Round 19 Match Review: Demons v Tigers

Perth hosted Claremont on Saturday with a position on the top five on the line and there was always the likelihood that the winner would end up being tough to knock out of a finals position afterwards.

 

It was Claremont who worked on top early and then pulled away to lead by 31 points at half-time and to extend that through the second half to end up beating Perth 19.11 (125) to 11.13 (79).

 

Perth's hopes of ending its finals drought that stretches back to 1997 aren't over but the only hope now means they must beat one of South Fremantle or Subiaco the next fortnight, and possibly both.

 

Perth's midfield once again had some huge ball winners led by Corey Yeo who had 38 possessions, seven inside-50 entries and a goal against his former side.

 

Brant Colledge also delivered 36 disposals, eight marks and two goals with Clint Jones compiling 30 touches, Cody Leggett 27 (nine tackles) and Mitch Browne 23.

 

Michael Sinclair was prolific once more down back for the Demons with 36 possessions, five marks, five tackles and four entries inside-50 with Matthew Taylor adding 23 disposals and four marks.

 

Michael Bennell kicked another three goals with Blake Johnson adding two.

 

Young-gun and Round 19 debutant Sydney Stack had a solid first game at League level, with one goal and 12 disposals. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perth's reserves held on to fifth position with a crucial upset win over Claremont by 54 points on Saturday at Lathlain Park.

Claremont came into the game on top spot in the reserves but Perth delivered a tremendous performance to improve to an 8-8 record and replace Swan Districts in fifth position with two rounds remaining.

The Tigers also conceded top spot as a result to Subiaco slipping to an 11-5 record to be sitting second.

Perth started solidly to lead by seven points at quarter-time and then 18 points at half-time, but by three quarter-time Claremont had hit back and were within five points.

The Demons delivered a big last quarter, though, with eight goals to nil to win 17.19 (121) to 9.13 (67).

Lennon Marlin kicked seven goals for Perth, Caelen Bennell three and Sam Garstone two.

Kurtis Chester gathered 29 possessions for the Demons, Taran Etto 29, Brent Edmonds 24, Ben Giobbi 21, Callum Marshall 21, Shaun Smith 20, Kristian Morisey and the returning Garstone 17 along with eight marks.

Cooper Nitschke kicked three goals for Claremont while Jacob Sideris amassed 27 possessions and Rylie Morgan 22.

Perth is still clinging to its finals dream with games to finish the season against South Fremantle at Fremantle Community Bank Oval and Subiaco at Leederville Oval.

 

PERTH – Goals: Bennell 3; Colledge, Johnson 2; Yeo, White, M Jones, Stack.

Best: Colledge, Sinclair, Yeo, Leggett, C Jones, Bennell, Taylor.

CLAREMONT – Goals: Lee 3; Richardson, Beeck, Bolton, J Hardisty, Manuel, Gilbert 2; Yu, Curren, Ledger, Martinis.

Best: J Hardisty, Manuel, Hamp, Beeck, Curren, Rogers, Martinis., Lim.