By Mark Thornber
Round 16, Perth v Swan Districts
EFTel Oval
Saturday, 10 July 2010
Perth 2.3 4.4 7.8 12.10 82
Swans 2.2 5.5 7.10 10.12 72
Perth caused a major upset by defeating Swan Districts and ending their nine game winning run in wintry conditions at EFTel Oval on Saturday.
Perth entered the match without a number of their key players including Ross Young, Scott Siekierka as well as Ashley Smith and Tim Ruffles who both earnt an AFL call up
Perth Captain Steven Armstrong won the toss and chose to kick to the Jon Building Supplies end of the ground. With rain threatening both sides knew the importance of early goals and getting a score on the board. The Black and Whites were the first team to score at the 8 minute mark through the dangerous Tim Geappen.
The Phoenix Demons were quick to answer their opponents when ruckman Wil Sullivan converted truly from 45 metres after receiving a 50 metre penalty. The match was very even in the early stages with both midfields gaining plenty of the ball. For the home side Andrew McDougall was again showing his versatility along with the usual spark provided by the skillful Tendai Mzungu.
Daniel Venditti playing his first game for the year kicked truly late in the term and then a late goal to the black and whites again evened up the scores. At quarter time Perth led Swans 2 goals 3 to 2 goals 2.
The second term saw Perth start well with Ashley Thornton kicking successive majors to see them open up a 2 goal lead. With Young not playing both Venditti and Dene White were making the most of their opportunities and really throwing their bodies in.
With the tricky breeze scoring goals was proving difficult and both defences were rebounding well.
Swans though answered as again Geappen was proving difficult to match up as Swans kicked the next 3 goals of the match to hold a narrow lead of 7 points at half time after kicking 3 goals to 2 for the term.
The third quarter saw the Phoenix Demons kick an early goal to Sullivan, who was presenting well as a target around the ground. With scores now level and rain starting to fall goals were always going to be vital to either side.
Perth youngster Brett Hodge was doing a wonderful job tagging Andrew Krakouer, however Swan Districts were still getting plenty of drive especially from Tom Roach. Both teams traded a goal each as either side was able to shake their opponents. At the half way mark of the quarter Brent Davis, who was now playing down back received a hand pass to kick a wonderful 50 metre running goal.
The black and whites answered straight back through Josh Pullman and at the last change the visitors held a narrow lead of 2 points.
Perth Coach Andrew Jarman really tried to inspire his young side as they again found themselves in a similar position as the last 2 weeks with the match up for grabs. Aaron Elari came off the bench and was providing plenty of hard run at the start of the last term. He kicked a goal within the first minute that saw the home side regain the lead.
The conditions were proving difficult for both sides and while the breeze was mainly going across the ground it was probably slightly favouring Swans. Jason Brennan kicked a handy goal to give Perth some breathing space as the real possibility of an upset was now on the cards.
After some fantastic team football by exciting youngster Bernard Sneeuwajt Justin Bollenhagen goaled from the top of the square much to the Perth fans great delight. Swans being the good side they are again responded with a goal to Geappen as the match again started to tighten up.
The Talented Hayden Busher pulled down a great grab from the back of the pack and when he squeezed through Perth’s 11th major half way through the term Perth looked nearly home. A costly error in defence again saw Swans close the gap, however when Armstrong held on to a fantastic mark running out at full pace Perth fans knew this could be the sealer.
Armstrong calmly went back and used his experience as he slotted the Captains goal to again give the home side some breathing space but now it was well into time on. As the siren sounded at the 29 minute, mark Perth were again surging forward and can certainly be proud of their 10 point win.
Mzungu was again outstanding all day collecting 30 possessions. Elari simply played an outstanding last term when the game was up for grabs and Armstrong was lively all day and finished with 2 vital goals.
McDougall played another great roaming role all day and White had plenty of the ball throughout the match. In the jubilant Perth change rooms after the match Jarman congratulated his team on a great win and praised Hodge for his outstanding close checking effort on Sandover Medal fancy Krakouer.
Perth youngster Reece Conca played his first match for the club and the 17 year old from East Victoria Park become league player number 1497.
The league win was made all the sweeter after the Colts and Reserves also brought up important victories. Next week Perth tackles the Tigers at Claremont Oval.
Goals: Armstrong, Thornton, Sullivan 2, Brennan, Bollenhagen, Busher, Venditti, Davis, Elari.
Best: Mzungu, Elari, McDougall, Armstrong, White, Hodge.
Score: Perth 19.20 134 defeated Swan Districts 5.2 32
Goals: Fry 6, McLeod 5, Eades 3, Billings, Rodgers, Fiegert, Moore, Florio 1.
Best: Whyte, Smith, Fiegert, Eades, Ransted, Fry.
Colts:
Score: Perth 11.13 79 defeated Swan Districts 9.9 63
Goals: Tunbridge 3, Koric, Garlett 2, Moody, Hansen, Boyle, Morris 1.
Best: Leeson, Garlett, Tunbridge, Richardson, Walsh, Chrimes.
