Sharks Devour Demons | Match Report

It’s all smiles down at Shark Park, after the boys came from behind for an impressive 58-point win over Perth on Saturday.

It looked like it was going to be a long day for East Fremantle supporters as the Demons had early ascendency in the first half. Despite a fantastic goal by Nathan Fahey, from what commentators called the ‘dead pocket’ and a goal from Alex Howson, The Sharks had a 25-point deficit going into the first break.

The signs were better in the second term, with Andrew Stephen coming through with the first goal of the quarter. In just his second league game, Matthew Burton nailed a fantastic set shot and Jesse Mirco following suit. Despite winning the quarter by a point, the Sharks were still 24-points behind going into half time, allowing the Demons to kick the final few goals of the term.

The big break proved to be a blessing for the Old Easts, who came out as almost a completely different side, kicking eight goals to one. A great passage of play that began with vision from Ben Harding, a 100-metre run by Josh Cuneo and a nice mark and goal to finish by Mirco, set the tone of what was to come from the young Sharks side. The composure from this year’s debutants was outstanding, with Leon Pearton’s clearance to Harding allowing Jayden Schofield to come through with an excellent mark and run from the midfield.

Despite starting as a half back flanker in his return to the league side, Timmy Bristow’s move forward proved pivotal as he came through with his first goal of the day.

The experience of Andrew Stephen was crucial, with a clever dish that allowed Mirco to kick a beautifully contested goal, his 3^rd major for the game.

A fantastic run off half back by Ryan Lester-Smith and a team effort to move the ball forward, provided Fahey with the opportunity to boot his second. 

It was if the Sharks could do no wrong in the third when Burton took the ball clean off a stoppage to slot what could be a contender for goal of the year, while Bristow booted his second from the 50-metre mark.

Cam Eardley and Lester-Smith both added one of their own to the board, before Perth managed their first of the quarter at the 31-minute mark, closing the margin to 26-points in favour of the Sharks at the final break.

A six-goal final term ensured the boys could walk away with the first win of the season. Howson started the run home, with Holmes crumbing a major shortly after. Fahey added his third and one to rival Burton’s third quarter goal with an amazing banana from the pocket and ruckman Mathew Watson nailed one from the square. Zac McCarrey came through with his first for the day, Bristow made it three to send the Old Easts faithful in to a frenzy, whilst holding the Demons once more to one goal for the quarter.  

The youth were undoubtedly the standouts for the Sharks, with 10 players having played less than 10 league games. Holmes was outstanding in the midfield, finishing with a team high 28 disposals, nine marks, six inside-50 entries and a goal. Burton, Harding and Bailey who made their debut last week, were fantastic around the ground and showed great composure.

2017 recruits Mirco and Fahey made the most of their opportunities in the forward line, finishing with three goals a-piece.

The work rate from Tom Marshall (24 disposals, 11 kicks, 9 tackles), Tom Bennett (23 disposals, 12 kicks, 3 inside-50s) and Josh Cuneo (22 disposals, 17 kicks, 5 inside-50s) didn’t go unnoticed.

The work of league regulars was still pivotal, with Watson dominating hitouts in the ruck (52). Schofield, Jupp and Lester-Smith down back were very good, along with Read who nullified Papertalk, who had kicked five goals the week before.

The Sharks now turn their attention to the reigning premiers, Peel ahead of Saturday’s clash at home, bouncedown 2.15pm.