WAFL GF Report

[PhilH]

Match Report - WAFL Grand Final (WAFL Web Site)

SUBIACO’S midfield rose to every challenge to win this year’s WAFL grand final, beating South Fremantle by 83 points in front of almost 22,000 fans at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

After leading at every change, the Lions ran away with the game in the second half, winning 24.9 (153) to 10.10 (70). The Lions, who have now won two of the last three premiership-deciders, led by just six points at quarter time after trailing by 12 points midway through the term. But the Lions edged their way further forward as Matt Priddis, Marc Webb, David Robbins and Mark Haynes found some space and worked their way into the game. The Lions midfield thrived off the ruck work of Luke Newick, while Ben Keevers and Jarrad Schofield were also in ominous form as the Lions prevented the Bulldogs from winning consecutive premierships.

Finishing off the work of the classy midfield was Sam Larkins who kicked eight majors, including three in the final quarter when the Lions outscored the Bulldogs 10 goals to two. It capped a momentous week for Priddis who won the prestigious Sandover Medal the previous Monday night. Webb, the premiership captain, won the Simpson Medal as the best player on the ground which was a just reward for his 26 possessions.



SOUTH Fremantle was unable to farewell two favourite players when it went down by 83 points to Subiaco in the WAFL grand final at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

Matt Clucas and Ryan Webb announced before the grand final that the premiership-decider would signal an end to their careers, but the 24.9 (153) to 10.10 (70) loss by the 2005 premiers meant they would not end their careers on the highest possible note. Clucas, who played for both South and East Fremantle finished his career after 118 games, and Webb, who played for West Perth and the Bulldogs, called it a day after 180 games. The Bulldogs kicked ahead to lead by 12 points late in the first term but Subiaco fought back to lead by six at the first change and from there on never let go of the lead.

The Bulldogs were badly outplayed in the second half, conceding 15 goals to five after half-time. Small forward Ashley Sampi and midfielder Clint Jones caused the Lions early headaches, as did Paul Duffield who was a tower of strength in defence, but they didn’t have the support to sustain the effort for a full four quarters. Sampi was the Bulldogs leading scorer with three majors, while Craig White and Toby McGrath each kicked two. Subiaco captain Marc Webb won the Simpson Medal as the best player on the ground

[Mr66]

Do you have an exact crowd figure Phil?

[Pseudo]

I was hoping to avoid the score of this match for long enough to see the replay during the week on ABC2.

Poor form to stick the result in the subject header, Phil.

[PhilH]

Sorry Psuedo, wasn't thinking

Actually was trying to think of anything else other than the demise of Panthers & Eagles today.

[MightyEagles]

At least we weren't the only team to be beaten by lots in a GF in the last couple of years.

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21,287.

Does anyone know how the rest of the finals series went?

[Wedgie]

At least we weren't the only team to be beaten by lots in a GF in the last couple of years.

Yeah but at least South Freo won it last year (and 11 other times as well).

[ca]

I watched it on Fox Footy last night, not a bad standard game but just not that exciting.

[Jimmy]

not a bad crowd but the wafl is slowing losing its place with both freo and wc.

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not a bad crowd but the wafl is slowing losing its place with both freo and wc.

i would expect a vry similar crowd if the eagles win the prelim. North may take it to 25 26

[Peter Falconia]

A Central/North Grand Final could draw 30,000+. The only reason it might not, is the fact Bathurst is on the same day.

[ca]

Not a bad crowd considering the two WA teams had played over the weekend even if it was interstate. A perfect example why the SANFL should always be the week after.

[PhilH]

Fair point ca, can you imagine just how little media coverage the WAFL final would have got in Perth compared with the Dockers and Eagles both one win from the GF