FALCONS FALL SHORT AGAINST SWANS

WEST Perth lost another close encounter at Steel Blue Oval on ANZAC Day. The Falcons have been more than competitive against their rivals this year but have just fallen short of victory on four occasions. This time the Falcons were defeated by just seven points by a Swan Districts side that displayed a lot of tenacity and will to win. West Perth has now won only two of its six matches and have work to do to make the four. There is no doubt that the side is good enough but need to get back into winning form after the Foxtel Cup bye.

The Falcons started the game like a house on fire and raced to a 13-point lead after seven minutes. Rohan Kerr showed his class and finishing ability after taking a strong pack mark 40 out. West Perth then took the ball straight out of the middle and Shane Nelson slotted one on the run. This occurred at the seven-minute mark but the next Falcon score didn’t occur until the 31-minute mark when Andrew Krakouer kicked a behind. During this time Swans stepped up to score 3.5 and take a nine-point lead into the first change. The black ducks did have the advantage of the scoring end but it was disappointing to see their dominance after such a positive start by the Falcons. The scores were 3.5 (23) to 2.2 (14).

It was West Perth’s turn to dominate kicking with the breeze in the second term. They kicked four goals to none. Krakouer showed his class when he snapped from 40 and he kicked his second a minute later after receiving a free. After four minutes the Falcons led by three points. Behinds were the order of the day until the 21-minute mark when Kerr kicked his second after a smooth transition from defence. Shortly after Marcus Adams took a strong mark on 50. His accurate kick split the middle to help West Perth to a 17-point half-time advantage. They led 6.6 (42) to 3.7 (25) and there was a lot to like about the quarter.

The third quarter was the direct opposite with Swans kicking five majors to the Falcons zero. In the middle part of the term West Perth kicked four consecutive behinds and this hurt their chances. As a result of Swans' dominant quarter they took an 11-point lead into the final change. They were full of running and were going to be hard to get over. Swans led 8.9 (57) to 6.10 (46).

The task became even more difficult at the one-minute mark when Matthew Rogers scored from 50 out right on the boundary. It was the sort of goal that changes a game but didn’t have any right to go through. To West Perth’s credit they replied shortly after courtesy of a Jay van Berlo major. He was on the end of a 50 metre pass from Anthony Tsalikis. At the eight-minute mark the margin was reduced to four after some fine forward line defensive pressure enabled Kody Manning to score. The Falcons had the chance to snatch the lead shortly after but they missed from close in. This was the chance the Swans needed and they kicked the next two to take a 13-point lead going into time on. One of these came from a dubious 50 metre penalty. Once again, West Perth came hard and a classy left foot snap by Krakouer saw him kick his third to reduce the margin to seven at the 25-minute mark. The Falcons attacked consistently but were unable to hit the scoreboard and when the final siren went they had lost by seven; 11.9 (75) to 9.14 (68).

It would be fair to say that the loss has really hurt West Perth’s chances but the team is definitely good enough to regroup and play finals football. Dan Hunt played a terrific game keeping Tim Geappen scoreless. He has been in very good form holding the back half together. Other good players included Chris Keunen, Shane Nelson, Laine Rasmussen and Jay van Berlo. The reserves continued their fine form with a dominant victory. Aidan Lynch and Jack Thrum continued their very good form and are amongst a number of players pressing for a league game. The Falcons now have their WAFL bye so that they can play the Box Hill Hawks in the Foxtel Cup at Etihad Stadium on Tuesday May 6. Games against Peel and Subiaco will then await them. They are both must win games.

BY DARRELL KENT

PHOTOS BY BELINDA TAYLOR