Match Report: Perth Football Club WAFL vs South Fremantle
Round 12, WAFL League | June 27, 2026
Perth produced a stirring second-half turnaround on Saturday, defeating South Fremantle by 34 points at Mineral Resources Park to continue its strong run of form and remain firmly in the top three.
After trailing at the main break, the Demons flipped the contest on its head with a dominant third quarter, piling on seven unanswered goals to take complete control. Their pressure around the contest lifted dramatically after halftime, while a rock-solid defensive effort ensured the Bulldogs were unable to generate any momentum going forward.
The midfield once again laid the foundation for the victory, with Charlie Constable (28 disposals, 7 tackles) and Corey Byrne (25 disposals) consistently winning the ball at stoppages and driving Perth forward. Brandan Parfitt added another polished performance with 25 disposals and 5 tackles, while ruck duo Zac Harding (23 hit-outs) and Joshua Edwards (16 hit-outs) combined for 39 hit-outs to give the Demons first use around the ground.
Up forward, Perth found contributors across the board. Aaron Clarke finished with three goals, while Jack Kluske, Kane Johnston and William Tilbee each added two majors in an efficient team performance inside 50.
The story of the afternoon, however, was Perth’s outstanding defensive unit. Charlie Dean was immense across the backline, collecting 22 disposals and 10 marks while repeatedly intercepting South Fremantle attacks and launching the Demons back into offence. He was superbly supported by Oscar Hine-Baston (21 disposals), Matthew Taylor (27 disposals, 6 marks), Philip Baxter (14 disposals, 6 marks), Connor Sing (11 disposals, 7 marks) and Jake Watson (16 disposals, 6 marks), with the back six standing tall under pressure before taking complete control after halftime. Their ability to win aerial contests, cut off opposition entries and move the ball cleanly out of defence was a defining factor in the win.
It was another composed four quarter performance from Perth, showing resilience to overcome an early deficit before producing one of its strongest second halves of the season. The victory continues the Demons’ impressive mid season form as they build confidence heading into another important challenge.
Next up: The boys head to Sullivan Logistics Stadium next Saturday to take on East Perth for NAIDOC round, looking to continue their winning momentum and further strengthen their position inside the top four.
After trailing at the main break, the Demons flipped the contest on its head with a dominant third quarter, piling on seven unanswered goals to take complete control. Their pressure around the contest lifted dramatically after halftime, while a rock-solid defensive effort ensured the Bulldogs were unable to generate any momentum going forward.
The midfield once again laid the foundation for the victory, with Charlie Constable (28 disposals, 7 tackles) and Corey Byrne (25 disposals) consistently winning the ball at stoppages and driving Perth forward. Brandan Parfitt added another polished performance with 25 disposals and 5 tackles, while ruck duo Zac Harding (23 hit-outs) and Joshua Edwards (16 hit-outs) combined for 39 hit-outs to give the Demons first use around the ground.
Up forward, Perth found contributors across the board. Aaron Clarke finished with three goals, while Jack Kluske, Kane Johnston and William Tilbee each added two majors in an efficient team performance inside 50.
The story of the afternoon, however, was Perth’s outstanding defensive unit. Charlie Dean was immense across the backline, collecting 22 disposals and 10 marks while repeatedly intercepting South Fremantle attacks and launching the Demons back into offence. He was superbly supported by Oscar Hine-Baston (21 disposals), Matthew Taylor (27 disposals, 6 marks), Philip Baxter (14 disposals, 6 marks), Connor Sing (11 disposals, 7 marks) and Jake Watson (16 disposals, 6 marks), with the back six standing tall under pressure before taking complete control after halftime. Their ability to win aerial contests, cut off opposition entries and move the ball cleanly out of defence was a defining factor in the win.
It was another composed four quarter performance from Perth, showing resilience to overcome an early deficit before producing one of its strongest second halves of the season. The victory continues the Demons’ impressive mid season form as they build confidence heading into another important challenge.
Next up: The boys head to Sullivan Logistics Stadium next Saturday to take on East Perth for NAIDOC round, looking to continue their winning momentum and further strengthen their position inside the top four.