Round 9 WAFL Match Report

Swan Districts couldn’t quite come away with the win from Joondalup against West Perth on Saturday despite the best efforts again of co-captain Jesse Turner and the defensive unit doing what they could to keep the Falcons in check.

Swan Districts took with them a three-game winning streak to Joondalup's Pentanet Stadium on Saturday while looking to get a measure of revenge on the Falcons for last year's elimination final loss on the same ground.

However, it wasn’t to be with West Perth ending up winning 10.8 (68) to 7.8 (50).

The result means that Swan Districts loses its spot in the top five with a 5-4 record to be just percentage behind Peel Thunder while the Falcons regained top spot on the ladder as a result of their victory.

Jesse Palmer was the only multiple goalkicker on the day for Swan Districts with his two goals coming within minutes of each other to close the first half.

Swan Districts' co-captain Jesse Turner continued his brilliant form in his 110th game with another 32 possessions to go with seven marks, three tackles and a goal.

Sam Fisher collected another 29 disposals while Aidan Clarke picked up 28 touches, Brandon Erceg 21, Tobe Watson 20, Josh Cipro 19 and Tony Notte 19 to go with seven marks.

Will Collins also did well locking down on West Perth spearhead Tyler Keitel after he was shifted onto him with Matthew Germs finishing with 34 hit outs in the ruck as well.

Swan Districts was back to the scene of the heartbreaking elimination final loss last year and started well looking to build on the momentum of three straight wins.
Sam Fisher kicked the first goal of the game for the black-and-whites at the eight-minute mark but West Perth answered almost immediately courtesy of spearhead Tyler Keitel.

The Falcons then also kicked the next two goals through Nathan Alexandre and Conal Lynch to open up a 15-point advantage but Swans got one back just before quarter-time through Victorian recruit Ryan Kemp to bring the margin back to six points at the first break.

The margin was then just one point early in the second term when Brayden Noble kicked truly for the visitors but again the Falcons responded with goals to Lynch and Aaron Black.

Then when Keitel kicked his second of the day West Perth was up by 20 points before a steadier for Swan Districts thanks to in-form co-captain Jesse Turner.

West Perth was building some momentum, though, and goals to Mitch Antonio and Michael Mallard saw the lead for the home team grow to 25 points, but Swans again stayed in touch with a couple of late goals before half-time to Jesse Palmer.

Neither team managed a goal with conditions tough to handle in the third quarter, but it took less than 30 seconds into the fourth term for Chris Jones to bring Swans within five points.

West Perth continued to have the answers though. Antonio kicked another to restore the 11-point advantage and when he added his third of the day the Falcons locked away the 10.8 (68) to 7.8 (50) victory.

Meanwhile the day started at Joondalup with the Swan Districts colts beating West Perth 9.9 (63) to 7.3 (45).

Brodyn Fitzgerald kicked two goals for Swans in the colts while Jack Saunders racked up 30 possessions, James Sullivan 16 and Fitzgerald 13 while Evan Smith was terrific in the ruck with 16 touches, 24 hit outs and a goal.

The reserves suffered a narrow loss, though, with West Perth ending up winning 10.5 (65) to 7.8 (50).

Jamison Ugle kicked three goals for Swans in the reserves while Max Chipper amassed 29 possessions, Brenton Hilton 24, Tarir Bayok 21, Lewis Tester 21, Hudson Babich and Noah Hannan 18 while Brodie Morris had 13 touches and 20 hit outs in the ruck.

Swan Districts is back home at Steel Blue Oval to take on Subiaco this Saturday in Round 10 of the WAFL.