SWAN Districts’ barnstorming WAFL Colts finals run has led them into this year’s decider after defeating Subiaco in Sunday’s preliminary final. The margin exceeded no more than 14 points throughout the day, with the Swans overcoming a three-quarter time deficit to win 10.10 (70) to 8.9 (57).

Five final-quarter goals in an exciting finish saw the Swans snatch victory for a third straight postseason week. Their attempt to win the flag from fourth now moves onto the Grand Final at Optus Stadium on Sunday, against a dominant Claremont side looking to secure back-to-back flags.

Subiaco 8.9 (57) def. by Swan Districts 10.10 (70)

SUBIACO:

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

Stats: 9 disposals, 4 inside 50s, 2 marks

The Subiaco skipper fought through some close checking in this game, switching between playing as an inside and outside midfielder. He regularly cleared the ball inside 50 from stoppages and put his body on the line late in the contest when the game was still winnable, trying to will his side towards goal.

#3 Malakai Champion
Forward | 183cm | 17/05/2006

Stats: 17 disposals, 6 marks, 4 inside 50s

It was an impressive showing from the West Coast NGA product, using the ball exceptionally across the ground and in transition. Champion came up to stoppages and impacted well, using his explosiveness to drive his legs, burst away from opposing midfielders and deliver the ball inside 50. On more than one occasion he scrapped and hustled for a loose ball against multiple opponents. Champion ventured into dangerous spots inside 50 and unselfishly shared a goal with a teammate that he would normally kick.

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

Stats: 10 disposals, 6 tackles, 1 goal

Walley put his pace and defensive intent on show on Sunday, nailing three separate chase-down tackles that left the crowd in awe and lifted his side. Walley was rewarded with three free kicks for holding the ball, one of which was inside 50 that he converted a goal from. The bottom-age talent was classy below his knees, demonstrating clean hands and staying involved in the contest all morning. Like Champion, he’s also part of the West Coast NGA program.

Others:

State representative Hayden Windsor (eight disposals, 21 hitouts) worked hard across the ground, fighting a draw in the ruck battle and taking two impressive marks. Midfielder Aven Drewett (16 disposals, one goal) won plenty of the football, while Kieren Douglas (16 disposals, five tackles) was stoic back in his usual defensive position. Xavier Hickey (18 disposals, eight marks) and Thomas Macgillivray (20 disposals, four marks, five tackles) were prolific once again.

SWAN DISTRICTS:

#3 Blake Kelly
Midfielder | 180cm | 03/01/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 2 marks, 2 tackles

Bottom-ager Kelly was instrumental in his side’s victory, often extracting the ball from stoppages with burst and explosiveness. He displayed excellent hands in contests, staying composed and being able to shrug his hips to displace would-be tacklers and distribute. His strength to stand up in tackles and slip through traffic to drive Swans forward was superb, and under pressure he was able to deliver the ball to teammates flawlessly.

#4 Otis Harvey
Midfielder | 182cm | 17/01/2006

Stats: 24 disposals, 4 marks, 4 inside 50s

Harvey was the standout player on the ground on Sunday, providing Swan Districts with excellent run and carry through the corridor, while balancing his outside game with strength in contests, hard tackling, and clearance wins. His contested game was stellar, taking charge in multiple moments where Subiaco looked to wrestle back momentum, only to have Harvey charge forward from centre bounces and drive Swans inside 50. Late in the final term he displayed outstanding ball use under duress as his side looked to stay composed in a manic last few minutes.

#17 Colby McDonald
Key Forward | 191cm | 18/01/2006

Stats: 7 disposals, 5 marks, 3 goals

McDonald threatened all morning, flying for contested marks and crashing packs. He was assertive when he spent time in the ruck, winning hitouts to advantage for his teammates inside 50 and going behind the play to take an intercept mark late in the opening quarter. McDonald was used in transition and created plenty of space as a lead up option. He was rewarded for his efforts in the final term, booting three of Swan Districts five last quarter goals.

Others:

Small forward Anthony Hansen competed well both aerially and at ground level, crumbing the ball in dangerous spots and showing off his important defensive pressure. Thomas Cathcart was commendably tough in his less comfortable key forward position, bringing the ball to ground and laying six tackles.

Chayse Martinson (13 disposals, three inside 50s) stayed involved in the play when he was near it, standing up in the fourth quarter to set up two goals with sound composure. Key defender Zaid Buckland (16 disposals, five marks) was once again solid against a bigger opponent. He impressed in his decision making, often coming off his man to impact aerial contests and standing tall one-on-one.

UP THE GRADES

State Under 18 captain Bo Allan returned to Peel Thunder’s League side for their preliminary final win on Sunday. He was utilised in midfield having been called up as a late inclusion, posting 12 disposals and four tackles in a powerful performance.

Our scouts said…

A late in for the injured Will Brodie, Allan stepped up in Peel’s preliminary final with big midfield minutes, often going toe-to-toe with top 10 Sandover Medal vote-getter Jye Chalcraft. He was involved in transition on multiple occasions and popped up in dangerous forward spots more than once.

Allan showed composed hands in traffic, but his most impressive skill was his ability to penetrate deep inside 50 with his booming kick. Allan used his strong frame to drive his legs from centre bounces and clear the ball 60m or longer towards the Thunder’s goalsquare. Twice this led to goals for Peel.

His physicality was noticeable at the top level, and though it remains to be seen whether he will hold his spot for next week’s Grand Final, Allan ticked off plenty of boxes on Sunday.