OFF-SEASONS can often be the catalyst for in-season success, and several state league clubs will hope that is the case in 2026. In a new series on Rookie Me Central, we highlight some of the most exciting recruitment drives from around the country. Next up is WAFL club Subiaco.

Arguably the most successful West Australian side of the last 20 years, the Lions have missed out on finals for two years running. But with Jarrad Schofield back at the helm having won six flags with Subi as a player and coach, they have attracted several boom recruits for 2026.

A ninth-place finish last season was technically the lowest in club history, although Subiaco won a flag under Schofield after finishing eighth in 2013. That kind of turnaround will take something special and it starts with personnel, of which there is plenty of quality in the Lions’ ranks.

We profile Subiaco’s signings, including ex-AFL talent and several Victorian coups.

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ALL RECRUITS

Jacob Blight (Richmond AFL), Will Bravo (Richmond VFL), Nick Girolami (Richmond VFL), Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves (Dandenong Stingrays), Jack Petruccelle (West Coast AFL), Ben Sokol (Centrals)

EX-AFL

Jacob Blight (Richmond)
Key Defender | 196cm | 14/12/2001

Having developed as a Colt at Claremont before being drafted out of Peel Thunder, Blight chose Subiaco for his return to Western Australia. He played 10 games at Richmond as a mid-season selection in 2024, impressing with his size and physicality down back. The mobile 196cm defender comes with an added sense of professionalism and plenty of state league experience, all at the age of just 24-years-old. He’s the kind of player Subi can build a spine around as he intercepts and rebounds off the last line.

Jack Petruccelle (West Coast)
Forward | 185cm | 12/04/1999

Petruccelle’s straight-line speed is utterly electric, and all WAFL clubs will be well aware of that after his eight-year career at West Coast. The Victorian native played 90 AFL games with the Eagles and managed 14 in the WAFL last year before being delisted. While injuries cruelled his top flight career, Petruccelle offers enormous X-factor and excitement at his best. Linking up with former West Coast assistant, Schofield, the 26-year-old is in a great age bracket to help younger Lions develop.

VICTORIAN COUPS

Will Bravo (Richmond VFL)
Midfielder | 182cm | 06/05/2002

Joining a pride of ex-Tigers at Subiaco, Bravo will be keen to get his state league career back on track. He didn’t play a VFL game in 2025 after having his 2024 campaign cut short by a serious knee injury. Still, he found his feet at local level and made helped Mt Eliza make the grand final. The Dandenong Stingrays product is a powerful midfielder with good speed and the ability to go forward. He won’t shy away from high standards and has terrific leadership qualities of his own.

Nick Girolami (Richmond VFL)
Utility | 191cm | 23/07/2002

Joining Bravo at Subiaco via Mt Eliza and Richmond VFL, Girolami is exploring opportunities to one day land on an AFL list. He managed nine VFL games for the Tigers over the last two years, switching from back to forward in 2025 for a return of 13 goals. At 191cm, Girolami has great versatility in the sense that he can not only play at either end of the ground, but also on talls and smalls. His athletic traits and aerial ability are sure to take the eye as he establishes himself in new surroundings.

Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves (Dandenong Stingrays)
Forward/Midfielder | 186cm | 16/11/2007

Widely regarded as one of the most unlucky players not to be drafted last year, Hibbins-Hargreaves heads west in pursuit of new opportunities. He follows in the footsteps of his step-dad Mark Haynes, who won four flags with Subi and is a life member of the club. Hibbins-Hargreaves, a Vic Country and National Academy representative in 2025, is touted for his speed, versatility, and knack for kicking clutch goals. Expect him to slot into the forwardline with eyes on wing or midfield time down the line.

RETURNING

Ben Sokol (Centrals)
Forward | 186cm | 28/10/1995

This guy needs no introduction but we’ll do the honours. Sokol returns to Subiaco after a year in the Peel Football League, where he booted 55 goals in 18 games for Centrals. The 30-year-old will be out to prove he’s still got it, offering a wealth of experience and consistent scoreboard impact to a side which desperately needs it. His accolades include three premierships, two Bernie Naylor medals, and a Simpson Medal. Schofield’s getting the band back together.