SUBIACO overcame inaccurate goalkicking to beat West Perth by 16 points in this week’s WAFL Colts match of the round. The Lions steadied with four goals to two in the final quarter to run out deserving victors over the plucky Falcons, 8.16 (64) to 7.6 (48) at Leederville Oval.

The winners dominated territory and possession in the first half – posting 35-8 inside 50s – but only had a 12-point lead to show for it at the main break. That was cut to just two at the final change before Toby Jones popped up with two fourth quarter majors to seal the deal for Subi.

While star Lions forwards Malakai Champion and Darcy Montgomery were notable absentees, there were emerging plenty of emerging talents afield – including recently inducted state squad members. We took note of how some of the top prospects performed across the two sides.

SUBIACO:

#1 Charlie Burke
Wing | 183cm | 11/04/2006

Stats: 24 disposals, 8 inside 50s, 1 goal

A mainstay out on the wing, Burke continued his fine form to lead all comers on Saturday. The Subiaco skipper made a classy start, booting the game’s first goal with a booming kick which bounced over the back from outside 50. He showed great composure in the first half to time his releases to perfection, using the ball cleverly by hand and foot. Some of that polish faded after half time, but Burke covered plenty of ground and had little trouble accumulating possessions.

#23 Tore Nelson
Defender | 186cm | 24/07/2006

Stats: 8 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles

His stats may not jump off the page, but Nelson’s impact was felt on Saturday. The strongly built defender was an absolute battering ram down back, throwing his weight around with desperate efforts to split contests. He was a little unorthodox at times but showcased great power throughout the game, including with an explosive step which came in handy when moving the ball in transition.

#26 Koopa Walsh
Tall Forward | 191cm | 19/05/2005

Stats: 17 disposals, 9 marks, 1 goal

One of Subiaco’s most important connection pieces, Walsh was prominent between the arcs with his presentation on the lead. The over-ager was a reliable outlet down the line and took most of his grabs outside attacking 50, but eventually had chances on goal late in the piece. After missing a checkside from the pocket, he sealed the result with a well struck set shot conversion from 45 metres out in the dying stages. His milking of the clock helped settle things, too.

#28 Wes Walley
Forward | 180cm | 29/11/2007

Stats: 12 disposals, 5 marks, 5 inside 50s

A talented bottom-ager who recently earned selection in the state Under 18 squad, Walley gave another glimpse of his potential in Round 3. The lively forward was consistently a viable target inside 50 and used his speed to get out the back when possible, helping Subiaco look dangerous when moving the ball with purpose. One to watch.

WEST PERTH:

#3 Kayle Gerreyn
Ruck | 199cm | 10/05/2006

Stats: 21 disposals, 25 hitouts, 2 goals

In an imperious performance, Gerreyn led West Perth for disposals, marks, hitouts and goals from the ruck. The 199cm phenom was a genuine clearance threat at stoppages, using his trademark bodywork to either win clear taps or grab the ball and boot it forward. His follow-up work was typically clean and he clunked six marks, including a couple on his forward 50 rotation. Importantly, Gerreyn converted his chances and kept his side in the game with scoreboard pressure.

#6 Jayden Rigoll
Midfielder | 188cm | 16/09/2006

Stats: 21 disposals, 7 tackles, 5 inside 50s

Along with Gerreyn, Rigoll led West Perth’s disposal count and was the only other Falcon to notch up over 20 touches. The midfielder started brightly with the Falcons’ opening goal, snapping home against the run of play in term one. He went on to display a clean set of hands at the stoppages and proved effective in bringing the ball to the outside – whether through waxing with teammates or bursting away himself.

#14 Trent Hiscock
Defender | 190cm | 23/03/2006

Stats: 9 disposals, 5 marks

A recent addition to the state Under 18 squad, Hiscock patrolled the back line with several intercept marks and calm passages of play. He navigated into the right spots time and time again, bringing a sense of calm to the Falcons’ defence and helping move the ball out efficiently. His intercept game really got going in the second half with sound positioning behind the ball.

#19 Judd Marcello
Forward | 188cm | 02/01/2007

Stats: 9 disposals, 5 marks, 2 goals

Marcello adopts a relatively straightforward method but is usually quite effective as a natural forward. Over half of his disposals came from marks as he made excellent leading patterns all day and got on the end of a few nice passes inside 50. At 188cm, he’s capable of playing slightly above his height. The bottom-ager got on the board with two second half goals, including one after the siren from just inside 50.