Match Report: Perth Football Club WAFLW vs Swan Districts
Round 18, WAFLW | August 2, 2026
Perth’s WAFLW season came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday, falling by 21 points to ladder leaders Swan Districts at Steel Blue Oval in a hard fought contest that ultimately ended the Demons’ finals hopes.
Knowing a win was required to secure a place in the postseason, Perth took the challenge right up to the competition’s benchmark side, battling relentlessly from the opening bounce. Despite the result not falling their way, the Demons never stopped competing and can hold their heads high after another spirited performance to close out the 2026 campaign.
Player of the Match Isla Baldwin was outstanding once again, finishing with 24 disposals, nine tackles and five marks in a tireless display through the midfield. Baldwin’s ability to win the football and apply pressure around the contest epitomised the determination shown by the Demons all afternoon.
The midfield fought hard against one of the league’s strongest outfits, with Amy Trindade collecting 21 disposals and six inside 50s, while Alyssa Smogavec added 20 disposals and Holly Britton finished with 18 touches as Perth continued to take the game on despite the pressure.
In the ruck, Molly Warne battled strongly with 28 hit outs, giving the midfield every opportunity, while around the ground Gemma Dix made her impact felt with 12 disposals, five tackles, eight hit outs and two goals in an impressive all round performance. Natalie House also hit the scoreboard with a goal, while Paige Bower (13 disposals) and Evangeline Gooch (16 disposals and seven tackles) were resolute in defence against a potent Swan Districts forward line.
Although the result brought Perth’s finals aspirations to an end, the group can be incredibly proud of the season they produced. After pushing the league’s top side right to the final siren with everything on the line, the Demons finish 2026 having continued to build a young, exciting list that showed enormous growth, resilience and belief throughout the year.
Knowing a win was required to secure a place in the postseason, Perth took the challenge right up to the competition’s benchmark side, battling relentlessly from the opening bounce. Despite the result not falling their way, the Demons never stopped competing and can hold their heads high after another spirited performance to close out the 2026 campaign.
Player of the Match Isla Baldwin was outstanding once again, finishing with 24 disposals, nine tackles and five marks in a tireless display through the midfield. Baldwin’s ability to win the football and apply pressure around the contest epitomised the determination shown by the Demons all afternoon.
The midfield fought hard against one of the league’s strongest outfits, with Amy Trindade collecting 21 disposals and six inside 50s, while Alyssa Smogavec added 20 disposals and Holly Britton finished with 18 touches as Perth continued to take the game on despite the pressure.
In the ruck, Molly Warne battled strongly with 28 hit outs, giving the midfield every opportunity, while around the ground Gemma Dix made her impact felt with 12 disposals, five tackles, eight hit outs and two goals in an impressive all round performance. Natalie House also hit the scoreboard with a goal, while Paige Bower (13 disposals) and Evangeline Gooch (16 disposals and seven tackles) were resolute in defence against a potent Swan Districts forward line.
Although the result brought Perth’s finals aspirations to an end, the group can be incredibly proud of the season they produced. After pushing the league’s top side right to the final siren with everything on the line, the Demons finish 2026 having continued to build a young, exciting list that showed enormous growth, resilience and belief throughout the year.