Drew Rohde joins as next signing for Subiaco

Tuesday, November 28, 2017 - 1:05 AM
Subiaco has moved swiftly to replace the five Lions drafted to the AFL in the national and rookie draft, with Drew Rohde signing on to play for Subiaco in 2018.
 
Rohde spent the 2017 season playing in the Central Midlands Coastal Football League, helping Jurien Bay to win the premiership playing alongside returning Lion, Rhys Waters. Rohde played 14 games and kicked 19 goals for Jurien Bay being named one of the best players in the CMCFL Grand Final.
 
Prior to 2017, Rohde had played 46 league games for West Perth showing versatility in a host of defensive, midfield and forward roles.
 
The 24-year-old Rohde enjoyed his time away from the WAFL system in 2017, but was keen to get back involved saying the excitement of challenging himself at Subiaco was a big lure in getting back into the WAFL for 2018.
 
“It was great to win a premiership up with Jurien last year, but I always saw myself getting myself back in the system.,” Rohde said.
 
“Rhys and I have been mates since we schooled together at Hale, and I have admired the culture of Subiaco, so when an opportunity came to join the club, it was a great opportunity to embrace.”
 
Coach Jarrad Schofield acknowledged that Rohde was a great fit for the club for both his playing ability and strong character off the field.
 
“We are excited to add Drew to our list,” Scofield said.
 
“When recruiting we are always looking for players that have strong character off-field that fit with our club values and we see Drew as someone who has that outstanding character we look for.”
 
Along with Waters, Rohde has grown strong friendships with other Subiaco players and believes that he will fit well within a culture of working to high standards and expectations.
 
“I have been around the same social circles as a few of the Subiaco players and I am really looking forward to playing alongside them and helping add something to the team,” Rohde said.
 
Outside of footy, Rohde has enjoyed success in a business sense, commencing a career with international renowned accounting and advisory firm Crowe Horwath.
 
“I’ve been with Crowe Horwath for two years now and am based in the city, so it is really convenient to join Subiaco and have my footy based in Leederville,” Rohde said.   
 
A versatile player, Rohde had been admired by those at Subiaco for his ability to play a number of roles and do a job for a team.
 
“Drew has shown throughout his WAFL career he can play in a number of positions and do a number of different roles for his team,” Subiaco Football Manager Daniel Vidovich said.
 
“He has played down back, up forward and even in the ruck against us in the past, so we really think he is a player that will add great variety to our side and be able to have an immediate impact in 2018.”
 
The majority of the Subiaco squad has now returned to pre-season training with Rohde set to join his new teammates on the track this week.