Swans hold off pesky Demons

Swan Districts have moved back into the WAFL’s top five after hanging on to beat Perth by seven points at Steel Blue Oval today.

The 13.7 (85) to 11.12 (78) victory was Swans’ fourth of the season, edging them ahead of East Perth on the premiership ladder.

Perth stormed home to close to within a point in an exciting final quarter before Matt Jukes kicked the winning goal for the home team at the 29-minute mark of the final term.

Swans achieved the win without captain Tallan Ames, a late withdrawl before the game due to hamstring tightness.

Emerging ruckman Nathan Blakely gave Swan Districts midfielders plenty of opportunities with Adam Faulkner, Matt Riggio, Aaron Elari and Jacob Burnham leading the way.

Defenders Nathan Broad, Tony Notte, Kirk Ugle and Alex Howard gave little away while Ryan Davis sparked Swans revival after a sluggish start.

Jukes kicked three goals in his first league game for the season, with midfielders Liam McKenna, Aidan Tropiano and Dene White the best for Perth.

The Demons scored the first two goals of the match and last three goals of the opening quarter to lead by 18 points at the first change.

.Swans hit back in the second term, rattling on five goals while restricting the Demons to a point kicked after the siren by first-game player Lachlan Dennis.

The black and white led by 12 points at half time and extended that to 21 points at the last change before Perth mounted a late challenge.

Swans and Perth split the minor grades, the home team taking out the colts by 22 points and Perth squaring the ledger with an exciting four-point victory in the reserves.

Former Brisbane and Richmond defender Todd Banfield got through the reserves safely in his first game back since breaking a leg in the pre-season.

Originally recruited from Swans, Banfield finished the game with 12 possessions and five marks.

The 24-year-old could return to senior ranks as early as next Saturday in the match against East Perth at Steel Blue Oval.

Michael Sinclair, Callum Collard and Jarrad Irons all impressed in the reserves for the Demons.

Sinclair, on the comeback trail from a knee injury, had a game-high 35 possessions and 16 marks.