Former Fremantle Dockers midfielder Nick Suban is poised to lead Curtin Wesley in the A-Grade grand final of the Perth Football League, marking an impressive start in his first season as senior coach. The highly anticipated match will take place against North Beach at HIF Health Insurance Oval in Joondalup on September 20, 2023. Both teams are eager to secure the championship title, making this clash a significant moment for the players and clubs involved.
Suban articulated his immediate focus on the grand final while expressing aspirations to coach at higher levels in the future. “At this stage, I’m happy doing what I’m doing here at Curtin and hopefully we can get the chocolates on Saturday,” he told The West Australian. The match is set to kick off at 14:45 AWST, and it will be streamed live for fans eager to witness the showdown.
A familiar face in the grand final will be Suban’s former Fremantle teammate Zac Clarke, who will represent North Beach. Suban acknowledged the crucial role Clarke could play in the game, emphasizing the importance of managing his influence. “We’ll have our hands cut out trying to stop his influence on the game,” Suban stated. “If we can stop his influence, it’ll help us definitely win the game.”
Both Suban and Clarke share a notable history, having played over 100 games together for Fremantle, including the club’s only grand final appearance in 2013, where they faced Hawthorn. Their shared experiences add an intriguing narrative layer to the upcoming match.
Suban transitioned to Curtin Wesley after serving as an assistant coach for two seasons at South Fremantle. He succeeded Craig White, who is now head coach of the Bulldogs, also competing in their own grand final at Optus Stadium on the same weekend. Suban praised White’s success, noting, “He’s done a phenomenal job. For them to lose one game for the year and be going as well as they’re going, it’s been unbelievable.”
North Beach is under the guidance of Dylan Eiffler, a former West Perth player who took on the coaching role at the beginning of the previous season. Eiffler expressed confidence in his squad, stating, “Certainly, a lot of confidence and belief within the group. It’s been a really big year so far, so great opportunity to cap it off tomorrow with both the league and reserves representing the club.”
The North Beach lineup features several notable players, including former Eagle Nic Reid, WAFL Eagles player Justin Prior, and spearhead Alex Marklew. Meanwhile, Chris Leonard, Simon Hayward, and club stalwart Sam Dennis will don the colors for Curtin Wesley. Leonard, who has also been recognized for his individual achievements, recently secured the A-Grade best and fairest award for the third time.
As the grand final approaches, excitement builds around both teams. The stakes are high, and the outcome promises to be a memorable chapter in the history of the Perth Football League. Suban and his players will aim to translate their hard work into a championship title, while Eiffler’s North Beach squad will look to assert their dominance on the field. The match is set to be a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and competitive spirit.
