WAFL: Peel Thunder set for date with Subiaco Lions in grand final

The showdown will be a direct rematch of the 2016 premiership game that netter the Thunder their inaugural premiership, following Subiaco’s stunning win over South Fremantle in the preliminary final on Sunday.

The Lions absorbed an initial shock before running riot over the Bulldogs to claim a 14.14 (98) to 10.6 (66) win.

South Fremantle got the jump early with a four-goal to two first quarter, and threatened to send the perennial powerhouse Lions out in straight sets with a red-hot performance from their midfield in the opener.

But Subiaco steadied, booting eight of the next 10 goals to take control of the match and by half time they held a 22-point lead.

Their buffer was extended to 28 points at the final change thanks to some dominance up front from re-called forward Brad Stevenson, and from there they were able to cruise to a 32-point win.

The Lions’ victory ensures they will clash with bitter rival Peel Thunder in the season’s decider yet again.

The two sides are no stranger to one another, having established the WAFL’s greatest modern rivalry over the past two seasons through a number of close, and fiery, encounters.

Peel won their way through to the grand final a week ago with a four-goal win over the Lions, and the two played out arguably the game of the year in round 11 when the Lions took a four-point victory.

Each side heads into the WAFL’s final game to be held at Subiaco Oval with a several difference-makers.

Peel will be aided by 15 Fremantle Dockers with Danyle Pearce, Matt Taberner and Luke Ryan all starring in their previous win over the Lions.

Subiaco will enter the game with Lachlan Delahunty in great form after amassing 23 disposals in the preliminary clash with the Bulldogs, while Liam Ryan has been a massive headache for the Thunder in the past.

The grand final will be played at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.