FALCONS GET REWARD FOR EFFORT

Football was put into context before the game against Perth at The Arena on Saturday. The League and Reserves players of both sides lined up for a moments silence in recognition of West Perth player Michael Mascoulis who was tragically taken in a car accident at the end of 2013. Michael’s family and girlfriend were at the game and it goes without saying that the thoughts of all at the West Perth Football Club are and will be always with them.

The Falcons scored their first victory of the year against the previously undefeated Demons on Saturday. The victory was the result of an uncompromising attack on the football, much like the previous two games, but this time the effort was reflected on the scoreboard.

The endeavour from both sides was really good early. This resulted in a dour first quarter. Rowan Kerr hit the scoreboard first for West Perth when he intercepted a Perth kick out of defence to score from thirty. Shortly after Andrew Strijk kicked the first of his three goals for the game on the run from forty. His move up forward at different times certainly added to the Falcons forward line. From here the Demons really tightened up and despite their best endeavours West Perth were unable to kick another goal for the term. Perth kicked two of their own, including the first of five to dangerous forward Paul Bevan, to take a one point lead into the first change. The Demons led 2.3 (15) to the Falcons 2.2 (14).

The game really opened up in the second quarter with both sides trading goals throughout. Shane Nelson got the ball rolling when he scored from thirty after receiving a free. Paul Bevan kicked his second to tie up the scores before Andrew Strijk kicked a monster on the run from sixty. It was a wonderful goal but the advantage was short lived as a turnover midfield saw Perth capitalise to once again tie the scores at the seventeen minute mark. The Falcons had a purple patch for the next eight minutes to storm to a nineteen point lead. Anthony Tsalikis took possession over the back of the pack to kick his first, Brayden Antonio scored with a clever snap deep in the pocket and Matt Fowler kicked a classy goal on his left. Not to be outdone the Demons kicked the next two to reduce the margin to seven. The clock continued to tick past the thirty minute mark but the quarter was far from done. Promising youngster Kris Shannon soccered one from the square to take the lead out to thirteen. West Perth continued to attack but only scored three behinds before Reese Richardson got one back for Perth just as the siren went at the thirty six minute mark. It was a hectic but enjoyable term of football but at the main change the Falcons led by ten; 8.7 (55) to 7.3 (45).

Perth kicked the first two of the third quarter to take a point lead after five minutes. These included a first to dangerous forward Brennan Stack who was well held all day and a second to Daniel O’Sullivan. West Perth replied with the next two courtesy of a clever boundary kick from Marcus Adams that enabled Aaron Black to finish from the square and Marcus Adams scored one himself from the square after marking and receiving fifty. The momentum swung again and the Demons kicked the next two to take a two point lead at the twenty four minute mark. The Falcons then regained the lead momentarily after a terrific finish from Steven Browne before Paul Bevan kicked his fifth to give Perth a two point, three quarter time lead. They led 12.4 (76) to 11.8 (74).

The game was certainly up for grabs in the final quarter and this was reflected in the Falcons start. After five minutes they had gone to a seven point lead courtesy of a second to Marcus Adams who laid a great tackle and kicked his second from twenty. The ball continued to move between the half back lines before another promising Perth youngster, Callum Collard, kicked his second to give Perth back the lead by a solitary point at the fourteen minute mark. From here, though, West Perth took control. Brayden Antonio kicked his second to restore the lead to the Falcons. He looks a player capable of continuing the great tradition of players who wear the number two guernsey. Kris Shannon scored his second and when Andrew Strijk kicked his third at the twenty five minute mark the game was finally in the bag. At the final siren West Perth had run out eighteen point winners; 15.13 (103) to 13.7 (85).

It was a welcome relief to score the first win of the year after two narrow losses. Congratulations to the Colts who scored their first win, unfortunately the Reserves had a narrow loss. Reserves players to receive awards included Aidan Lynch, Jack Thrum, Shaun Marusic and best for the second week in a row was Matthew Spencer. League players to be recognised included Andrew Strijk, Nic Rodda, Laine Rasmussen who does a tremendous job shutting down dangerous small forwards, Trent Manzone and best was Marcus Adams. A trip back to Leederville next week to take on the old enemy. The game should certainly be worth the price of admission. See you there.

BY DARREL KENT

PHOTOS BY BELINDA TAYLOR