West Australian Football

The Falcons thought they had blown second spot and the double chance, losing by five points to East Fremantle last week, but a shock victory by Claremont over South Fremantle handed them back second position and a chance at direct entry into the grand final.

Subiaco have beaten West Perth in their last seven encounters, most recently an 18-point victory at Arena Joondalup in Round 15.

The Lions were made to work hard for the victory and Falcons coach Todd Curley said his team was looking to build from that effort.

 “We didn’t start well the last time we played them and then fought our way back into it,” Curley said.

“They (Subiaco) showed why they are such a good side. When we challenged them they really stood up in the last quarter.”

Curley said the Falcons went into their shells on that occasion and could not afford to do so again against the best side in the competition.

“This week, regardless of what is going on, we have to surge forward,” he said.

West Perth will be bolstered by the return of AFL players Mark Seaby and Adam Campbell, however Kepler Bradley is injured and will miss the rest of the season.

Curley said the addition of Seaby and Campbell would be a massive boost for the Falcons.

“They are fantastic players and an important part of our group,” he said.

“The rest of the boys grow a little bit with them in the side. They are full-time football players. Their strength and footy ability will be important.”

With Dion Fleay and Luke Tedesco also ready to return, Curley said he faced a tough week at the selection table.

The Lions have won 19 of 20 games this season and remain firmly on track to claim their third consecutive premiership, but Curley remained optimistic.

“They’ve got two arms and two legs like everybody else,” he said.

Curley said West Perth could not allow Subiaco to dictate terms on Saturday.

“We’ve got to play to our strengths and stick to our game-plan,” he said.

“You can’t afford to have one down quarter because they keep grinding away.”

Curley understands the enormity of the Falcons’ task, but he was happy to play the underdog role.

“If there’s any pressure it’s on them, it’s not on us,” he said.

“No one, other than the people at West Perth, gives us a chance. Everyone expects them to win. We can just have a crack at it and that’s what we will be doing.”