TOP FOUR FINISH IN THE BALANCE

By Peter Kennedy

Perth and East Fremantle players and supporters knew there was more than just the four points for a win at stake when the sides met on the Sharks' home ground for the Round 20 clash on Saturday.The Demons had to win to cement their place in the top four and strengthen the prospect of the club's first final four finish since 1997. The Sharks knew a win could elevate them from sixth and into the four, possibly at Perth's expense.

A big contingent of former stars was on hand for the clash. Sandover Medallists Ian Miller and Bryan Cousins, and premiership players Ray Lawrence and Ian Rothnie, led the Perth contingent, aided by long term supporter, Peter Newman. Former Sharks captain coach and inaugural Eagles coach, Ron Alexander was there for the blue and whites, as was stalwart supporter Ossie Symonds.

Play in the opening minutes in perfect conditions was fast and furious until defender Matt Tedesco grabbed the ball at half forward and unloaded a booming kick which beat the pack and brought up Perth's first goal. To show it was no fluke he drilled another major two minutes later. When Simon Tunbridge drove a 50 metre drop punt through the big sticks at the eight minute mark, Perth had three goals on the board and a 19 point lead.

Eagle veteran Daniel Kerr got the Sharks on the board with a running goal, then Easts got their second through Mitchell Boyle. Dene White hit the post for Perth before skipper Paul Bevan opened his account with a clever goal square snap. But Kerr got his second in time on, cutting the Demons' lead at the first break to 13 points.

Mitch Leyendekkers was rucking strongly around the ground for the Dees, and had to assume more responsibility later when team mate Christian Eyres was hampered by injury.

The pace did not slacken in the second quarter. The Sharks notched the first major before Kyle Reimers justified his promotion, goaling after a neat pass from Chance Bateman. He followed up with his second on the run, and when Bevan snapped his second the Demons were looking good.

Easts clawed back two goals and then Bevan booted a 50 metre goal --  his third -- after a fast lead, and Perth was 20 points up. Then the Sharks lifted and scored the last two goals of the quarter, cutting Perth's lead at the long break to eight points. A warning sign for the Demons occurred just before the siren when Bateman limped off with what appeared to be a hamstring twinge.

Perth started brightly in the third quarter. Bateman reappeared, and Joel Leeson brought up a major after a pass from Bevan. Ali Smith was showing plenty of dash in the midfield, and prospects looked good when Dene White kicked the Demons' eleventh goal.

Then a change came over the game. The Sharks lifted their rating and started getting more of the ball in the midfield. They grabbed the initiative and rattled on several goals, hitting the front for the first time at the 23 minute mark. By three-quarter time they led by 15 points.

With plenty at stake, the last quarter opened at a cracking pace. The Demons had several scoring chances but to no avail. It took almost 10 minutes for the first goal to be scored --  by Brad Dick for the Sharks. Simon Tunbridge snapped Perth's only goal, but the Sharks finished full of running, scoring a 28 point win.

The Demons travel to Moora --  in our country zone -- next Saturday, for a "must-win" clash with West Perth. The club slipped to fifth on the league table after losing to the Sharks, and every one of the last four qualifying games is now crucial to our finals' prospects.

DETAILS

League:

East Fremantle          3-1        8-3      13-9       16-12       108

Perth                            5-2        9-5      11-6        12-8          80

GOALS: P. Bevan 3; M. Tedesco, J. Leeson, K. Reimers, S. Tunbridge 2; D. White 1.

BEST: P. Bevan, M. Leyendekkers, B. Hodge, J. Leeson, A. Smith, J. Jacobs.

Reserves - Development Squad:

The Development Squad suffered its fourth defeat of the season but remains on top of the table. Perth started the last quarter trailing by 23 points, and peppered the goals, snatching the lead with about eight minutes to go. But the Sharks counterattacked, got their nose in front again, and held on to win by three points.

East Fremantle                  3-4      7-7      11-9      13-11    89

Perth                                   4-2      6-4       8-4        13-8     86

GOALS:   C. Manuel, R. Gray 2;  K. Ransted, M. Hunt, K. Stuart, K. Egan, T. Chrimes, B. Fry, J. Houghton, M. Mather, B. Stack 1.

BEST: M. Hunt, K. Ransted, M. Mather, J. Kalajzic, D. Johnston.

Colts:

The Colts maintained their winning run, recording a 20 point victory, thanks to a strong last quarter. Wayne Langborne's boys are continuing to challenge strongly for a top two position and the double chance in the final round in September.

Perth                          3-3         4-5         6-7         12-8     80     

East Fremantle         3-2         4-7         5-8           8-12   60

Goals: A. Fitzgerald, D. Grafton 2, B. Edmonds, D. Cox, J. Busher, T. Phillips, R. Jones, A. Moreno, M. Walker, S. Garstone 1.