FALCONS CAN'T QUITE FINISH JOB ON ANZAC DAY

WEST Perth couldn’t quite finish the job on Anzac Day against Swan Districts with the black-and-whites running over the top winning by 28 points at Arena Joondalup.

A healthy crowd of 2695 turned out to watch the Falcons and Swans commemorate Anzac Day and despite the Falcons leading by eight points at the 10-minute mark of the last quarter, Swan Districts showed no signs of fatigue after playing in the wet in Mandurah on Sunday and losing.

Swans kicked the last six goals of the game to end up winning 15.8 (98) to 9.16 (70).

The result means that West Perth has now lost two straight games after starting the season with four consecutive victories heading into next Saturday's clash with the also 4-2 East Fremantle at East Fremantle Oval.

West Perth had its chances, but kicked 1.6 in the last quarter while Swans capitalised on their opportunities in front of goal. The Falcons finished with 25 scoring shots to 23 and 54 inside-50 entries to 44, but it didn’t quite pay off on the scoreboard.

Fremantle's Josh Mellington kicked three goals for West Perth after he missed last week's game against Claremont. Anthony Tsalikis was the only other multiple goal scorer with two.

Emerging Falcons midfielder Shane Nelson continued his outstanding form finishing with 35 possessions, nine marks, four tackles and four inside-50 entries.

Jay van Berlo also worked tirelessly for the Falcons with 30 disposals, seven marks, four inside 50s and a goal.

Mark Hutchings also picked up 28 possessions, Aaron Black 26, Steven Browne 23, Jordan Jones 22, Andrew Strijk 20, Matt Guadagnin 17, Ray Bartholomew 17 and Kody Manning 17.

Frank Stockley made a solid contribution in his first league game of the season as well finishing with 12 touches, 11 hit outs and a goal.

Following the league game, the colts took to Arena Joondalup with West Perth hitting back from last week's annihilation at the hands of Claremont to beat Swan Districts 11.11 (77) to 10.11 (71) in a terrific performance.

Blake Acres kicked three goals for the Falcons with Tyson Moulton and Kyle Egan adding two apiece. Acres also picked up 28 possessions to top off his best on ground display with William Michell finishing with 23 disposals, Tom Shadbolt 17, Luke Meadows 17 and Tom Wells 16.

Meanwhile earlier, Swan Districts reserves prevailed over West Perth 16.10 (106) to 12.6 (78). 

Corey Chalmers kicked three goals for the Falcons with Mitchell McPhee, Matt Fowler and Trent Manzone all booting two apiece. Manzone also picked up 25 disposals, Brayden Antonio 25, Kris Shannon 20, Jack Thrum 19, Alex Elisseou 17, James Batterham 16 and James Embley 16.

WEST PERTH                                                      3.5          5.7          8.10        9.16        (70)

SWAN DISTRICTS                                             3.3          6.3          9.5          15.8        (98)

WEST PERTH – Goals: Mellington 3; Tsalikis 2; Manning, Stockley, van Berlo, Johnson.

Best: Nelson, van Berlo, Black, Hutchings, Jones, Browne, Mellington.

SWAN DISTRICTS – Goals: Geappen, Notte, Blakely 3; Garlett 2; Miles, Ugle, Davis, Cameron.

Best: Garlett, Hildebrandt, Hams, Jetta, Twomey, Simpson, Robinson, Lammie.

BY CHRIS PIKE