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A right royal thumping for Demons

Freddie Clutterbuck reaches for a mark at Lathlain Park. Pic: Mogens Johansen

East Perth moved back into the WAFL’s top five after outclassing Perth by 103 points at Lathlain Park today.

Athletic ruckman Paul Johnson dominated for the winners while regular key defender Kyle Anderson impressed at full forward with seven goals.

The Royals led by 18 points at the first change, 44 at half time and turned for home 65 points clear in the convincing 20.18 (138) to 5.5 (35) victory.

Former West Coast, Melbourne and Hawthorn big man Johnson was dangerous at ruck contests and in attack, finishing with 23 possessions, five marks, two tackles, 29 hit-outs seven inside 50s and two goals.

Midfielders Brendan Lee, Stephen Payne and Freddie Clutterbuck toiled hard for East Perth while Tom Barrass, Garry Moss and Callum Sinclair gave little away in defence.

Barrass was solid at full back and took two spectacular marks that were a highlight of the game and indication he will be a player of the future.

The Demons chances weren’t helped by game ending injuries to Daniel O’Sullivan (ribs), Joel Kalajzic (face) and Michael Sinclair (knee), Sinclair one of the best afield for his run with role on Brant Colledge until limping off the field in the dying minutes of the third quarter.

With Dene White and Brennan Stack also appearing to receive ankle injuries, coach Earl Spalding faces a tough task to get a team together for next Saturday’s home clash with league leaders Subiaco.

Perth midfielder Aidan Tropiano battled hard in the midfield against a variety of quality opponents while teammates Liam McKenna, David Johnston, Sinclair and Jared Bell also fared well.

The Demons took out the reserves by 62 points, the only minor grade fixture played.

League regular Jarryd Morton was in great touch for the Demons on the way back from injury, finishing with 18 possessions, 10 marks, two inside 50s and seven goals.

Morton, who played 22 games for Hawthorn, is expected to return to the senior side in coming weeks.