Wheeler leads Lions past Demons

Subiaco maintained their rich vein of form with a 36-point win against Perth at Lathlain Park today.

The Lions did best in what was a dour contest, eking out a 8.15 (63) to 3.9 (27) victory.

It extended the reigning premiers lead at the top of the WAFL premiership ladder after the first seven rounds, putting them in a strong position to reach the finals again in 2015.

Key forward Clancy Wheeler was in fine form for the winners, increasing his chances of playing in this month’s State game against South Australia at Lathlain Park on May 23.

Wheeler had 14 possessions, eight marks and four inside 50s in the firs half to be one of the architects of his team’s fifth win of the season.

The 27-year-old finished the match with 27 possessions, 13 marks, six inside 50s and a goal.

Teammates Leigh Kitchin and Shane Yarran, also named in the initial 36-man State squad earlier this week, did well for the Lions.

Aidan Tropiano, Perth’s only player in the Black Swans squad, worked tirelessly against the Lions.

Subiaco’s back six played a major role, Perth’s second goal not coming until the eight-minute mark of the final quarter.

Full back Darren Rumble, captain in the absence of injured playmaker Kyal Horsley, led the way with support from Jordan Lockyer, Charles Le Fanu, Scott Worthington and Aaron Heal.

The two clubs split the minor grades, Perth taking out the colts by 22 points and the Lions bouncing back to claim the reserves by 68 points.

Kyle Halligan staked his claim for a recall to the Subiaco league side while Mitch Morton showed a return to league football might not be far away with an encouraging effort in the early match for the Demons.

Halligan finished with 20 possessions, seven marks, six inside 50s and six goals while Morton had 26 possessions and seven marks.

Demons midfielder Liam McKenna responded in the best way possible to being dropped to the reserves for disciplinary reasons.

McKenna, who turned up late for a recovery session after the club’s 103-point loss to East Perth in the previous round, had 30 possessions, eight marks, 10 tackles and four inside 50s.