Match Review: PFC v EFFC Round 19

PERTH 13.15 (93) defeated EAST FREMANTLE 11.14 (80)

Perth moved one step closer to a first finals appearance since 1997 with a 13-point victory against East Fremantle at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday.

Since such a blistering start to the 2019 season that saw the Demons win their opening five matches it has been tough going and that made Saturday's clash at Lathlain a virtual must-win affair against the Sharks.

Perth had won just three of 11 matches since that terrific start while East Fremantle was coming into the game off a win as well so the Sharks were going to be no pushovers for the Demons.

That quickly became evident when after Perth led by three points at quarter-time, East Fremantle kicked away in the second term with five goals to three in the second term to head into the half-time interval with a nine-point advantage.

The Demons did respond well in the third quarter with three goals to one and then dominated the last quarter with four more goals to two to secure the important 13.15 (93) to 11.14 (80) victory.

The victory is the first in a month for Perth and it does keep the Demons in fifth position on the ladder with a 9-8 record. The equation is now simple and a win over Peel in Mandurah on Saturday will see Perth play finals for the first time since 1997. 

With a loss, the only way the Demons could still reach finals is if the West Coast Eagles lose to East Fremantle.

East Fremantle, meanwhile, could still end up with the wooden spoon despite an improved season under new coach Bill Monaghan. 

The Sharks have won five games in 2019 but a loss to West Coast could see them slip to the bottom should East Perth upset Subiaco and Swan Districts beat Claremont.

Cody Ninyette kicked three goals for Perth as did Josh Burke while Matthew Rogers and Blake Johnson added two goals apiece.

Clint Jones showed just how desperate he is to be part of a finals push with Perth and he racked up 38 possessions, seven marks, seven inside 50s and a goal.

Corey Yeo finished with 28 disposals for the Demons, Brant Colledge 25, Michael Sinclair 20, Matthew Taylor 20, Lachlan Dennis 19 and Cody Leggett 19.