Lions Legend to Make Call on FutureThursday, July 18, 2024 - 11:24 AM

Veteran Subiaco midfielder Leigh Kitchin is weighing up whether to continue his career in 2025.

One of the WAFL’s most decorated footballers of this century, Kitchin is a four-time premiership player, two as captain, having joined Subiaco in 2015.

The 34-year-old has played 177 games but admits he’s facing a big call about his future.

“I’ve been pleased with how I have come back after an injury interrupted 2023, but  I’m not locked in for 2025 and I feel that decision will come to me over the next six weeks,” said Kitchin.

Despite collecting 25 disposals and kicking a goal in Subiaco’s last outing against East Perth, Kitchin is frustrated by the team’s ability win close games.

“It has been inconsistent and when we break down our season to date, it has been critical moments during games which we have failed to execute,” he said.

“The result is we have lost four games by under 14 points. We’ve performed well against the top two teams, so there is an awareness internally that our better football can mix it with the ladder leaders, but we haven’t been able to produce this level every week.

“We are a proud club, and our group loves to compete, so when you aren’t winning games there is a level of frustration and embarrassment that come with the results. You have to constantly try and find answers and a way to turn things around.” 

As the General Manager of Dimattina Coffee, Kitchin is a natural leader, but on the field, he has stepped aside as captain of the Lions after five seasons, handing the baton to Greg Clark.

“I’ve certainly enjoyed watching our younger leaders continue develop and find their own leadership styles,” Kitchin said.

“Obviously, our performance as a team on field hasn’t met our expectations, which presents growth opportunities on a weekly basis.

“Greg has put a huge amount of work into the role and is doing a great job.”

Ever the optimist, Kitchin hasn’t written off 2024 despite Subiaco being three games outside the top five.

“While results will have to fall our way, a position in the finals is still a possibility, so our goals don’t change dramatically,” Kitchin declared.

“Realistically we need to win every game from here on out to be a chance, so our goal is simply to perform as close to our best every week and continue to develop our team and our style into one that stands up in big games.”

Subiaco plays South Fremantle at Fremantle Community Bank Oval on Saturday at 2.30pm.