PERTH could become the first expansion team in WAFL Women’s history to avoid the wooden spoon, adding to its already unique accolade of winning a game in its maiden season. The Demons edged closer to achieving the former with a remarkable second victory, knocking off Peel Thunder by 23 points to move a win and considerable percentage ahead of last placed East Perth.

The Demons were a little wayward in the first term at Mineral Resources Park, kicking five straight behinds to lead by that margin at quarter time. However the weight of numbers finally won out with the Demons cracking through for a major off the boot of ex- Thunder talent Jorja Haines amongst an additional three other behinds in the first 10 minutes.

Peel had no answers for Isabella Shannon who was dominating all over the ground, while Gemma Dix and Holly Britton were getting their hands dirty around the ball. All of the Demons ball-winners were getting busy, and though Peel cut the deficit back to eight points thanks to a Cassie Davidson goal, that was quickly counted thanks to Shannon and Taya Strickland.

There were some worries that Perth’s inaccuracy might come back to bite the Demons as they Peel was making the most of limited inside 50s. When Zoe Bailey kicked Peel’s third goal just 52 seconds into the final quarter, the lead was cut to just nine points – the additional Demons behinds. Then, when Shannon kicked her fourth single, and Dethlefsen her second, the lead was out to 11 points, but the scoreboard at 3.12 to 3.1.

Fortunately any concern of a comeback was quickly squashed as Dethlefsen kicked her first through the big sticks, followed by Tui Wineti midway through the quarter to make it a 23-point margin. That would be the score the game finished on, with Perth’s inside 50 differential (43-23) too much for the Thunder who had bravely defended, but also been helped by the Demons’ inaccuracy.

Shannon’s performance of 37 disposals, nine marks, nine inside 50s, four tackles and a goal was massive in the scheme of the game, though had she converted more of her four behinds, the ex-Saint could have been in for video game numbers. Dethlefsen (19 disposals, seven marks, seven tackles, seven hitouts, four inside 50s and 1.2) was busy, though is unlikely to earn any votes from the umpires after conceding six free kicks.

Britton (22 disposals, five marks, four tackles and three inside 50s) and Dix (23 disposals, five marks, two tackles and four inside 50s) both worked tirelessly, while Single (24 disposals, one mark, two tackles and six inside 50s) was her damaging self on the outside. Haines (13 disposals, two marks, three tackles, three inside 50s) impressed against her former side.

For the Thunder, Davidson stood out with 26 disposals, six marks, three inside 50s and a goal, while midfielder Chloe Wrigley had another industrious 28 touches, eight marks, five tackles and four inside 50s. Kayla Bradshaw was busy with 25 disposals, five marks, three tackles and four inside 50s, while Holly and Ebony Bilcich worked well through the middle and forward half.

Perth remains at home to host East Fremantle on Saturday night, while Peel Thunder travel to Steel Blue Oval where they take on Swan Districts earlier in the day for Round 16.

PERTH 0.5 | 3.8 | 3.10 | 5.12 (42)
PEEL THUNDER 0.0 | 1.0 | 2.1 | 3.1 (19)

GOALS:
Perth: T. Wineti, F. Dethlefsen, J. Haines, I. Shannon, T. Strickland
Peel Thunder: Z. Bailey, C. Davidson, H. Bilcich

RMC BEST:
Perth: I. Shannon, F. Dethlefsen, J. Single, G. Dix, H. Britton
Peel Thunder: C. Davidson, C. Wrigley, K. Bradshaw, E. Dowson, E. Bilcich

AROUND THE GROUNDS

West Perth ensured its finals hopes are still alive with an inaccurate, but hard-fought 33-point win over East Perth. The Falcons booted 2.10 in the first three quarters before slotting 3.2 in the last, though fortunately the game was already over with East Perth kicking its first goal in the fourth quarter. West Perth ended up with the 5.12 (42) to 1.3 (9) victory.

Emily Bennett (21 disposals, six tackles) and Madison Dodd (20 disposals) found plenty of the ball, while Hayley Bidefeld stood out thanks to 19 disposals, five marks, three tackles, three inside 50s and two goals. Elly Sara (20 disposals, seven marks, four tackles and three inside 50s) was again busy on the outside.

East Fremantle handed Claremont its second successive loss and threw its hat in the ring for flag contention. The Sharks surged home with a 2.3 to 0.0 final term to run over the top of Claremont despite not scoring in the middle two quarters. East Fremantle won the hitouts 64-33, though the clearances and inside 50s were relatively even in the 4.6 (30) to 3.0 (18) result.

Natasha Entwistle (21 disposals, four marks and nine tackles) has been a revelation since returning to Shark Park, while Ashleigh Gomes (21 disposals, four marks and nine tackles) is stepping up with some big performances. Debutant Lana Fitzgerald was superb in her first game, managing 17 disposals and eight tackles, as Amber Kinnane kicked two goals from 15 disposals. Claire Ortlepp (32 disposals, three marks and 12 tackles) and Matilda Sergeant (26 disposals, seven marks and five tackles) were brilliant for the losers.

Swan Districts grabbed the all-important win over South Fremantle in the third-against fourth clash, getting up thanks to a two goals to one second half. The home side secured a 5.4 (34) to 4.4 (28) victory, and arguably should have won by more given the 38-19 inside 50 differential. However the Bulldogs were superb defensively, laying a whopping 95 tackles to 65.

Jaime Henry (39 disposals, six marks, eight tackles and six inside 50s) brought her own ball to the game, as the likes of Tyla Fitzgerald and Kayley King found plenty of it. Adi Griffith and Taylah Edwards booted two goals apiece as well. For the visitors, Madizen Wilkins (18 disposals, 11 tackles) was lively, while Marie Polimeno and Alira Fotu returned from State Academy duties to both hit the scoreboard in the loss.