WAFL 2025: West Perth’s finals hopes snuffed as Subiaco rise above Joondalup quagmire in two-point win

In a game that defied putrid conditions, Subiaco have snuffed West Perth’s slim finals chances out for good in a brutal two-point win in Joondalup. HIF Insurance Arena was fit for little more than pigs on Saturday, but fierce pride wouldn’t allow either side to let their rusted-on fans down. The only thing deeper than the stagnant water was the mud, even before rain returned during the dramatic final stages as the lead changed hands 10 times. But in a battle of wills, Lion pride came out on top, gritty determination and size denying the flash of a brave Falcons 11.10 (76) to 11.8 (74). And given East Fremantle survived a scare against West Coast, it leaves finals a bridge too far for West Perth. Taj Schofield impressed for Subiaco with 25 disposals and seven clearances as 18-year-old Falcon Sam Swadling put AFL suitors on notice with 21 disposals and four clearances, while veteran Shane Nelson collected 35 disposals and nine clearances. The direct path to goal was out of the question with both ends of the ground underwater, players forced to seek dry land in the flanks and pockets. The puddle at the city end was so deep the ball couldn’t be soccered clear, players splashing water like a toddler at swimming lessons. However, Falcon Kane Bevan transcended conditions for a running goal, making the most of a turnover forced by Aaron Black as he received the ball, bursting through the 50-metre arc and sent it sailing home. Nelson leaned into the wet weather, sliding along the ground and soccering the ball out of mid air and through the goals after it trickled out of congestion in what is sure to be a goal-of-the- year contender. A slice of wizardry from Keegan Knott, who kicked three goals, put the home side briefly in front with an outside-of-the-boot banana, somehow finding its mark. The Lions’ goals were a result of pure grit, their fight and pride forcing the ball forward to use the size of Ryan Bochet and Jack Mayo, in his 50th, to produce opportunities. The physicality of the mud-slowed engine room jousts claimed a victim in the second term, with Liam Hickmott departing the ground clinging to his ribs. A rare appearance from the sun did little to improve the state of HIF Insurance Arena, but it didn’t bother Nelson or Schofield. Nelson entered the main break with 22 disposals, six clearances and six tackles, while Schofield was Subiaco’s prime mover with 15 disposals and seven clearances. Michael Braut was all over Bernie Naylor leader Tyler Keitel in the first half, but as the sides traded goals, the defender fluffed a kick across goals, opening the door for the Flacon’s first. And one taste was all the spearhead needed, his second giving West Perth a one-point lead heading into the last. A purple patch in the air from Richard Bartlett had the Lions roaring, two strong marks and a goal seeing the lead changes near double digits. The drama went up a notch as the rain returned, the Lions making the most of the quagmire to tie the game down, leading by three points. But it was Bartlett with his third goal, all kicked after half-time, that broke the game open from the pocket despite another goal to Black late, leaving the door ajar. But not by enough. SCOREBOARD SUBIACO 3.2, 5.7, 8.9, 11.10 (76) WEST PERTH 3.2, 5.3, 9.4, 11.8 (74) Goals – SUBIACO: R Bartlett 3 R Borchet 2 J Snadden 2 B Golding J Cooley J Robbins G Savigni. WEST PERTH: K Knott 3 T Keitel 2 A Black 2 J DeMarte K Bevan S Nelson D Dixon. Best - SUBIACO: T Schofield J Mayo R Borchet R Bartlett G Clark B Golding. WEST PERTH: S Nelson S Swadling T Keitel K Bevan K Knott. Injuries - SUBIACO: L Hickmott (Rib) T Senge (TBC) replaced in starting line-up by T Shearer. Umpires: R McCaw B Evans J Wedgwood. CROWD: TBC at HIF Insurance Arena.