Round 8 Match Review vs Subiaco Lions

Round 8 saw the Perth Demons ready to take on the biggest challenge in WAFL footy, the Subiaco Lions.

The Lions have won their opening six matches of the season by an average of almost 79 points, while also having won 10 of the last 11 meetings against Perth. They are touted as the team to beat in the competition, but the David versus Goliath challenge presented a great learning opportunity for the young Demons.

Despite a strong start, led by Brant Colledge and Clint Jones, the Lions settled into their usual brand of strong football and at quarter-time. The Demons trailed by 18 points.

With nothing to lose, the second quarter saw the two midfields go at each other. With the Demons taking what opportunities came their way, they managed to reduce the deficit to just seven points at half time.

The third quarter became a real battle, with goals hard to score. The Demons could only manage two goals, but through the efforts of second gamer Mitch Lague, the dependable Clayton Giblett and the no-nonsense John Levien, Subiaco only scored two as well. The lead for Subiaco only increased by one point since half time.

Perth needed to score the first goal and they did. Cody Ninyette kicked his second for the game and the margin was two only points, setting up an absorbing finish.

Unfortunately the next goal scored by Perth would not come until Subiaco had added seven of their own, with the opening goal a scare to ignite the response fitting of a good side.

Subiaco’s big recruit Zac Clarke controlled the centre bounces and the midfield did the rest, with three goals kicked in three minutes.

Cody Ninyette and Anton Scotney booted two goals apiece for Perth, while Clint Jones picked up 26 possessions, Brant Colledge 26 and Ben Giobbi 16.

Earl Splading reviewed the match, saying “Very proud of the first three quarters, when we stuck to our game plan, put Subiaco under pressure and held our own against the best team in the competition. If we play like this each week, we will start to win more games and build our self-belief.”

This week, the Demons prepare to take on the Swan Districts at Blue Steel Oval for the WA Day Round.