Demons Fade out to Swans

Once again Perth gave up a match winning lead of over 6 goals to go down to a fast finishing Swan Districts side at Lathlain Park on Saturday.

Played in fine and overcast conditions it was Perth who were making all the running early in the match. Mitch Morton kicked the game’s first major at the 4 minute mark and then followed this up with another almost straight away.

Dene White was working hard as usual in the centre square and talented Wingman Cameron Manual was also playing well. The Black and Whites were peppering the goals but failing to convert their opportunities.

The home side was playing with some great intensity and attacking the ball hard. Mitch Morton was unstoppable up forward and Captain Paul Bevan was playing a great shut down role on the dangerous Ryan Davis.

Swans finally managed a couple of late goals both coming in the time on period but it was the Demons who were in control at quarter time after playing a great first term botting 6 goals 2 to Swans 2 goals 7.

The second quarter was much the same as Callum Collard kicked Perth’s 7^th goal and then Mitch Morton kicked his 5^th. By the half way mark of the term it was Perth in font by 37 points and surely an upset against the ladder leaders looked likely.

The Black and Whites though slowly chipped away at Perth’s lead largely through the clever work of Tim Geappen up forward and the bustling work of former Demon Matt Rogers.

After finishing the first half with the momentum of the match Swan Districts had cut Perth’s lead to only 12 points at the main break.

The third quarter saw both side’s having trouble in hitting the scoreboard as the match really tighten up. That man Geappen bobbed up to kick his 5^th goal but then Hayden Busher, who was presenting a good target up forward, was able to respond for Perth.

Swan Districts however were running all over the ground better and with 2 late goals in time on hit the front by 1 point at three quarter time.

The last quarter was always going to be difficult for Perth as Swans were coming home with the slight breeze but the Demons had little run left in their legs and were limited in the rotations off the bench with Jarrod Irons, Busher, Collard and Michael Sinclair all appearing to be carrying injuries.

Swans kicked quick goals through Geappen and Tony Notte as Perth simply had no match for their fast finishing opponents. The Black and Whites pilled on a further 7 goals to 1 in the last term to run out comfortable winners in the end by 37 points.

Bevan played a solid game all day in the back half and again the midfield was led well by White and Manual but lacked support. Mitch Morton was impressive with 5 first half goals and Busher led well all day before leaving the ground late with an injury.

The loss was certainly a disappointing one for all Perth supporters concerned given the fact the club had a lead of 37 points in the second quarter and the match committee will be keen to monitor an already growing list of injuries during the week.

Next week Perth return home to Lathlain Park on Saturday to play arch rivals the Royals.

Goals: M. Morton 5, Collard 2, Hunt, Stack, Leeson, Manual, Busher, Florio 1.

Best: Bevan, White, M. Morton, Manuel, Busher, J. Morton.

Round 10, Perth v Swan Districts

Lathlain Park, Saturday 31 May 2014

Perth                           6.2       11.3      12.5      13.8      86

Swans                         2.7       8.9       11.12    18.15    123