Burning Desire For Top Demon

Perth midfielder Corey Byrne believes playing finals in 2025 will stand the side in good stead as the club attempts to stay alive in the premiership race this weekend.

The Demons suffered a 17-point defeat to Claremont in last weekend’s Qualifying Final and now must defeat East Perth to avoid being eliminated from their 2026 campaign in straight sets.

Only the week before the loss to Claremont, Byrne enjoyed a special moment when Perth held on to beat West Perth in the final game of the home and away season.

“It was a pretty special way to bring up 150 games and gain life membership for the Perth Football Club,” Byrne said.

“It was a tight contest and much closer than we would’ve liked, but West Perth put up a good fight.

“We knew they were going to show up with a strong performance to send off legends of their football club like Aaron Black and Shane Nelson, but I’m glad our boys dug deep and we could get over the line in the end to grab the double chance.”

Byrne has enjoyed another strong year, playing 17 games, averaging 24 disposals and kicking six goals.

But it’s finals success which means so much to Byrne, who has won three Butcher Medals at the Demons during his career.

“I still think we’re in a really good place,” he said.

“We’ve been through a lot this year and I think that’s made us stronger as a group.

“We’re all hungry and are doing everything we can on and off the field to set ourselves up to bounce back this week.”

Byrne and diehard Demons supporters don’t need reminding that the last premiership for Perth came in 1977.

“It obviously means a lot to me but also the likes of Matt Taylor, Aussie Davis and Connor Sing who have stuck by the club through the hard years.

“This football club means so much to all of us and we’re really excited by the opportunity we have in front of us.”

Perth plays the Royals in the First Semi Final, with East Perth beating the Demons in both meetings this year.

“I think we’re capable of matching it with any team in the competition so we’ll be going into the game with confidence just like they will be,” Byrne declared.

“We aren’t getting ahead of ourselves though and we’re just focusing on the things we can control like our effort and preparation.”

Byrne believes his side is becoming better equipped to handling finals pressure despite the loss to the Tigers.

“Having that finals experience last year definitely helps,” he said.

“The playing group knows what the intensity is like and what’s required when you get to this stage of the season.

“We can draw on those experiences, but at the same time, we know every finals campaign is different.

“We’ll take the lessons from last year and use them to help us perform better this time around.”