West Coast’s WAFL side fell to a polished Perth Demons outfit on Good Friday afternoon, going down by 65-points at Mineral Resources Park, 24.9 (153) to 13.10 (88).
In hot and sunny conditions, the Eagles showed early intent and pressure but were unable to consistently capitalise, with Perth’s efficiency inside 50 proving decisive across the four quarters.
The match marked several milestones for West Coast, with Corey Hitchcock, Sasha Kernutt and Fin Macrae making their club debuts, while Archie Watt and Sam Cipriani debuted at WAFL level. It was also the first official game as captain for Callum Jamieson.
Perth set the tone early through Kane Johnston, who was a constant threat around goal as the Demons opened up a 14‑point lead by quarter time despite West Coast generating opportunities of their own. Jack Williams, Tylah Williams and Elijah Hewett kept the Eagles in touch, but Perth’s cleaner ball movement and discipline ensured they held the upper hand.
The Demons took control in the second term, dominating through the corridor and extending their advantage to 47-points at the main break.
Bailey Williams provided resistance for the Eagles with a strong presence around the contest and a steadying goal, but Perth’s forward pressure continued to force scores the other way.
The margin ballooned early in the third quarter as Perth surged through Johnston, Aaron Clarke and Riley Wills, pushing their lead beyond 70-points.
To their credit, the Eagles responded with improved ball movement and scoreboard pressure late in the term, highlighted by goals to Josh Burke, Harvey Johnston and a long‑range finish from Shannon Lucassen, trimming the deficit to 53-points at the final change.
Perth reasserted control in the final quarter, with Johnston’s sixth goal setting the tone before Clarke capped a dominant afternoon with seven majors.
The Eagles continued to compete, with goals to Kernutt, Cipriani and Lucassen providing positives late, but the Demons closed out the match strongly.
Sandover Medallist Charlie Constable was influential through the midfield for Perth, finishing with 33 disposals and 10 inside 50s, while Kane Johnston asserted his dominance with 17 disposals to go with six majors.
For West Coast, Clay Hall led the way with 25 disposals and six inside 50s, supported by Tyrell Dewar with 24 disposals. Bailey Williams, Sasha Kernutt, Burke and Lucassen provided scoreboard impact with two goals each.
The Eagles will look to take the learnings from the contest into next week, when they face the West Perth Falcons at Mineral Resources Park next Sunday, 12 April at 1.10pm.
PERTH: 6.1 12.5 18.7 24.9 (153)
WEST COAST: 3.5 4.6 9.8 13.10 (88)
GOALS
Perth: Clarke (7), Johnston (6), Luers (3), Wills (3), Kluske, Bodle, Edwards, Parfitt, Kirk.
West Coast: Burke (2), Kernutt (2), Lucassen (2), B. Williams (2), Cipriani, Hewett, Johnston, J. Williams, T. Williams.
BEST
Perth: Johnston, Clarke, Wills, Byrne, Constable, Taylor, Kirk.
West Coast: Dewar, Burke, Kernutt, Lucassen, Hall, Gross, B. Williams.
