Grand final mind games

by LES EVERETT

SUBIACO will go into Sunday's WAFL grand final as a clear favourite. There are good reasons for this.

peter german 2004

Peter German straight after the second semi final when he began turning his mind fully to the grand final. Photo by Les Everett

The Lions have beaten the Tigers in each of three meetings this season - by nine points in round 14; 35 points in round 23 and 60 points a week later in the second semi final. Full forward Brad Smith has kicked a total of 17 goals for Subiaco in those three games.

While he will have been trying to steer a steady course in the lead up to the grand final Lions coach Peter German's mind will have been working overtime.

How will he slot Josh Wooden back into his successful team?

Is there someone else who could make a difference?

Is there someone who's not fully fit and could be a problem if he plays?

Has Claremont coach Ashley Prescott got something up his sleeve?

Subiaco has been among the top four teams in the WAFL for the past seven seasons but last won a premiership in 1988.

Last year German pulled a swifty by bringing Paul Vines into the grand final team for his first game of the year. It was a flop.

Last year Smith went down with a knee injury early in the grand final. Fingers crossed. Subiaco is in the unusual position of playing three consecutive games against the same opposition. This must help with planning so Prescott's ability to come up with a surprise or two could be a key element in the result of the game.

The Tigers have a load of former and current AFL players - Darren Kowal, Brad Wira, Brad Dodd, Tony Delaney, Jaxon Crabb, Greg Harding and Anthony Jones all have plenty of experience at the top level while Andrew Browne, Ben Cunningham, Beau Waters and Trent Carroll have good personal reasons to perform on this big stage.

History sends mixed messages about the value of such players in grand finals. In 1996 Chris Lewis, Andrew McGovern and Todd Ridley helped tip the scales in favour of Claremont over an East Perth team containing Jeff White and David Wirrpunda. Last year Subiaco's batch of former AFL players proved somewhat of a tired burden for the team while Troy Longmuir and Steven Koops starred for West Perth.

With dual Liston Medal winner David Robbins alongside dual Sandover winner Allistair Pickett and a host of other rotating kick getters the Subiaco midfield is the key to the team's success.

Everything points to a very interesting grand final with the 2004 Subiaco line-up looking like a premiership team.

From Voice News.

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