Brave Comeback from the Demons

Round 10, Perth v Swan Districts

Steel Blue Oval , Saturday 30 May 2015

Perth                           5.2       5.3       6.8       11.12    78

Swan Districts           2.2       7.3       10.5      13.7      85

Perth fought back strongly in the last quarter to twice close within a point of a tired looking Swans side that managed to hang on to beat Perth by 7 points in fine conditions at Steel Blue Oval on Saturday.

The Demons looked very sharp early on and had 2 quick goals on the board through Liam McKennna and Mitch Morton. Captain Dene White bobbed up to snap 2 majors and when Morton kicked a wonderful goal from 50 metres out under the scoreboard Perth had kicked 5 goals for the term in an impressive display to hold a 3 goal lead over the Black and Whites.

The second term however was a very different story with Swans getting on top in the middle through the likes of Matt Rogers and Matt Riggio and looking dangerous up forward booting 4 goals for the quarter while Perth could only manage a point.

The second half continued to be a tight tussle in a low scoring match with Aidan Tropiano again playing a pivotal role in the middle for the visitors, however they lacked a tall target in the forward line to finish off his good work.

At three quarter time Swans were in front by 21 points. The last quarter saw Perth continue to work hard in the middle as Tropiano was receiving some great support from White, McKenna and former Swans player Brett Wolfenden.

With first gamer Sam Garstone playing a key role in the ruck Perth were finishing the match full of running. They managed 2 quick goals to first gamer Lachie Dennis and a fantastic running goal to Tropiano to narrow the gap to only a single point.

Former Demon Matt Rogers responded for the home side, however their 7 point lead was short lived as Wolfenden guided through a clever set shot to again reduce the home side’s lead to just a point at the 25 minute mark of the term.

Perth had some chances to take the ball forward but it was Swans who kicked the winning goal just before the final siren through the returning Matthew Jukes to hold on and win a close match by 7 points after a very brave fightback from the Demons.

Sandover Medal favourite Tropiano was again a standout for the Demons picking up 33 quality touches and was well supported by White, McKenna and Wolfenden in the midfield, however as has been the case all year Perth continued to lack a key target at Centre Half Forward.

Next week Perth travels down to the port to play the Bulldogs.

Goals: Morton, Dennis, White 2, Tropiano, McKenna, Wolfenden, Bell, Johnston 1.

Best: Tropiano, White, McKenna, Wolfenden, Hug, Payne.