Subiaco Soar Past Peel with 52 point win

Subiaco produced its best defensive performance of the year, holding a very disappointing Peel outfit to just two goals, as the Lions powered to a 52 point win.

 

It was equal parts strong Subiaco defence and poor Peel ball movement and attacking play that saw the Lions hold the Thunder goalless until early in the final quarter.

 

With Peel unwilling to attack with flair and happy to sit numbers behind the ball, Subiaco’s back six kept a strong defensive structure to completely shut Peel out of the game for the majority.

 

While Subiaco battled to break down Peel’s heavy zone when attacking, they did enough in both the second and last quarters kicking four goals in each of these quarters, to dominate on the scoreboard.

 

The difference in attacking mindset was highlighted with Subiaco dominating the Inside 50 count 60 to 26.

 

Subiaco’s midfield performed strongly with Josh Deluca very good with 27 possessions and nine tackles and Leigh Kitchin leading the way with 29 possessions.

 

Veterans Kyal Horsley and Chris Phelan combined for 54 possessions while Greg Clark started strongly and finished with 20 possessions.

 

Up forward Ben Sokol was an important lead up presence finishing with 16 possessions, nine marks and two goals while Lachlan Delahunty continued to hit the scoreboard finishing with two goals.

 

Ultimatley though, this win was about a defensive group that continues to build together into a cohesive unit.

 

New members to the defensive group in 2018 in Jacob Miller and Drew Rohde played very good games, while defensive trio Aaron Heal, Jordan Lockyer and Gus Litherland continued their strong seasons as both individuals and as a group.

 

Next up for Subiaco is South Fremantle at Leederville Oval, next Saturday July 14^th at the early start time of 1.40pm.

 

This will be a blockbuster top of the table clash shown live and exclusive on Channel 7, with a Subiaco win next week, taking them within one step of securing the 2018 WAFL Minor Premiership.

 

 

GAME CHANGERS

 

STELLAR DEFENCE GETS JOB DONE

The underrated Subiaco defence grabbed another impressive scalp as the back six held Peel goalless through the first three quarters. Though Peel got two late consolation goals, Subiaco’s defence was outstanding all night. The 2.5.17 matched the lowest score since Round 5, 2006 when Subiaco held East Fremantle to the same scoreline.

 

MAKING AN EARLY STATEMENT

A tough and contested first quarter was highlighted by a standout first quarter from Subiaco midfielder Josh Deluca. Deluca collected nine possessions and seven tackles in the opening quarter setting the early tone for the Subiaco midfield that they would not give their opponents an easy clearance. While Deluca quietened later, his start to set the tone was crucial in the win.

 

COOKING IN THE KITCHIN

Subiaco was edged in the clearance count, 39-40 however it could have been worse if not for a strong inside game from reigning Outridge Medallist Leigh Kitchin. It was Kitchin who led Subiaco with clearances, finishing with a team and game high 10. Highlighting his strong inside work, 17 of Kitchin’s possessions were contested ones.

OFF TARGET UP FORWARD
After giving away a 2017 Premeirship with poor goal kicking execution, Subiaco has been far better in front of goal in 2018, having converted at nearly 55% heading into Friday’s game. The Lions radar was off on Friday night though, with one of their worst conversion performances of the year, finishing with 15 points from 24 scoring shots. Expect the Lions to be back working on forward execution heading into Round 15.

 

TEN TIMES GOALLESS QUARTER

Heading into the match, Subiaco had a league leading record of seven opponent goalless quarters. By holding Peel goalless through the first three quarters, Subiaco now has 10 goalless quarters conceded in just 12 games. For comparison, Subiaco had just 10 goalless quarters conceded all of 2017.

 

ALMOST A HISTORICAL LOW

A late goal to Peel ensured that they would not suffer their lowest ever score against Subiaco. Ultimatley the Peel final score of 2.5.17 was a single point more than the 1.10.16 that Peel scored back in 2002. For context that team was in the midst of several wooden spoon seasons, this was a reigning premier failing to pass 20 points in a game.

 

HOME & AWAY V FINALS FORM

The incredible home and away dominance of Subiaco over Peel continued, with Subiaco now having won the last five home and away season matches, 12 of the last 13 and 47 of 54 overall. Yet for all that dominance, what irks Subiaco players and fans most, is that Peel have won the only three finals battles between the two sides.

 

 

FINAL

SUBIACO         1.5       5.6       5.13     9.15.69

PEEL                0.2       0.4       0.4       2.5.17

 

BEST: Rohde, Litherland, Deluca, Kennedy, Sokol.

GOALS: Delahunty, Sokol 2; Borchet, Clarke, Deluca, Rohde, Waters 1.