Demons Run Over Royals

Article By Mark Thornber

Photos By Aaron Raman

Round 7, Perth v East Perth

At Brownes Stadium, Thursday 25 April 2013

Perth                           5.5       9.8       12.10    19.16    130

East Perth                  3.3       5.7       10.10    11.13    79

Perth continued their outstanding start to the season with a commanding win by 51 points after a great final term against arch rivals East Perth at Brownes Stadium on Anzac Day.

After a moving service to commemorate Anzac Day it was the Royals who hit the scoreboard first with a goal in the opening minute. This seemed to lift the Demons though as a hard working midfield led by Ali Smith and Dene White found plenty of the ball early.

Perth Captain Paul Bevan kicked his side’s first major at the 10 minute mark after a few of his team mates missed early shots at goal. The home side was looking good and when key forward Fraser McInnes kicked Perth’s 3^rd goal they had opened up a mini break.

The highlight of the term for Perth fans came just before quarter time with Simon Tunbridge coming off the bench to kick a superb long 50 metre goal and then take a wonderful mark to convert another. At quarter time the Demons were in front by 14 points after kicking 5 goal 5 to 3 goals 3.

The second term saw Perth continue their fine form with a rock solid defence led by the courageous Matthew Tedesco and key backman Jared Risol keeping the Royals Josh Smith quiet. East Perth hit back through the lively Matthew Seal, however Perth continued their scoreboard pressure with goals through Matthew Moody and the exciting Brennan Stack.

After booting 4 goals to 3 the Demons took a comfortable lead of 25 points into half time. The second half saw the Demons start well with a hard running goal to White. The Royals slowly came back into the match half way through the term as Perth found it difficult to keep East Perth Captain Brendan Lee quiet. A couple of bustling goals to West Coast Eagle Scott Lycett suddenly saw the Royals gain back the momentum of the match, and by the three quarter time siren Perth were only 12 points ahead.

With a torrid last quarter likely it was the home side that seemed to have all the answers. Alistair Smith’s clearance work out of the centre square was simply outstanding as he continually drove Perth forward. Tunbridge kicked Perth’s 13^th goal as the Demons started to run all over their tired looking opponents.

Paul Bevan booted his 4^th goal and when Stack kicked his 2^nd  it was all one way traffic to the delight of Perth fans. Perth was playing some fantastic team football and finding space all over the ground. Michael Florio was in brilliant touch on his centre wing and Moody was playing a great creative last quarter in the middle setting up many forward moves.

The Demons had kicked 5 quick goals within the first 15 minutes to finally put the match beyond doubt. Moody booted his team’s 19^th goal just before the final siren to finish off a dominant term that produced 7 goals to 1 and a stirring 51 point victory.

The result was very pleasing for Perth supporters with many positives to take from the day. Bevan played a wonderful Captain’s match booting 4 goals and was well supported by Tunbridge also with 4 and a game high 11 marks.

Tedesco continues his outstanding form this season and combined well with Risol and Kane Ransted in the backline all day. Ali Smith along with Florio and White, who continues to prove many of his critics wrong rounded out a hard working midfield.

The win in front of a healthy home crowd was a real highlight to watch with the Colts and Reserves also winning well. Hayden Busher with 3 goals and Joel Leeson with 24 possessions both looked impressive in the Reserves, and along with the returning Chance Bateman from injury they should all push for a return to the league side in the coming weeks.

Next week Perth faces their biggest test of the season against ladder leaders Claremont at Claremont Oval.

Goals: Bevan, Tunbridge 4, Stack 3, Moody, White, Florio 2, Ashley Smith, McInnes 1.

Best: Bevan, Alistair Smith, White, Florio, Tedesco, Ashley Smith.