A Ton of Guts and Persistence

When Perth take the field against West Perth on Saturday, they will be looking to channel the effort and workrate of gutsy midfielder Aidan Tropiano.

Saturday's match at Lathlain Park with be the Sandover Medalist's 100th WAFL game.

After coming across from East Fremantle, Tropiano has been a remarkably consistent performer for the Demons highlighted especially during the 2015 season.

While Tropiano agrees it was a remarkable year personally, winning WA football's highest honour and collecting a best and fairest for Perth also, he says it's more the hard work and effort he's put in over a number of years that he's most proud of.

"Every year for myself is a pretty big deal. I put a lot of work in to make it a 7 day a week job which is a lot of fun for me and has allowed me to get the best out of my career." 

While Tropiano has been starved of team success, he says some of his treasured career highlights are being able to play with certain players who have driven him to improve and thrive on the contest.

"I really liked playing with Dene White. He really stood out and was one of the most inspiring players I played with. Rory O'Brien was another player who was similar and had the same mindset, and I enjoyed looking up to those guys as I was coming through."

While Tropiano has had to do it tough again for the Demons in 2017, he is happy that the club has been able to back its youth and provide opportunities for home grown players.

However, he has highlighted a need for more experience at the club, to assist in the devlopment of such a young squad.

"At 24 years of age I'm considered a senior player which is really quite unbelievable."

"A lot of guys have had to grow up before their time. The club may need to go and look to recruit for personnel with a bit more experience."

"It's been nice to see the young boys growing and being developed by the coaches as well. If the players and coaches continue to develop together I see no reason why Perth cannot play finals in the near future."