Sullivan Logistics Stadium was the setting of the round 17 clash between the WAFL Eagles and Subiaco Lions, the home side securing the win by 19 points.
It was a goal-for-goal game for majority of the day, the Eagles producing a competitive first half before Subiaco relentlessly pushed out the margin in the third term and dug deep in the final term to take the 16.11 (107) to 13.10 (88) triumph.
Subiaco’s Ryan Borchet was chaotic for the Eagles’ back line, finishing with five goals, while young Malakai Champion impressed in his League debut, finishing with three majors.
West Coast ruckman Matt Flynn was an imposing presence in the ruck, the big man dominating the hitouts (42) and was impressive with his ball work and defensive pressure around the contest.
Experienced operators Dom Sheed (30 disposals) and Andrew Gaff (29) were the biggest ball winners for the Eagles, while Harley Spark also impressed with 23 touches and seven tackles.
The Eagles opened the scoring for the game, young rookie Coen Livingstone kicking his first of three majors, before Shannon Lucassen hit the scoreboard for the Eagle’s second of the first quarter.
Subiaco responded with three-straight goals and after an entertaining first term, took a two-point lead into the quarter-time break.
Archer Reid opened the second term for the visitors, the 203cm teenager taking a strong grab just outside of the goal square and converting for his first of two goals for the day and put West Coast back in front.
With a sense of deja vu, Subiaco finished the quarter with three unanswered goals and took a four-point lead into the main break.
The Eagles continued to compete, with Harry Barnett putting West Coast back in front with the first goal of the third quarter.
Some missed opportunities and costly mistakes from West Coast saw Subiaco kick four goals to the Eagles’ two, pushing the margin out to 19 points going into the fourth term.
Eagles’ coach Kyal Horsley moved former Collingwood defender Trey Ruscoe into the forward line in the final quarter, paying dividends with two goals, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap.
SUBIACO 4.3 7.4 11.9 16.11 (107)
WEST COAST 4.1 6.6 8.8 13.10 (88)
GOALS
Subiaco: Borchet 5; Champion 3; Evitt 2; Robbins, Schofield, Henderson, Hickmott
West Coast: Livingston 3; Reid, Lucassen, Ruscoe 2; Sheed, Sambo, Barnett, Hansen
BEST
Subiaco: Clark, Schofield, Borchet, Kitchin, L Hickmott, W Hickmott
West Coast: Sheed, Gaff, Sparks, Dewar, Flynn, Yeo
