Swans in stunning comeback to beat Demons

Swan Districts kicked six final-quarter goals to overrun Perth and record a tense six-point win at Steel Blue Oval today.

Swans trailed by 37 points late in the third quarter, but kicked seven of the last eight goals to win the match.

The 11.11 (77) to 10.11 (76) triumph saw Swans keep pace with second-placed Subiaco in the race to secure a berth in the second semi-final.

Heavy rain before the match left the ground in poor condition, with large mud patches on one wing and down the spine.

Swans defender Graham Jetta was one of few players to handle the wet ball well, displaying his silky skills to star across half-back in his 100th WAFL appearance.

But on the whole it was Perth who dealt with the conditions better and showed greater endeavour in the first three quarters.

The teams went goal-for-goal over the opening 40 minutes before Perth took control, kicking the last three majors before half-time to lead by 20 points at the main break.

The Demons controlled a lot of the play and their dominance showed in the inside 50m count, which they led 32-18 at half-time.

Perth could have easily put Swans away early in the third quarter, but were wasteful in attack.

Deaves (two), Power and Collard (two) all missed set shots within 20 minutes of the restart.

But Swans failed to make the visitors pay for their inaccuracy, creating few chances of their own at the other end.

The first goal of the quarter came at the 25-minute mark, when Collard's fine handpass found Bateman, who ran into an open goal to extend the margin to 31 points.

Gerald Ugle added another with a clever snap moments later to seemingly put the game beyond Swans' reach.

Ryan Davis replied before three-quarter time and quick goals to Matt Rogers, Ricky Cary and Tim Geappen gave Swans a pulse in the final term.

Jetta's long-range effort leveled the scores at the 17-minute mark before Chance Bateman kicked a steadier for Perth.

But the black-and-white figthback continued, with Kirk Ugle swinging onto his left foot to kick a superb goal from 50m.

Former Demon Aaron Elari put the nail in his old side's coffin, putting Swans ahead with a few minutes to play.

Elari marked a clearing kick at 55m before being collected with a late hit by Perth's Joel Kalajzic.

The ensuing 50m penalty gave Elari an easy shot at goal and he took full advantage.

Elari finished with two goals and young key forward Ricky Cary kicked three for Swans.

Jetta (28 possessions) was outstanding, while Elari (25), Blaine Boekhorst (24) and Ugle (23) were also important for Swans.

Kieran Hug (24 disposals), Aidan Tropiano (25) and Chance Bateman (three goals) were amongst Perth's best, but were unable to prevent a 10th straight defeat.

Swans had more joy earlier in the day, beating Perth in both the reserves (seven points) and colts (35).

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