BLISTERING START TO FALCONS' PRE-SEASON

WEST Perth turned out for its first official pre-season clash of 2013 on Saturday night and went on to thrash South Fremantle by 56 points at Fremantle Oval.

It was a fit-looking, slick moving and well organised looking Falcons outfit that recorded a 17.11 (113) to 8.9 (57) victory over a South Fremantle team had already one pre-season match against Perth under its belt.

The Falcons will now take on Peel Thunder this Saturday night at Bendigo Bank Stadium to conclude their pre-season campaign before a Round 1 derby with East Perth at Arena Joondalup.

West Perth got off to a flying start against South Fremantle on Saturday night with five goals to two in the first quarter to lead by 21 points by quarter-time.

The Falcons' advantage extended to 27 by half-time but was down to just 13 at three quarter-time. However, West Perth had a big final term booting 8.3 to just 1.2 from South Fremantle to run out thumping 56-point victors.

It was a new-look forward-line put into action from coach Bill Monaghan and that saw Kody Manning and Matt Fowler boot three goals apiece.

Jason Salecic, Matthew Johnson and Ray Bartholomew all kicked two goals each as well.

Through the middle, last year's Breckler Medal winner Mark Hutchings continued his outstanding form that saw him rookie-listed by West Coast picking up 25 possessions, taking five marks, driving the ball inside-50 on four occasions and kicking a goal.

He had plenty of help as well with Fremantle's Josh Mellington terrific with 22 possessions, six marks, four tackles and four inside-50 entries. The only blight on his performance was his three behinds.

Experienced defender Luke Tedesco also picked up 18 possessions, Aaron Black 15, Shane Nelson 14 and Andrew Strijk 13. Frank Stockley did well in the ruck finishing with 10 disposals, 22 hit outs and a goal.

Former Carlton-listed player Rohan Kerr looked good with 12 disposals, three inside 50s and a goal with fellow recruits Trent Manzone (17 disposals, five marks) and Shaun Marusic (10 touches) also showing plenty to suggest they will be good additions to the West Perth line-up.

The Falcons were near full strength with only James Embley, Anthony Tsalikis, Shayne Zanetti and Josh Donaldson to try and come in for Round 1.

BY CHRIS PIKE