On a day when light showers were interspersed with more than the odd deluge, Subiaco endured 11.16 (82) to 9.12 (66).
Remarkably, after posting 1.7 in the first quarter, it was Subiaco’s capacity to convert opportunities in the third term that proved the difference, with a run of classy goals that defied the conditions.
PHOTOS: Grand Final action
Conversely, the day was littered with missed chances from the Royals. Big forward Fraser McInnes was one player who had a strong impact across the day, kicking three goals, but he missed the opportunity to kick the first goal of the game.
After taking a good contested mark about 15 metres from goal, he kicked into the man on the mark, with the ball spilling out of bounds.
But he continued to provide a contest up forward and was one of the best West Coast-listed players on the ground.
Defender Jacob Brennan did a good job on dangerous Lions forward Shane Yarran, holding him goalless, while Pat McGinnity provided some midfield grunt before breaking a finger in the middle of the third term.
Experienced utility player Sam Butler and defender Blayne Wilson also had some good moments, but generally Subiaco out-played the Royals.
Subiaco 1.7 4.9 9.11 11.16 82
East Perth 2.2 4.5 6.7 9.12 66
Goals – Subiaco: Hampson 3; C Deluca, Phelan 2; Bristow, Waters. Horsley, J Deluca 1. East Perth: McInnes 3; J Smith 2; Cadwallader, Clutterbuck, McGinnity, Butler 1.
Best – Subiaco: Horsley, Bristow, Phelan, Leishman, C Deluca, Twomey. East Perth: Anderson, Lee, Brennan, McInnes, Cadwallader, McGinnity.
Attendance: 11,987
Simpson Medal: J Bristow (Subiaco)
