BULLDOGS FALL SHORT AGAINST DEMONS AT LATHLAIN

SOUTH Fremantle put together a strong first quarter but couldn’t quite keep it going to slip to a tough loss to Perth at Mineral Resources Park by 20 points on Saturday.

Last time Perth and South Fremantle met it was an occasion to long live in the memory and while this one might not have such historic significance, it was a statement performance again from the Demons.

The last clash between the two clubs also took place at Lathlain's Mineral Resources Park in the final round of the 2020 season with Perth needing to beat a South Fremantle team to end its finals drought.

But the Bulldogs had already secured the minor premiership and were on the way to claiming the flag in a few weeks' time, and they had built a handy three quarter-time lead.

South Fremantle then kicked six goals in the first quarter and threw the gauntlet down to Perth, but the Demons held the Bulldogs to one goal the rest of the day to record the impressive 11.8 (74) to 7.12 (54) victory.

South Fremantle captain Dylan Main returned for the Bulldogs and was his team's best performer, and likely best afield, as he amassed 34 possessions, nine marks, five tackles, five inside-50 entries and two goals.

Mason Shaw also kicked two goals for South Fremantle but had just the five kicks while Perth's defence did well Cody Ninyette, Zac Strom, Brandon Donaldson, Steve Edwards, Cam McCarthy and Matty Parker all goalless.

Jacob Dragovich also battled hard through the middle for the Bulldogs with 26 possessions while Tom Blechynden continues to grasp his on-ball chances with 21 touches and eight tackles. Parker did well winning clearances out of the middle on his way to 17 possessions, six inside 50s and five tackles.

Chad Pearson had another 19 possessions across half-back and Blake Schlensog 16 disposals and six marks.

Perth got off to the perfect start at home with a quick goal to Haydn Busher but South Fremantle responded with a lucky toe poke from big man Jimmy Milelr up the other end.

Kristian Cary began his impressive afternoon with Perth's second goal only to have that answered with an impressive patch from the reigning premiers.

The Bulldogs piled on four goals in the space of less than seven minutes with two of them coming from captain Dylan Main and vice-captain Mason Shaw. 

That saw South Fremantle open up a 19-point lead after Main's second goal, but Perth responded with two in response thanks to Sam Stubbs and Cary.

Jacob Dragovich and Corey Hitchcock then traded goals for either team heading into quarter-time with South Fremantle holding an eight-point edge.

That wouldn’t last for long with Perth kicking the opening two goals of the second term through Cary and Doulton Langlands to claim a narrow lead. 

Ben Rioli would put South Fremantle back in front, though, just before half-time when he kicked truly from a set shot and the Bulldogs were three points up at the long break.

Jacob Peletier's goal midway through the third quarter put Perth up by six points and then Langlands' second of the match stretched their advantage to 12 and the Demons would never be headed from there.

Perth went on to hold South Fremantle goalless the entire second half and ended up recording the important 20-point victory.

The day got off to a winning start for South Fremantle against Perth with the colts winning 15.11 (101) to 7.2 (44).

Jacob Plunkett had a day out in front of the goals for the Bulldogs kicking six goals with Chase Bourne also booting four, Liam Brandis two and Lawerence Winmar two. Aaron Drage also had 21 possessions, Angus Fraser 21 and Caleb Stephens 20.

It was a win for South Fremantle in the reserves as well with the Bulldogs defeating Perth 15.8 (98) to 10.2 (62).

Robert Woods kicked three goals for South Fremantle, Nathan Spooner two and Aiden Hall two with Toby McQuilkin finishing with 23 possessions, Matthew Ward 21 and George Wessels 20 to go with 11 tackles and seven entries inside the forward 50.

OPTUS WAFL PREMIERSHIP SEASON – ROUND 7

SOUTH FREMANTLE        6.2    7.5    7.8    7.12 (54)
PERTH                5.0    7.2    9.7    11.8 (74)

SOUTH FREMANTLE: Goals – Main, Shaw 2; Dragovich, Rioli, Miller.
Best – Main, Dragovich, Pearson, Blechynden, Parker, Schlensog.
PERTH: Goals – Cary 4; Langlands, Stubbs 2; Hitchcock, Busher, Peletier.
Best – Byrne, Fisher, Taylor, Cary, Edmonds, Coniglio, Busher.