Lions celebrate premiership heroes with hard-fought win over Sharks

A double premiership reunion was the backdrop for Subiaco’s hard-fought Round 11 Sullivan Logistics WAFL victory over East Fremantle on Saturday. 

While the Lions and Sharks fought it out in an entertaining battle which the home side prevailed by 25 points, two Grand Final-winning Subiaco teams came together on a special weekend. 

It’s 40 years since the Lions defeated East Fremantle in the 1986 decider, crushing their opponents by 69 points. 

Phil Lamb was one of the club’s senior players on that day who will be part of the reunion.  

“The overwhelming, lasting memories of the day are of feeling a great deal of pride and satisfaction because we won,” Lamb said. 

“But over the course of the day I remember feeling nerves early in the day, then more relaxed when I got to the ground to be around the boys. 

“The closer we got to the game starting, the more my confidence grew, I think along with everyone else’s. 

“Even though East Fremantle beat us by 50 points in the 2nd Semi-Final, Darren Bennett kicked 10 of their 20 goals. 

“Coach Haydn Bunton Jr was adamant that nothing before Grand Final day counted for anything, and I remember him saying, “you get into Grand Finals for one reason, that is to win”. 

“Even though we enjoyed a 69-point result, I remember never feeling safe until about halfway through the last quarter, then I distinctly remember that I didn’t want the siren to go. 

“It was so surreal being out there on the ground, knowing that we were going to win a premiership and savouring those final 10 or 15 minutes. 

“I remember the celebrations, from on the ground, into the night and well into Sunday and beyond. 

Lamb was one of the key contributors in the victory with more than 30 disposals. 

 “I was happy with my contribution and being a part of our defence that day,” he said. 

“On the other half back flank Rod Willet did a wonderful job on Peter Wilson and at centre half back Mark Zanotti won the Simpson Medal. 

“With our centreline of Greg Carpenter, Peter Featherby and Ian Dargie on top, it meant no easy ball was coming into East Fremantle’s forward line, which in turn meant as defenders we were able to contest almost every entry. 

“It allowed me to get into a lot of the play and get a fair bit of the ball which was pleasing.” 

 Re-connecting with the group is just as special, four decades on.  

“Getting the group together after 40 years is just brilliant,” Lamb explained. 

Scary that time has passed so quickly, but to have almost every player from the team present is just a blast,” Lamb explained. 

“Sadly, Featherby is travelling and can’t join which is a real shame. 

“He, captain Neil Taylor and I were the last remaining players from the mid-late ’70s, and there was something special for the three us to finally win a flag after so many difficult years. 

“We’ve had 10, 20, 30 and now 40-year reunions, and what makes them all special is that the squad, coaching staff, selectors, administrators, trainers and medical staff can reflect on that triumph on September 20, 1986.” 

Twenty years after that success, Subiaco enjoyed a golden era, claiming four flags in five seasons. 

Captain Marc Webb recalls the planning heading into the 2006 decider against the Bulldogs at Subiaco Oval under coach Peter German. 

“I remember coming into the match we had had a lot of tight games with South Fremantle and thinking that we needed to get a fast start after they got the jump on us in the 2nd Semi-Final,” Webb said. 

“We took our chances early in the game with some great pressure. 

“You could feel we were connecting well in the second half, and it all fell into place, and I remember enjoying the last 10 minutes when it was beyond doubt.”  

Webb produced a memorable performance to take home the Simpson Medal with 26 disposals and a goal. 

“It was a fantastic day both personally and as a club,” he said. 

“There were many strong performances and players who played important roles, so I was very honoured to receive the award. 

 “We had won in 2004 and 2005, so it was satisfying that we were able to play consistent finals football.” 

Twenty years later, the premiership skipper still has great affection for the group. 

“It is amazing how quickly it goes,” Webb admitted. 

“We were such a tight group, and we try to catch up as much as possible where we can. 

“The club has done such a great job of recognising these important reunions and credit to Todd Holmes who really drives the connection with the club and the past premiership players.”  

Subiaco CEO Kellie Properjohn is excited to welcome back a host of premiership heroes for a weekend celebration. 

“It’s incredibly special to bring these two premiership sides back together,” Properjohn said. 

“You’re talking about two groups that, 20 years apart, helped define what Subiaco stands for, success, resilience, and a strong connection to each other and the club. 

“Seeing those players reconnect, share their stories, and relive those moments reminds everyone how powerful those achievements were, not just at the time but in shaping our culture today. 

“For our current players and supporters, it’s a great opportunity to see the legacy they’re part of, and for the premiership players, it’s a chance to celebrate the lifelong bonds that were built through those years. 

“It’s something our whole club is proud of.” 

The celebrations will kick off with a joint dinner on Friday night, where members of the 1986 and 2006 Premiership teams will come together to reminisce on their achievements, reconnect, and share their stories. 

The annual Past Players Day also took place at Sullivan Logistics Stadium.