Great Southern defender key to Subiaco’s premiership hopes

Great Southern product Angus Litherland has played a starring role for Subiaco in their 32-point preliminary final win over South Fremantle at Leederville Oval on Sunday to book a place in this week’s WAFL grand final.

Litherland, who grew up in Ongerup and also played for Royals and Albany, was among the Lions’ best players in the final as he collected 18 disposals and five marks in defence.

The former Hawthorn defender has been rock solid in defence all season and will have a key role to play as the Lions chase premiership success against a Peel Thunder side stacked full of talent at Domain Stadium this Sunday.

Ex-Royals midfielder Steven Edwards was a shining light for South Fremantle in the loss, gathering 22 disposals, six marks and three inside-50s along with a goal to be named in his side’s best players.

Edwards has enjoyed a stellar 2017, averaging 17 touches in his 19 league games and last week was named in the back pocket of the WAFL Team of the Year for his impressive role as an attacking defender which earned the 22-year-old five Team of the Round nominations during the season.

Mt Barker forward Ben Saunders was kept quiet in the preliminary final, finishing with six possessions, four marks and two inside-50s.

The Claremont colts also book a place in the WAFL grand final after a hard-fought 12-point win over East Perth in the preliminary final.

Former Royals midfielder Declan McNamara and Railways product Beau Ewen were both named in the Tigers’ best players.

McNamara had 22 disposals, five marks, six inside-50s and laid seven tackles to go with a goal in a stellar display.

Ewen again played a brilliant negating role despite only having six touches himself while laying six tackles.

Borden’s Lewis Davis was also influential in the win with 11 disposals, nine tackles and 24 hit-outs.

Denmark-Walpole’s Josh Devitt-Boyd and North Albany pair Rhett Lloyd and Addison Dew were also part of the successful colts team.