Round 19: Demons v Tigers Match Preview

Finals come early to Lathlain Park on Saturday in Round 19 with Perth hosting Claremont in a game with huge implications for both teams in terms of their September dreams.

Perth and Claremont are two of the teams locked in a fight over the last two remaining finals positions up for grabs and that means that any wins right now enhance their finals prospects while any losses can be fatal.

Both teams are coming off the bye in Round 18 on the back of heartbreaking three-point defeats in Round 17.

Perth's three-game winning run came to an end with an after the siren goal from East Perth co-captain Kyle Anderson while Claremont was overrun by the undefeated Subiaco in the final quarter after an impressive showing against the league-leaders.

Now following the week off, Perth comes into the Round 18 battle in fourth position with a 7-8 record. 

Given the way the season is panning out, it appears eight wins should be enough to either finish in fourth or fifth position so a win for the Demons on Saturday and they are one giant step towards their finals drought ending that stretches way back to 1997.

However, a loss on Saturday for Perth and it's going to be tough going to try and find a win over the last two rounds with them facing South Fremantle at Fremantle Community Bank Oval and Subiaco at Leederville Oval.

So in their final home game of the season, the Demons will be desperate to win to give their loyal and passionate fans hope of that finals drought coming to an end. If they win, they could even be back there at Lathlain Park to host an elimination final.

Despite Claremont dominating Perth up until the end of 2013, it's been an even string of contests between the two teams since.

In the 10 meetings since the start of 2014, Perth has managed to beat Claremont on six occasions including in Round 7 of this year by a solitary point in a remarkable finish at Claremont Oval.

They split the matches in 2017 with Claremont winning by 99 and 59 points in Rounds 20 and 3, while Perth caused the upset in Round 9 in a result that ended up severely hurting Claremont's finals hopes.

The timing couldn’t be worse for Perth to lose small forward Cody Ninyette to a suspension. He copped a one-week ban after being cited for rough conduct on East Perth's Shayne Hille back in Round 17. 

Given Perth had the bye last week, that suspension will be served this Saturday and it's a big loss considering he was the Demons' leading goalkicker in 2017 and has again kicked 24 so far in 2018, including two hauls of five.

His partnership with Michael Bennell has also been particularly impressive with the pair having combined for 38 goals since Bennell broke into the Perth league side in Round 9.

That has opened the door for Sydney Stack to make his league debut for Perth and to provide that small forward option in the absence of Ninyette.

Brent Edmonds is a chance to play his first league game since Round 9 as well for the Demons while Kasey Nicholas is trying to break back into the line-up and Taran Etto is a chance to play his first league appearance of 2018.

Around the Grounds

Visit our Team Store for up to 15% off all Demons merchandise!

Delicious food and hot drinks will be available from the Canteen beside the main gate on Goddard Street. Icy cold refreshments are available from the Redlegs Bar within the grandstand or Demons Den beside the Demon’s raceway.

Don’t forget to enter the ‘Garlands Cycleworks Game Day Bike Giveaway’. This is a FREE raffle open to all kids 16 years and under. Entry forms and boxes are located at the main gate. The lucky winner will be announced at the main break and presented with a bike at three quarter time.

Kids can also enjoy a free inflatable obstacle course and a footy dart competition!

About the Pyke Cup

FRANK PYKE

Frank played 130 games for Perth after making his senior debut for the club in Round 1 of the 1959 season at the age of 17. Playing originally as a half-forward flanker, and later as an onballer, Frank became a regular in the Perth team and finished third in the Sandover Medal in 1962 and runner-up in 1963. He played in the club’s 1966 premiership win over Subiaco

DON PYKE

Don was recruited by Claremont for the 1987 season and played in the club’s premiership win over Subiaco that year. He won the club’s Fairest & Best the following year and was recruited by the West Coast Eagles in the 1988 AFL draft. Making his debut in Round 1 of the 1989 season, Don went on to play in both the 1992 and 1994 West Coast premiership teams. A shoulder injury forced his premature retirement from playing AFL in 1996, although he returned to play in Claremont’s 1996 premiership success.