Recruits strive to help Subiaco to back-to-back WAFL flagsFriday, February 27, 2015 - 2:38 PM - by Chris Pike

SUBIACO pulled off a stunning grand final victory to claim the 2014 WAFL premiership and despite the loss of some key experienced players since, the Lions have topped up their playing stocks in an attempt to go back-to-back in 2015.

Subiaco might have lost two of its last three games heading into last year's finals series and then lost the second semi-final to East Perth in the battle of the co-tenants, and just escaped against a wasteful East Fremantle in the preliminary final, but the Lions then put together a near perfect grand final performance against a heavily favoured East Perth.

The result was a memorable premiership triumph for coach Jarrad Schofield and his team but like is the case at the end of most seasons, the Lions did suffer the loss of some key players.

Simpson Medal winner Jason Bristow decided to return to Victoria, George Hampson departed for East Fremantle, Andrew McDougall retired and Josh Deluca joined the AFL through Fremantle meaning the Lions had some work to do to add some handy replacements.

When Rob Forrest and Jarrod Kayler-Thomson also retired after missing the premiership, and ruckman Frank Stockley suffered a season-ending knee injury, Subiaco was on the lookout for some fresh talent despite still possessing a strong list.

Given the league side won the premiership and the reserves dominated the competition in 2014 before losing the grand final in horrible weather conditions, all Subiaco needed was a bit of help to top the squad off and that's exactly what happened.

Midfielder Leigh Kitchen arrives from the VFL while Michael Wood, Jordan Lockyer and Sam Menegola are on board fresh of AFL lists while midfielder Scott Hancock has joined from East Fremantle and Swan Districts premiership player Brett Robinson has arrived to join old mate Wayde Twomey.

Kitchin joins Subiaco to help cover the loss of Bristow in the midfield with the experienced on-baller having played in three reserves VFL premierships with the Box Hill Hawks and also having played with Lions full-forward Lachlan Delahunty with Frankston.

Kitchin arrives at Subiaco with that history of reserves success at Box Hill and strong form in the seniors with Frankston despite still being only 24 years of age and he has instantly been impressed with everyone about the Lions so far, and is aiming to help them remain a premiership chance in 2015.

"I would love to win a premiership and defend what Subiaco worked so hard for last year," Kitchin said.

"My first impression has been great. It's really professional and there's a good bunch of lads that embraced me straight away. It makes the transition easier having a group that welcomes you with open arms and knowing some guys from the VFL has helped as well.

"The facilities are great and there's no wasting of time here – once you are at training everyone operates at a high intensity and there's always work to do."

Lockyer, the son of former East Fremantle and West Coast key forward Andrew, was originally drafted by the Sydney Swans from West Perth but upon being delisted at the end of 2014, Subiaco got in touch and presented an offer too good to refuse.

The 22-year-old defender is now already enjoying his time at the Lions and hopes to be part of some team success.

"The boys talk about the success of last year and I saw a lot of hype from their 2014 season, and I would love to be a part of replicating that experience," Lockyer said.

"The first impressions of the club were awesome. It's a super professional environment and I've been impressed with the standards set by the coaching staff and the playing group. They're a great bunch of blokes and I've felt welcome since day one."

Hancock played 61 games with East Fremantle including 21 in 2014 where he was a permanent member of the Sharks line-up until missing the narrow preliminary final loss to Subiaco.

The 22-year-old averaged almost 18 possessions a game in 2014 including a high of 28 in Round 4 against Claremont, but he was keen for a fresh start in 2015 and could think of no better place to do that than with the reigning premiers who did have a couple of midfield spots open up.

"I'm looking forward to earning my spot and trying to get a game first, but hopefully I can get some momentum and help Subiaco go back-to-back. Consecutive premierships are a really hard task and I hope I contribute to some wins," Hancock said.

"The professionalism of the club is incredible. It's been really good from the top to the bottom. You look at a guy like Darren Rumble who has won five premierships and he hasn’t missed a single session. The standards have really stood out."

Despite having some injury troubles in each of his seasons with the Dockers, when fit Menegola showed tremendous ability and it was somewhat a surprise when Fremantle delisted him given he appeared to have all the tools to contribute at AFL level if he stayed healthy.

However, when delisted the East Fremantle product decided against returning to the Sharks and instead joined Subiaco and he brings a lot to the table.

Early in his WAFL career, Menegola played as a lively and hard-leading forward, but he has developed his game since then and in 2014 with Peel Thunder he delivered some strong shut-down roles while also being able to find plenty of the ball himself.

Despite having the job to shut down some of the most dangerous opposition players, and doing it well, Menegola still racked up just shy of 20 possessions a game including 30 or more on three separate occasions.

The 22-year-old is now excited to be with Subiaco and is hopeful of being part of some success.

"I would love to be a part of a premiership. It would be great to contribute to another Subiaco Lions premiership side, that's the main goal. I can't wait to work week to week and contribute to the team in trying to do that," Menegola said.

"It's a really well run club with a really strong culture amongst the group. They're a good bunch of blokes and it's been easy to slot in and get to know everybody.

"The coaches are knowledgeable and super professional which makes the club well resourced. Guys like Jackson Dennis who is our strength and conditioning coach also reinforce the standard and professionalism as well."