A dominant second half from Perth proved the difference as they overpowered the WAFL Eagles to claim a 15.9 (99) to 9.9 (63) win at Mineral Resources Park.
The first quarter got off to a slow start with both teams failing to take advantage of their inside 50s. Jobe Shanahan kicked the first goal of the game 13 minutes in, giving the Eagles the early advantage.
Lochlan Paton responded for Perth, kicking his first of four majors for the day, giving the Demons a two-point lead.
With the quarter closing in, Loch Rawlinson opened his scoring account, bringing the Eagles back to within one point.
Perth quickly responded through Paton, before a terrific mark and conversion from an outnumbered Aaron Clarke extended the Demon’s lead to 14 points at the first break.
The second quarter saw Clarke secure his second goal for Perth, before West Coast’s Bailey Williams showed his brute strength in a one-on-one contest, and kicking a vital goal for the blue and gold.
The Eagles continued to charge, kicking three goals in seven minutes off the boots of Shanahan, Noah Long and Coen Livingstone, bringing the margin back to just one point at the half-time break.
The Demons elevated their game to another level in the third quarter, kicking five-unanswered majors, and holding the Eagles goalless for the term.
Rawlinson opened the final term with a much-needed goal for the Eagles, before Clarke continued his dominance for Perth, slotting three consecutive goals, and surging his team to a 43-point lead.
West Coast youngster Malakai Champion sparked some hope with two quick goals in under two minutes, cutting the margin back to 31 points, before Jed Kemp iced the game with his second goal for Perth.
Clarke was a dominant presence throughout the day for Perth, finishing with seven goals and 10 marks, while Paton, who was a late selection for the Demons on the day, made the most of his opportunity with four majors.
Bailey Williams was a standout for the Eagles with his ruck work and follow up, winning the hit outs for the game and finishing with 21 touches, three marks and a goal.
Experienced Eagle Tom Cole worked hard, managing 32 disposals, five marks and four tackles in his WAFL return, while Bo Allan finished with 23 touches and seven marks.
While the Eagles showed promise in a number of stats, leading in marks (92-83), hit outs (30-25), and tackles (39-26), it was Perth’s second-half surge that proved decisive, sealing a hard-fought win and leaving the Eagles to regroup ahead of next week.
West Coast take on Claremont at Revo Fitness Stadium in round four on Anzac Day this Friday.
PERTH 4.5 6.5 11.8 15.9 (99)
WEST COAST 2.3 6.4 6.7 9.9 (63)
Goals
Perth: Clarke 7; Paton 4; Kemp 2; Schlensog, Cachard. West Coast: Shanahan, Rawlinson, Champion 2; Williams, Long, Livingstone.
Best
Perth: Constable, Clarke, Parfitt, Wills, Paton, Schlensog. West Coast: Cole, Williams, Hall, Allan, Long, Johnston.
