Football Operations Report

Season 2022, whilst disappointing from a win/loss perspective in the League, the club had many things to be proud of culminating in the Reserves team winning the Premiership and the Colts having an outstanding campaign finishing agonisingly short in the Preliminary Final to Peel who became eventual premiers. The Future is Bright!

Coaching

Subiaco’s coaching staff had a different look in 2022, with Beau Wardman leading the charge once again. Nigel Hamilton oversaw the midfield for the second year running whilst we welcomed back former players Scott Hancock (forwards) and Matthew Spencer (backs). Kellie Properjohn stepped up to chairman of selectors and continued in a leadership capacity. Our reserves had a new head coach Jamie Battigelli who stepped up from an assistant in 2021. Jason O’Malley (forwards), Brent McPherson (midfield) and after rupturing his ACL Jack Mayo put his hand up and looked after the backs. All of our coaches have done an outstanding job across the season maintaining high standards and professionalism in an enjoyable yet challenging environment.

Strength and Conditioning

A big thank you to Michael Dobbin and Jemma Bassi who once again set the bar across the WAFL in the S&C space. Your commitment to our program, especially through challenges thrown up by Covid and last minute training venue changes you took all before you and continually drove high standards and genuine care for our playing group which is greatly appreciated.

Medical Staff

In 2022 the club partnered up with West Coast Health to provide Physiotherapy across our Senior Men’s and Women’s program which saw Phoebe Freeman in charge of the Men’s team. From day one it was apparent Phoebe’s empathy, professionalism, knowledge base and collaborative approach would be a great asset for the football club for hopefully many years to come. Maddison Oudman (Head Trainer) recently received the President’s Trophy which is awarded annually to a member of the club that goes above and beyond in their role and embodies what it is to be a Subi person, congratulations again to Maddie a thoroughly deserving winner. To all our practical students, thank you for all 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. Big thanks to our club doctor Kent Morison and the team at SKG led by Lee Parker for all your continued support of our players and the Club. The prompt manner our team get access to medical treatment and scans is outstanding. Thank you!

Match Day Staff

Our property staff like every year continue to do all the work behind the scenes to make sure everything is organised for training and game day. Alby, Jamie, Rocket and Callum you continue to give your time to help the players and staff which doesn’t go unnoticed and is the fabric of our club. Wil Neil-Smith, Daniel Frisina, Rohan & Dylan Annear, Steve Lind, Brent Irving, Daniel Vidovich and Chad Redfern thank you for the part you all play throughout the season in your various roles.

Players

In season 2022 we had 18 debutants in the League team with 43 players tasting league football across the season. In the reserves, 58 players donned maroon and gold which is a testament to the club’s depth, especially during covid times. In another club first, we had 2 players in Stefan Giro and Angus Dewar called up to play for the West Coast Eagles which was a great reward for effort over the summer. Stef and Angus were also in the WA State Squad joined by Ben Sokol, Chad Harris, Lachlan Delahunty and Leigh Kitchin who was the Captain and eventual Simpson medallist as WA’s best player. Stef capped off an outstanding first year at the club winning the Outridge medal with the runner-up being Leigh Kitchin and after a very consistent year rounding out the top 3 was Liam Hickmott.

Staff

To the Subiaco Board of Directors, our Talent/Senior coaches, Support staff and volunteers, I appreciate all your commitment and support over the season. Beau Wardman our Senior coach the players, staff and I are fortunate to have someone like you in our corner as you leave no stone unturned to assist, upskill and develop not just players but people. The time and sacrifice to making our program the best should be commended and I have no doubt with the same application we will bounce back quickly and be back where we belong in 2023. Our office staff in 2022 changed significantly with Karen South coming on board as office manager, Will Rollo in the marketing/sponsorship space Jasmine Cookson as our D.O and Zoe Bain overseeing our women’s program. Thank you to all our office staff for your assistance and friendship over 2022, led by our CEO Peter Capes we have an outstanding office dynamic that makes coming to work a pleasure (most days). As the great man says “if it’s not fun, it’s not footy” Here is to a successful 2023

Kristian Dicton

GM - Football Operations