Former Fremantle midfielder Nick Suban is set to lead Curtin Wesley in the A-Grade grand final of the Perth Football League on September 20, 2023. This significant match will take place at HIF Health Insurance Oval in Joondalup, where Curtin Wesley will face off against North Beach. Suban’s first season as senior coach has culminated in this highly anticipated showdown, as both teams strive for championship glory.
In an interview with The West Australian, Suban expressed his aspirations for future coaching opportunities but emphasized that his current focus is solely on the premiership decider. “I’ve got ambitions to coach further up the grades, hopefully at some point,” he stated. “At this stage, I’m happy doing what I’m doing here at Curtin and hopefully we can get the chocolates on Saturday.”
The grand final will have a familiar aspect for Suban, as his former Fremantle teammate Zac Clarke will compete for North Beach. Suban acknowledged the challenge posed by Clarke, particularly in the ruck position, and indicated that limiting his impact would be crucial for their success. “We’ll have our hands cut out trying to stop his influence on the game, but hopefully we can control the stoppage and limit his impact,” he noted. “If we can stop his influence, it’ll help us definitely win the game.”
Both players have a shared history of over 100 games with the Fremantle Dockers, including participation in the club’s only grand final appearance, which ended in a loss to Hawthorn in 2013. Suban transitioned to Curtin Wesley after two seasons as an assistant coach at South Fremantle, taking over from Craig White, who now leads the Bulldogs into the WAFL grand final at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
Suban praised White’s achievements, highlighting the Bulldogs’ impressive season. “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,” Suban remarked. He plans to support White’s team from afar, saying, “I’ll be watching on Sunday, and I’ll be cheering for the Bulldogs.”
On the opposing side, North Beach is coached by Dylan Eiffler, a former player for West Perth who took on the role at the start of last season. Eiffler noted the confidence within his team as they prepare for the grand final. “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,” he stated.
North Beach’s lineup features former West Coast Eagle Nic Reid, WAFL Eagles listed player Justin Prior, and spearhead Alex Marklew, alongside Clarke and Frank Anderson. Meanwhile, Curtin Wesley will rely on players such as Chris Leonard, Simon Hayward, and club stalwart Sam Dennis. Leonard notably received the A-Grade best and fairest award for the third time earlier this month, adding to the team’s momentum as they head into the grand final.
As the grand final approaches, both teams are poised for a thrilling encounter, with Suban and Eiffler leading their respective sides in what promises to be a memorable day for local football.
