Demons extend Thunder's misery

Perth have continued Peel's winless run this season with a 29-point win at Bendigo Bank Stadium today.

The Demons rebounded after three straight losses to post the 10.17 (77) to 6.12 (48) victory in a forgettable contest in Mandurah.

Captain Paul Bevan was brilliant, but could have been even more damaging, booting 2.4, while Cale Morton’s skills were on show in his 29 possessions.

Brendon Jones (29 disposals) battled manfully for the Thunder, while Fremantle’s Jacob Ballard (26 possessions) impressed.

Colin Sylvia (19 disposals) didn’t have a great day on return from suspension and Josh Simpson (12 touches) also returned to the fold but failed to have a major impact.

The game was evenly poised heading into the final term, but Perth ran harder and used the ball effectively with the breeze in the last to take the win.

Peel started the brighter of the two sides and dominated much of the play but squandered several regulation opportunities to goal in the first term. Perth captain Paul Bevan got hold of the ball at the other end running towards goal in space and didn’t look like missing.

It was up to veteran Kristin Thornton, playing for the first time since round three, to slot the Thunder’s only major for the quarter at the 18-minute mark but the home side still get full reward for their hard work, only four points up at the break.

A more determined Demons outfit emerged from the huddle and their winless opposition couldn’t go with them. The Thunder rarely got the ball forward of centre as Perth started to pepper the goals.

Fremantle rookie Tom Vandaleur gifted the ball to Christian Eyres, who slotted a long goal four minutes into the quarter, and it was procession from there. Only the visitors’ inaccuracy prevented them from being further in front than 28 points at half time with Peel failing to score.

Peel bounced back after the break, scoring four consecutive goals to hit the lead again at the 22-minute mark.

But a late mark and goal to Mitch Morton gave Perth the edge again heading into the final term.

The Demons scored the first three points of the last quarter and then kicked consecutive majors through Matthew Moody and Bevan to take a decisive 22-point lead 10 minutes in. Thornton got one back minutes later but Perth continued to press and extend the margin to record their third victory of 2014.

Perth's Jarryd Morton when off halfway through the third quarter with a knee injury.