Battling Demons unable to catch Bulldogs
South Fremantle withstood a spirited Perth comeback to win by 10 points at Lathlain Park this afternoon in the club’s best start to a season in nine years.
Ben Saunders booted a game-high four goals in the 12.13 (85) to 11.9 (75) victory, including a 60m bomb 20 minutes into the final quarter that snatched the momentum away from the hosts’ grasp.
But it was the Demons’ fighting spirit that was the talking point after they kicked five consecutive goals from early in the last term to threaten a huge boilover.
South Fremantle were well served by Haiden Schloithe (27 disposals, one goal) and Blayne Wilson (23 possessions).
But Perth came out on top around the stoppages in an advantage that almost swung the match back in their favour late, with Aiden Tropiano amassing 33 disposals in his best game for the club.
The win represented the first time South Fremantle had opened a season with back-to-back victories since 2006.
The Demons had looked on track to repeat their embarrassment from the opening round against Swan Districts, having squandered opportunities to hit the scoreboard in managing just 1.7 in the first half.
It was their youth as much as their senior players who lifted them back into contest, with Cody Leggett and Daniel Arangio sharing in five goals to breathe hope into Perth’s season.
The brave challenge from Perth has cost them Jarryd Morton (quad), with the former Hawthorn midfielder expected to miss up to a fortnight after coming off injured in the first term.
