AFTER two missteps at the final hurdle, the Lions are ready to roar again.
Subiaco enters 2018 hunting a fifth straight grand final appearance.
Premierships in 2014 and 2015 were followed by agonising losses at the final stage to Peel Thunder the following two years.
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READ NOWBut Jarrad Schofield’s squad expects to be around the mark again, with a 14th premiership in its sights.
“Subiaco has built a strong culture around elite performance,” club spokesman Cameron Palmer said.
“Backed by a strong leadership group and a returning group of players who have been disappointed in the final outcome of the last two grand finals, we believe we have the drive and passion to go one step further in 2018.
“Led by a great coaching group who continue to best prepare players to succeed in their roles, the club is well placed to again have an impact on the 2018 season.”
Out of the squad is the retiring Wayde Twomey, West Coast recruit Liam Ryan and Richmond signing Liam Baker.
To offset their losses, the club has a number of high-profile inclusions for the 2018 campaign including Ben Newton, who played 17 AFL games with Port Adelaide and Melbourne, and former Fremantle pair Josh Deluca and Zac Clarke.
“Kyle Halligan came back late last year and is set to make a real impact in our forward line after losing some quality players to the AFL draft,” Palmer said.
“Ben Newton is a former AFL player of the highest character who comes to the club and brings a different depth to the Subiaco midfield.
“Ryan Borchet and Michael Braut are young players who are highly regarded in the Subiaco system and we expect to play more league football and have an impact in 2018.”
Subiaco kicks off season 2018 at Leederville Oval on March 30 against East Perth.
Quick questions with Cameron Palmer Player to watch in 2018? Kyle Halligan. Your biggest games in 2018? Rd 1 Good Friday vs East Perth. Rd 4 QBE Night Vs Claremont. Prediction for Sandover Medal? Kyal Horsley.
Subiaco Lions fixtures
Rd 1: East Perth @ Leederville Oval. March 30. Rd 2: South Fremantle @ Fremantle Oval. April 7. Rd 3: Swan Districts @ Leederville Oval. April 14. Rd 4: Claremont @ Leederville Oval. April 19. Rd 5: Bye. Rd 6: West Perth @ Leederville Oval. May 5. Rd 7: Peel Thunder @ Rushton Park. May 19. Rd 8: Perth @ Lathlain Park. May 26. Rd 9: Bye. Rd 10: East Fremantle @ Leederville Oval. June 9. Rd 11: East Perth @ Leederville Oval. June 16. Rd 12: Swan Districts @ Bassendean Oval. June 23. Rd 13: West Perth @ HBF Arena. June 30. Rd 14: Peel Thunder @ Leederville Oval. July 6. Rd 15: South Fremantle @ Leederville Oval. July 14. Rd 17: Claremont @ Claremont Oval. July 28. Rd 18: Swan Districts @ Leederville Oval. August 4. Rd 19: West Perth @ HBF Arena. August 11. Rd 20: East Fremantle @ East Fremantle Oval. August 18. Rd 21: Perth @ Leederville Oval. August 25.