FOOTBALL OPERATIONS REPORT
Dwayne Lamb
2021 saw the return of the “Roar” and the Lions claiming their 16th league premiership after a disappointing 2020 season. Just as exciting was our reserves making the Grand Final, although falling agonisingly short and ultimately going down by a kick it was an outstanding effort by all our players, coaches, staff, and volunteers to get both senior sides in the big dance in what was a year that had its fair share of challenges along the way. COACHING
Subiaco’s League coaching staff had a different look in 2021, with Beau Wardman leading the charge once again. Nigel Hamilton took charge of the midfield whilst Paul Vines took the forwards and the Club welcomed back Club legend Darren Rumble who looked after the backs. Jason Bristow was chairman of selectors and match day runner with Kellie Properjohn, Martine Pearman, Kristian Dicton Andrew McDougall and Jason O’Malley also assisting both players and coaches throughout the season. Our reserves had a new head coach with Glenn McCallum taking the reins supported by Brent McPherson, Daniel Vidovich and Jamie Battigelli. The professionalism and effort our coaches displayed this year was second to none and the sacrifices they continually make to assist the players in being the best they can be is outstanding and greatly appreciated. STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING One of the major catalysts for our success in 2021 was the appointment of Michael Dobbin as head of high performance, who was ably assisted by Jemma Bassi. These two make a fantastic team and the high standards they set and continually drive within the playing group had immediate impact. It was no secret that in 2021; Subiaco was the fittest team in the WAFL and that’s a fantastic reflection on the work our strength and conditioning team have put in over the season. MEDICAL STAFF Kristelle Oehlman (Physio), Kent Morrison (Doctor), Maddison Oudman (Head Trainer) and 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. To the team at SKG led by Lee Parker, thank you for all your continued support of our players and football Club. The prompt manner our guys get access to scans is outstanding and greatly appreciated.
10 SUBIACO FOOTBALL CLUB
MATCH DAY STAFF The Backbone of our Club and what underpins our success is “Culture”. “Culture” is defined as the ideas, customs, and social behaviour of a particular people or society. In our case the best examples and the biggest drivers of our “culture” is the selfless acts displayed by our team of volunteers daily; for no reward or recognition just simply to create an environment where nothings too hard, always there to help and remind us that football is just a game and that relationships and genuine care last forever. To Alby Hawkins, Mick Bailey (RIP), Rodney Reynolds and the rest of the property team, the Club is in your debt. Much has been spoken of late of the impact you gentleman have had on generations of footballers walking in to the changeroom and the first thing they see is a welcoming smile or a bit of friendly banter. To Chad Redfern, Steve Lind, Daniel Vidovich and Brent Irving our bench coaches and team managers. Jeff Hoskins, Jevan Collins, James Thamrin and Rod Jenkins our stats team, Fritz Vanirsen and Ray Buscall our timekeepers, Austin Hamilton our resident scoreboard genius, Lucas Hamilton, Marcus Cassidy our trainers assistants and Wil Neil-Smith, Liam Brockwell our I.T support; we greatly appreciate your contributions across the season and without you the Club wouldn’t run as well as it does. PLAYERS What a resilient group of men you all are. After a difficult season in 2020 and a few key departures in Horsley and Newton you could have quite easily rested on past glories and potentially taken your foot off the pedal. 12 months on and once again you are ‘Kings of the Jungle’ and 2021 WAFL Premiers. Led fantastically well by skipper Leigh Kitchin who had a career-best season, being selected as state captain, WAFL team of the year, top 10 finish in the Sandover medal and capped off by winning the Outridge Medal. Greg Clark came runner up in the Outridge having had a career best season; also making the state team and winning the Simpson Medal for his performance in the 2021 WAFL Grand Final. 2021 saw Chad Harris, Jordan Faraone, Koby Fullgrabe, Lewis Putt, Matthew Johnson, Brandon Matera, Oskar Matthews, Joshua Robbins and Ben Golding all debut. We also celebrated Ben Sokol and Drew Rohde’s 100th WAFL league matches. In the reserves we made a conscious effort this year to push more of our colt’s players up into the senior’s program mixed with a few senior heads and mature bodies. After a slow-ish start they had a fantastic back half to the year making it through to the Grand Final but unfortunately falling short on the day. With such a young group it’s a credit to the coaching staff, the senior players, and their families for assisting to fast track their development and providing constant guidance. It has put the Club in a good position moving forward and the future looks exciting.
