The rivalry between Subiaco and West Coast has intensified, with the Lions delivering a sharp jab at their WAFL adversaries in the lead-up to Sunday's highly anticipated match. In a bold move, the club distributed an email to supporters on Saturday, promoting the game with a provocative headline that read, "2 Birds, 1 Stone. This Sunday. Eagles lose twice."
Cheeky Promotion Sparks Controversy
Beneath the main header, the advertisement included a pointed message: "don't pay $300 to watch them lose... pay $20 instead." This clever dig references West Coast's dual engagements on Sunday, where their WAFL team will compete at Mineral Resources Park, while the AFL squad faces off against fierce cross-town rivals Fremantle in the 62nd western derby.
Eagles' Struggles Add Fuel to the Fire
West Coast enters the weekend as significant underdogs against the Dockers, who currently hold second place on the AFL ladder. Despite showing some improvement from a dismal one-win season last year, the Eagles languish in 15th position, making the Lions' taunt all the more biting. The promotional stunt gains extra sting when considering Subiaco's own recent performance; they secured only two more victories than West Coast in the WAFL last season and are tied with them in wins so far in 2026.
Recent Form and Historical Context
In recent action, West Coast notched their first win of the season by scoring nine of the final ten goals against West Perth last week. Meanwhile, Subiaco kicked off their new campaign with a stunning victory over last year's grand finalists, East Perth, on Good Friday. This backdrop adds layers of intrigue to the upcoming clash, especially with former interim Eagles coach Jarrad Schofield now back at the Lions, where he previously led the team to three premierships.
Coaching Dynamics Heighten Drama
Adding to the drama, Schofield's premiership captain, Kyal Horsley, currently holds a key coaching role at the WAFL level for West Coast, further intertwining the histories of these two clubs. This personal connection deepens the competitive spirit and sets the stage for a compelling showdown on Sunday.
