for rough conduct in the third quarter.
UMPIRES: J Power, S Parry, R McCaw.
CROWD: 1400 (approx) at ATOM Stadium.
