Litherland loves to roar with Lions

Three grand finals and now two WAFL premierships to his name.

De-listed by Hawthorn at the end of 2016, Ongerup footballer Angus Litherland has become a key part of Subiaco’s dynasty in WAFL competition as they won a fourth flag in the past six years on Sunday.

After making the tough decision to join the Lions over his initial WAFL club Claremont, who helped him get an opportunity at AFL level, Litherland has delivered three outstanding seasons.

Although 2017 was not capped with a premiership, the joy of both 2018 and Sunday’s 96-point grand final mauling of South Fremantle will long live with the country kid who spent his early years growing up in the Great Southern.

Playing footy in Ongerup, where he was raised, Litherland played for the Albany Sharks and then Royals during his time going to school in Albany and his teenage talent was always destined to take him to higher levels.

With 25 games of AFL under his belt but more importantly six years in the strong club environment of Hawthorn, has helped Litherland flourish in his return to the WAFL.

Sunday’s grand final triumph was another example of the 26-year-old being a selfless member of the Lions’ formidable league side.

The game was effectively over by half-time as the Lions flexed their muscle with nine goals to one, and the grand final finished in a rout as they won 18.12 (120) to 3.6 (24).

Litherland finished with 14 disposals, all of which were kicks, to go with six marks, three tackles and two inside 50s.

He was rarely beaten in defence and earned a second premiership medal as a reward.

Litherland’s message in the aftermath was short and sweet.

“Love the club, love the culture,” he said. “Never want to leave.”

Litherland played 19 games this season, averaging 14.5 disposals and nearly four marks a game but his worth is measured by plenty of factors that don’t show up on a stats sheet.