DEMONS FALL TO FALCONS

Round 16, Perth v West Perth

Lathlain Park , Saturday 11 July 2015

Perth                           0.3       2.3       5.5       9.6       60

West Perth                  4.8       7.19      12.22    14.25    109

An inaccurate West Perth side proved far too strong for an inexperienced Perth team to record a comfortable 49 point victory in fine conditions at Lathlain Park on Saturday.

The Falcons went into the match as warm favourites and it wasn’t long before they had their first goal on the board. The Falcons boasted a tall forward line with Marcus Adams causing problems for an undermanned Demons defence that was making crucial errors minus regular defender Chris Billings.

Perth had trouble entering into their forward 50 metres while the visitors were well on top with reigning Sandover Medallist Aaron Black and Shane Nelson continually driving them forward.

At quarter time a wasteful West Perth led Perth 4 goals 8 to just 2 points. The second term saw Perth slowly work themselves back into the match after a slow start with Aidan Tropiano and Michael Sinclair both playing well in the midfield.

Brennan Stack booted Perth’s first major in the opening minute of the second term, however the Falcons responded with a goal of their own through Michael Lourey. The Falcons were completely dominating in most positions as Ruckman Chris Kuenan was well on top. Mitch Morton kicked snapped Perth’s second major just before half time as the Falcons continued to let Perth off the hook by missing shots at goal.

At half time Perth were 2 goals 3 while West Perth were 7 goals 19 after kicking a wasteful 3 goals 11 for the quarter.

The second half saw the Falcons continue their fine form with Shane Nelson and Aaron Black again picking up quality possessions at will. Youngsters Kurt Chester and Todd Stevenson bobbed up to kick a goal each for the home side, however West Perth had opened up an insurmountable lead by three quarter time after kicking 5 goals for the quarter.

To Perth’s credit they came out with a greater level of intensity in the last term and had soon kicked quick goals through Stack and the experienced Daniel O’Sullivan. With Tropiano and Sinclair providing plenty of run Perth was able to outscore the Falcons by 4 goals to 2 as both Stack and O’Sullivan again scored from set shots to reduce the final losing margin to 49 points.

Once again Perth paid the price for not playing a recognised Ruckman with Ben Power and Christian Eyres still out injured, which enabled West Perth’s Kris Keunen to completely dominate the centre square and around the ground.

Tropiano again dominated for the Demons with 33 possessions and was well supported by Sinclair and Mitch Morton in the midfield with Stack returning to form up forward booting 4 majors.

Next week Perth plays arch rivals East Perth at Medibank Stadium.

Goals: Stack 4, O’ Sullivan 2, M. Morton, Stevenson, Chester 1.

Best: Tropiano, Sinclair, M, Morton, Stack, Wolfenden, McKenna.