Home

WAFL 2022: West Coast Eagles push late, but Subiaco too good in 23-point win

Matt PaddickThe West Australian
Subiaco midfielder Stefan Giro starred.
Camera IconSubiaco midfielder Stefan Giro starred. Credit: Jack Foley

West Coast took far too long to show some rare WAFL fight, dominating much of the second half but failing to dig themselves out of a 50-point hole in their loss to Subiaco.

The Lions appeared to be cruising to a thumping victory, but took their foot off the gas and allowed the Eagles to gain some late confidence before registering a 14.6 (90) to 9.13 (67) win at New Choice Homes Park.

A competitive third term and some quick ball movement from West Coast got them back into the game with one quarter to go.

But when the contest heated up, the Eagles’ inexperienced players weren’t able to capitalise, with 11 second-half behinds proving costly in stifling what would have been a remarkable comeback.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Subiaco midfielder Stefan Giro had a heavy influence on the game with 30 disposals and two goals, while Ben Sokol continued his impressive season with three goals.

Veteran defender Angus Dewar - who like Giro represented the Eagles’ senior side as a top-up player earlier this season - looked comfortable up forward and worked hard all day with 6 marks from 14 touches.

The Game AFL 2024

Isiah Winder pressed his case for an AFL recall, impressing in the midfield with 33 possessions, while Patrick Naish worked hard both ways and had 27 disposals.

The Eagles made a dream start through a goal to late inclusion Hugh Dixon, followed closely by a nice finish from Winder 50 metres out.

But Subiaco put their foot on the throat from there, banging through the next nine of the match in a rare display of dominance this season.

Sokol and Giro had two each to help their side to a 44-point lead at the main break before West Coast capitalised on an injury to Subiaco ruckman Lewis Putt to get on top at clearances.

After half time, the Eagles looked a different team and used quick ball movement to surge the ball forward.

But a 28-point deficit at the final change proved a bridge too far, with Ben Sokol sealing the game halfway through the quarter to make life difficult for West Coast.

SUBIACO, 3.3, 9.4, 10.6, 14.6 (90)

WEST COAST, 2.0, 2.2, 5.8, 9.13 (67)

Goals – SUBIACO: B Matera 3 B Sokol 3 S Giro 2 A Breman A Dewar J Faraone H Marsh J Snadden M Walters. WEST COAST: J Burke 3 H Dixon 2 J Eastough J Johnstone J Nelson I Winder.

Best – SUBIACO: S Giro B Sokol A Dewar B Matera D Rohde L Hickmott C Harris. WEST COAST: I Winder P Naish A Witherden J Burke H Dixon.

Injuries – SUBIACO: L Putt (AC joint). WEST COAST: J Kemp, C Nitschke, D McCarthy replaced in the selected side by J Nelson, G Clark and H Dixon.

Umpires: J FRY, B EVANS, B LAYCOCK.

Crowd: About 700 people at New Choice Homes Park.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails