It's a grand old flag

WEST PERTH has won the 2003 WAFL premiership.

For the third year in a row Perth's acclaimed weather let the WAFL down on grand final day and with wind, rain and a possiblity of hail the crowd of 17,775 was as good as could have been expected.

Subiaco searching for its first premiership in 15 years began well to kick the first two goals but by half time West Perth had established a 16 point lead and appeared to be on top in all the right places.

Troy Longmuir was proving a handful in the forward line, Brent LeCras and Steven Koops were strong in defence and big men Mark Seaby and Brendon Fewster were on top.

Subiaco lost star full forward Brad Smith to a knee injury very early in the game and his absence upset the balance of the team.

Four goals to one in the third quarter put the game firmly in the grasp of the Falcons.

The Lions fought the game out but didn't threaten to really make a game of it in the last quarter.

Longmuir finished with five goals, LeCras was the awarded the Simpson Medal as best-on-ground, Koops played out the game in spectacular style and Quinten Lynch, Brendon Logan, Callum Chambers and Simon Duckworth all played well.

Josh Wooden was Subiaco's best player and David Sierkowski and Allistair Pickett battled hard.

West Perth coach Darren Harris now has the impressive record of two grand finals and one premiership after two years as senior coach in the WAFL.

Final score West Perth 13.9 (87) d Subiaco 9.10 (64).

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