More glory for Subiaco

by LES EVERETT

THE key performance indicator at Subiaco Football Club was flashing uncontrollably at Leederville Oval by late on Monday night.

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Allistair Pickett with his two Sandover Medals. Photo by Les Everett

1. The league team played in the second semi final on Sunday and comprehensively thumped Claremont. The Lions led all day and were never seriously challenged by the Tigers.

Allistair Pickett set the scene early and Paul Vines, David Robbins, Marc Webb, Matt Priddis, Chad Cossom and Mark Haynes joined in a rotating midfield that must give opposition coaches headaches.

Brad Smith kicked six goals taking him past the 100 goal mark people love to say can't be achieved in modern football and Caine Hayes was creative in attack and defence.

2. Coach Peter German was awarded the JJ Leonard Medal as the WA coach of the year. Mr Leonard was, of course, one of the greatest Subiaco players, winning the Sandover Medal in 1926 and 1929. He also helped put the Claremont Football Club on the map by coaching its first two premiership teams in 1938 and 1939.

3. Allistair Pickett romped away with the Sandover Medal. Pickett won the medal as a Peel player in 2002 and after he polled 14 of a possible 15 votes in the first three games of 2004 he could have pocketed his second Sandover and headed home. Pickett is a wonderful WAFL player - fast, fair and effective - and he's also a wonderful footy story. He tried out with West Perth years ago but a couple of bad knee injuries set him back. Then in 2001 Peel talked him into coming across from Narrogin to have another go at the WAFL. He made his debut aged 28, won his first Sandover Medal at 29 and now his second as a 31-year-old. Peter German has been Pickett's coach for both of his Sandover seasons.

So the Lions have the best team, the best coach and best player in the WAFL right now... but success in footy is a funny thing.

Subiaco, after years of near things since the 1988 premiership. really do look the goods in 2004.

It has been a wonderful season and a truly great week but if the Lions don't win the premiership now none of the achievements listed above will be celebrated with any gusto at all.

From Voice News.

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