WAFL: Subiaco moving on from 2022 ‘disappointment'

The feeling of last year’s finals exodus is driving Subiaco to return to the pinnacle of the WAFL, according to one of their star players. The Lions finished seventh last year, but their 26-point win over Perth has them in top spot at the end of round one. Spearhead Ben Sokol, who kicked five goals, said a mixture of factors has them primed for a return to September action.

“I think we’ve recruited well this year, we’ve got some speed and height through the midfield,” he said.

“We took the disappointment of last year and fed that through the pre-season.

“We’ve got the squad to do it, we just need to make sure we’re consistent and put in week-to-week.”

If there’s one player from Subiaco who knows how to perform against Perth, it’s Sokol. 24 per cent of his five-goal hauls have come against the Demons. Sokol said Perth’s defensive pressure was difficult to overcome.

“It was pretty tough early, we only had eight inside 50s in the first quarter,” he said.

“Once the game started to open up a little bit, I just tried to get some one-on-ones.

“I had to work for my goals, we’re just grateful we got over the top.”

Perth fired the first shot during the match, kicking five goals to two in the first term. Their ability to move the ball quickly from their back half took some time to adjust to, according to Sokol.

“It was a bit of a slog, Perth came out firing and we probably took a half to get going,” he said.

“Once we got our run and carry and won the midfield in the second half, we looked really good.

“I think we got over the top of them in the end with our fitness after a really strong pre-season.”

Sokol didn’t play a lone hand up forward for the Lions. There were multiple contributors, including Michael Braut and Max Walters, who kicked two each, and debutant Koltyn Tholstrup, who kicked his first goal in league football. The two-time Bernie Naylor Medallist said it wasn’t just those who got on the scoreboard who made the difference.

“I thought Koltyn was great on debut: he played his role, as did Robbo,” Sokol said.

“Brauty and Maxy’s overhead marking and strength caused some real problems for them.

“I think it was a pretty well rounded effort as a forward group.”

Round one was also a milestone for defender Angus Dewar, who played his 100th WAFL game. The former Hawk has been a mainstay for the Lions since he joined the club in 2017.

Sokol said he’s just as valuable off the field as he is on it.

“He makes so many of the boys feel welcomed through social events, surveys, and club functions,” he said.

“He’s a well loved member of the club, and an absolute legend, so I’m stoked for him to get a win in his 100th game.”