Match Report – Lions hold off Swans Saturday, May 22, 2021 - 7:22 PM - by Matt Paddick

SUBIACO has outlasting a valiant Swan Districts to walk away eight-point victors in wet conditions at Steel Blue Oval on Saturday.

Subiaco had handed Claremont its first loss of the season two weeks ago prior to the State Game break while Swan Districts had blown a big lead against West Perth, but both teams are trying to return to finals in 2021 and have started the season impressively.

Greg Clark has been in the best form of his career so far this season for Subiaco and he was again instrumental in the contest, racking up 30 disposals, two tackles, and two goals in a best on ground performance.

The pressure from both teams was immense early, as each team turned the ball over in an attempt to surge it forward in the wet.

Eventually it was Subiaco winger Chad Harris who broke the deadlock, kicking the first major of the game.

The two teams traded blows, before back to back goals from Subiaco helped stretch the Lions’ lead to 11 points at the first break.

The second quarter was full of forward pressure from Subiaco, where the Swans’ backmen did well to hold their own in the contest.

It was several minutes into the term when the moment came for Lions captain Leigh Kitchin to intercept 20 metres out from goal and convert to increase Subiaco’s lead.

Swan Districts looked to get back into the game after forward Jesse Palmer kicked his second goal for the game. 

However, the momentum was well and truly with the Lions as Clark ran from the centre square and launched the ball from the 50 metre arc through the big sticks in a superb bit of play.

The rain became a factor towards the end of the quarter, with players from both teams finding it difficult to maintain possession as Subiaco took a 16-point lead at half-time.

The Swans were the first to adapt to the wet conditions, as they looked to move the ball forward as quickly as possible to give themselves chances in front of goal in the third term.

They were able to kick the only goals of the quarter thanks to forwards Matt Riggio and Tom Edwards, and reduced the deficit to five points at the three quarter-time.

Despite dominating the stats in the first half, failure to punish the Swans on the scoreboard meant the Lions would have to fight in the last term to walk away victors. 

Four minutes in, Swan Districts’ Palmer kicked his third goal, putting the Swans in front for the first time in the game.

Both teams lifted in the term, with neither team willing to concede a goal.

Subiaco’s Michael Braut nailed a goal halfway through the term, stretching the Subiaco lead in what would turn out to be the sealer.

The Lions were able to hold their lead, walking away with the 8.10 (58) to 7.8 (50) victory. 

TWO KICKS IN END-TO-END GOAL
After a point from Swans forward Tom Edwards, former Hawk Angus Litherland took his time to kick the ball in, in the end kicking it to Greg Clark, who took the mark in the centre square. While the penetrating kick from Litherland was impressive, it was the sense of Clark to play on, burst towards the 50, and kick the goal in slippery conditions which created a highlight for those watching in Bassendean. Just the two kicks from Subiaco was required in the passage of play, with only two men involved.

A TALE OF TWO HALVES
It was truly two games in one at Steel Blue Oval, in what ended up as an intriguing contest. The first half was dominated by Subiaco in all areas except the scoreboard. Almost every statistic was in favour of the Lions, however the lead was just 16 points, which did not truly reflect the game at half time. After the main break was when the rain started to pour, which not only made the conditions slippery, but made the play reflect a night game, unlike the afternoon game style in the first half. While the Swans adapted to the change quickest which led to their comeback, the Lions were able to manufacture a win, despite kicking just the one major in the second half. 

PALMER THE FOCAL POINT FOR SWANS 
Swans forward Jesse Palmer proved once again his importance to Swan Districts, in a solid forward display in wet conditions. The former Port Adelaide player was the only multiple goal kicker for the Swans, and looked dangerous when the ball was kicked in his direction. He kicked a game-high three goals and continues to be an asset to the Swans.
 

OPTUS WAFL PREMIERSHIP SEASON – ROUND 7

SWAN DISTRICTS        3.3    4.6    6.8    7.8 (50)
SUBIACO            5.2    7.4    7.7    8.10 (58)

SWAN DISTRICTS: Goals – Palmer 3; Jetta, Clarke, Edwards.
Best – Fisher, Anderson, Turner, Palmer, Gault, Cipro, Beck.
SUBIACO: Goals – Clark 2; Kitchin, Delahunty, Braut, Harris, Heal, Faraone.
Best – Clark, Marsh, Delahunty, Kitchin, Harris, Kennedy, Litherland.