FOOTBALL OPERATIONS REPORT

Season 2020 was like no other season in WAFL History. When pre-season rolled around in November last year, the players, coaches and staff were ready to Unleash the Beast and launch an attack on the competition in a bid to win their third successive premiership. Restrictions were placed on the club in terms of our recruiting abilities and players were determined that whatever stood in their path could

Michael Farmer be overcome. A strong pre-season had been completed and the night before our first competitive match against competition, COVID-19 struck. Players, coaches and staff were forced to stand down, leave the club and wait. It was an unprecedented time and one that would have major ramifications for the club and the competition. During this time, players and coaches went online for regular catch ups, education sessions and information sessions that kept everyone connected and in good spirits. Our coaching staff’s ability to continue to keep players motivated, informed and on track was paramount to our return to training and playing. Players trained in pairs before moving into groups of 10 then 20 and finally as a full squad in June. The WAFL Competition would resume on July 18th in an eight game season with shortened quarters and a top four finals series. Our season unfortunately would not go to plan in 2020 and Subiaco would not defend their premiership and despite a nail biting season finish, the Lion’s finished in 6th position and missed out on a finals series, our first time since 2013. Major injuries to key players affected our shortened season but in review, Subiaco moved away from some key areas that have made us so successful in recent years. Our coaching staff, players and Football operations department are determined to ensure this is rectified and the Lion’s return to their formidable best in 2021.

Despite the setback of missing finals, the future looks bright with Subiaco Football Club Reserves making a preliminary final under Paul Vines and a young emerging side focused on development and learning. We debuted seven players in 2020, six of which are local products through our talent system in previous years. Kyle Stainsby, a 20 year Colts and League premiership player would take out the Outridge Medal in his second season from Lachlan Delahunty and Captain, Leigh Kitchin. Oskar Matthews moved over to Subiaco from Swan Districts and in his first season would win the Blakemore Medal as an emerging ruckman. The club farewelled Rhys Waters and Ben Newton at the end of this season as they announced their retirement. Ben was a major recruit for the club in 2018 winning two premierships and adding some class and experience over the past three seasons. Rhys leaves Subiaco with three premierships and has been involved in the club through our talent pathway since he was 14 and we wish them both the very best. Congratulations to Colts Coach Chayce Creedy, Futures Coach Stuart Page and Talent Manager Kristian Dicton for their successful premiership season in 2020, our club’s fourth in history. Their dedication and commitment throughout this season has been immense and the talent coming through in our futures and development squads is a testament to the program and everyone involved. Our transition program continues to build providing Colt’s players experience and opportunities in our senior program. Special mention must go to Lachlan Vanirsen who won the Jack Clarke medal, the Taylor medal and the Mel Whinnen Medal in what was a wonderful season.

I would also like to extend my thanks to Sarah Michell, Ashlea Renshaw, Amy Lavell and the entire Subiaco Women’s Club for their 2020 season. To make a Grand Final is an outstanding achievement and while the result did not go your way, I know you will continue to push for premierships in the future. Thanks to you all for the hard work you put into your program and the relationship between the Men’s and Women’s will only continue to grow.

COACHING

Subiaco’s League coaching staff remained unchanged in 2020 with Beau Wardman at the helm in his second year. Ryan Redfern continued with the forwards, Nigel Hamilton in defence and Jason Bristow controlled the Midfield. The Club welcomed back premiership ruckman Andrew McDougall who took on the role as Ruck coach.

Paul Vines replaced Matt Cavedon who stepped down into a midfield assistant role as the Reserves coach this year and we welcomed Scott Stanton and Brent McPherson to the club as assistant coaches. Congratulations must go to Paul and the reserves team for taking a young and developing side into a preliminary final. The dedication of our entire coaching group throughout season 2020, which included the COVID layoff and the return to train and play stage was huge. The online communication and the commitment to ensure our players were engaged, motivated and committed were done purely through the care they have for the club and the players. Thank you Beau and our coaching staff and no doubt they will be excited for the challenge of 2021.

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING

Thank you to Matthew Olds, our head of Strength and Conditioning for your commitment to our players in your second year in the role. To James Hughes, Nick Del Borello, Andre Howell and Josh Richards for your tireless work this year. You oversee 60 of our players and your commitment to ensure they all are fit and ready to go on game day is very much appreciated.

