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Dashing Demons snap losing streak

Dene White.

Perth’s unsung midfield stood up at Claremont Showground today to deliver the Demons first win of the season and keep Claremont as the only winless team in the WAFL competition.

Down 28 points late in the first half, Perth rallied strongly enough to overrun the Tigers and complete a nine-point win, 11.9 (75) to 10.6 (66).

If not for dynamic forward Jack Bradshaw, who kicked four goals, and the composed efforts of Ryan Neates and Ian Richardson, Claremont’s fate would have been sealed well before Michael Florio kicked the sealer in the dying minutes.

Peel recruit Liam McKenna starred for the Demons with 34 possessions while Aidan Tropiano, the WAFL’s inform on-baller, had a remarkable 15 clearances amid 25 touches.

Teenager Jared Bell also did a good job after starting in Richardson and then going onto the ball.
Perth were well beaten in the ruck and appeared to be set for a dire day when the Tigers controlled the scrappy game in the first half.

But a six goal to three second half, with Claremont running out of legs, saw Perth end an 18-game losing streak.

Former State wingman Brett Wolfenden produced his best match for his new club with 20 disposals, including three goals late in the second and third terms to inspire his team-mates.

Searching for their first victory under new coach Earl Spalding, the Demons had squared the scores at the last break to give themselves every chance.

Perth started strongly before the Tigers pegged them back as Mitch Andrews and Darcy Cameron got on top in the ruck.

Cameron played 11 matches last year but had never displayed the presence that saw him drag in a series of contested marks inside forward 50 and create several scoring chances.

Perth defender Chris Billings went into the book early in the contest for a shirtfront that forced VFL recruit Toby Plant off the ground.

PERTH

2.1

5.1

9.5

11.9

75

CLAREMONT

3.3

7.5

9.5

10.6

66

GOALS – PERTH: Wolfenden 3; Stack, Florio 2; Ransted, Gianatti, Power, Welburn. CLAREMONT: Bradshaw 4; Cameron, McAdam 2; Richardson, Knott.

BEST – PERTH: McKenna, Tropiano, Wolfenden, Bell, White, Payne. CLAREMONT: Bradshaw, Neates, Ledger, Richardson, McAllister, Tate.
UMPIRES: McCaw, Power, Williamson.
REPORTS: Billings (P) for rough conduct on Plant.
CROWD: 800 (approx) at Claremont Showground.