DEMONS OVERUN IN FINAL TERM

Article By Mark Thornber

Photos By Kerrie-Ann Pendal

Round 17 Perth v Subiaco

Medibank Stadium, Saturday 19 July 2014

Perth                           3.0       7.5       13.8      15.8      98

Subiaco                       8.5       13.6      17.7      27.9      171

Perth was completely overrun by a classy Subiaco side that won a spiteful match by 73 points in fine conditions at Medibank Stadium on Saturday.

Perth began the match in the best possible way with Gerald Ugle snapping a goal in the opening 30 seconds, before Subiaco Captain Kyal Horsley responded with a goal of his own.

The Lions were switched on early with Horsley combining well with the classy George Hampson, who was well on top of youngster Clem Smith. Subiaco’s Shane Yarran was proving difficult to match up on as he booted 3 first quarter goals.

The Demons did manage a couple of late goals through Wingman Michael Florio and Michael Sinclair, however were outplayed as the Lions kicked 8 goals 5 to Perth’s 3 goals.

The second term again saw Subi dominate around the centre square where big man and former Demon Andrew McDougal was in fine form and causing a short Perth backline plenty of headaches when resting in the forward line.

Close to half time through some hard work of Dene White and Adrian Tropiano Matthew Moody was able to capitalise to kick 2 late goals but the home side still lead by 38 points at half time.

The 3^rd quarter saw Subiaco soon increase their lead to 50 points by the 10 minute mark as Perth appeared to be outplayed in most positions. After some aggression showed by Captain Paul Bevan, who was playing in the centre the Demons finally started to show some true fight with the classy Cameron Manuel kicking a goal and this was soon followed by a fantastic running goal to Ugle.

Perth finished the term in great fashion with late goals to Brennan Stack and Matthew Moody right on three quarter time that saw Subi’s lead reduced to just 23 points at the last change.

After finishing the 3^rd term in style Perth really needed the first goal in the last quarter however it was Yarran that bobbed up again for the Lions. The last quarter from a Perth perspective was really disappointing as they appeared tired while Subi with a strong breeze ran the match out well to pile on an amazing 10 goals with very little pressure from an overworked defence.

The final margin was a crushing 73 points and the Perth match committee would be desperate to try and strengthen up the backline for next week as Jarrod Risol, Chris Billings and Cale Morton were all badly missed.

Tropiano continued his excellent form along with White and Manuel, however the backline was suspect all day letting in a season high score of 27 goals to the opposition.

Next week Perth plays the Black and Whites at Steel Blue Oval.

Goals: Manuel, Moody 3, Ugle, Stack 2, Deaves, Sinclair, White, Florio, O’Sullivan 1.

Best: Tropiano, Manuel, White, Bateman, Florio, Sinclair.