MEDICAL STAFF

Due to COVID restrictions and policies in place, our medical staff and trainers went above and beyond this year to ensure we not only complied with the regulations but also kept our players safe and healthy. Thank you to Kristelle Oehlman as our physiotherapist this year, taking over from Craig King. Kristelle

was involved in our Talent and Colts program for three years and has done a wonderful job in her first year in the seniors. To Kent Morrison, our club doctor, thank you for your work this year on game day but also during the week as you continue to see our players outside of the club and ensure they are receiving the best advice and treatment possible. Thank you also to Tanya Ferguson, our head trainer, for your tireless work this year given the changes and adjustments we had to make. A big thank you also to your trainers for the wonderful year and the work you do to ensure our players are well treated and looked after.

To Lee Parker, Scott Hancock and the team at SKG. Thank you for your partnership with our club and continued sponsorship. Our players and coaching staff no doubt appreciate the scans and medical treatment given.

MATCH DAY STAFF

Subiaco Football Club have the most dedicated and committed volunteers and we appreciate everything they do for the club which is more often than not, at the drop of a hat. They are the heart and soul of this football club and we will always be in their debt.

Micky Bailey and Alby Hawkins, no amount of words can describe what you both do and the time you give this club and our players and staff. You give our players a smile as soon as they walk into the rooms and a friendly chat and set the mood for game day or training sessions. You are so well organised and everything needed for games or training is always provided. The club can’t thank you enough. Ron Tester, Steve Lind, Chad Redfern and Scott Flood – thank you for amazing work as team managers and bench coaches. Your efforts on game days are much appreciated. Ron special mention must be made to you as 2020 will be your last year at Subiaco Football Club as our League team manager. You have given 41 years of service to this club and we wish you all the best.

Our stats team led by Jeff Hoskins, Nyree Stokes and Jevan Collins, thank you for your time and commitment to both Reserves and League games each week. To James Hughes, Will Neil-Smith and Liam Brockwell in our vision and analysis department – thank you for providing the best learning environment for our coaches to teach and educate.

Finally thank you to Kellie Properjohn for her work with our coaching staff, Jason O’Malley and Brent Irving for being our match day runners and their efforts at training. Thank you also to Austin Hamilton for running the scoreboard and to Frits Vanirsen and Jason Whelan for time keeping.

PLAYERS

While our season didn’t go according to plan and finals and a premiership eluded us, the outlook of the players at the end of the season was a will to return to the top of the competition. The players continue to want success and no doubt the disappointment of 2020 will drive them and a big factor will be the class and energy brought by our graduating Colt’s players who have shown our future looks very bright. Our Reserves players, under coach Paul Vines were outstanding all year to fall short of a Grand Final this year. Their development and education for a young side has been great to watch and no doubt they will continue to rise in our program. Three Colts players made their senior debut for the Reserves through our transition program which is allowing more exposure and opportunity at a younger age. Leigh Kitchin led the side in his second year as captain and was ably supported by his leadership group. In 8 games, Subiaco played 35 players through their League side including seven debutants while Jordan Lockyer played his 100th game in round one vs Claremont. Leigh’s Captains Address paved the way for their attack on the competition next year and I have no doubt our players will continue to commit and buy in to 2021 and once again be successful.

STAFF

To the Board of Directors, Beau and the Coaching Staff, Our medical and Match day team, our Football Operations Committee and our SFC staff, thank you for your assistance, guidance and support this year through unprecedented times. To Kristian, Chayce and Stuart, once again thank you for your efforts this year in our talent program. With the success of the Futures and the Colts this year, our future is very bright and you should all be very proud off your efforts and what you have accomplished. To Teigan Freeman, Zac Acott, Debbie King and Mack Shepherd, thanks for your support of the football program and making our admin environment one that’s special to be a part of. It’s a pleasure to work with you and I appreciate everything you all do for Football and the club.

Thank you to our CEO Peter Capes for your ongoing support this year. It’s no doubt been a strange year but your continual support for your staff in trying times has been greatly appreciated. A massive thank you to our supporters and members for your support this year. Your passion for our club is unrivalled and we look forward to seeing you all next year.