Perth Season Review

For all the advancement made by Perth this year, the overwhelming feeling of disappointment will accompany their finals campaign.

Having secured the double chance in the finals by finishing third after the home and away season, the Demons stumbled in their two finals appearances, beaten by Claremont in the Qualifying Final by 17 points before suffering a heartbreaking two-point loss to East Perth in the First Semi Final.

A record of 11 wins and seven losses proved Perth is on the right track after reaching the finals in 2025, with the club building its depth with savvy recruitment.

Former Collingwood defender Charlie Dean was the key inclusion for the Demons, joined by the likes of Sydney Swans VFL Fairest Indhi Kirk, Freddy Brayshaw, Joe Chaplin and Zac Harding.

Perth started the season with a strong first up win over the West Coast Eagles and occupied a place in the top five for all but one week after a Round 6 loss to Claremont.

Some of their most impressive performances included a win in Round 3 against eventual minor premiers Peel at Lane Group Stadium, a 17-point result against Claremont at Revo Fitness Stadium in Round 10, and a comprehensive victory over reigning premiers South Fremantle in Round 12.

The Demons clinched the double chance in Round 20 when they overcame a gallant West Perth by less than a kick.

Conversely, they suffered multiple narrow defeats, including an 11-point loss to Swan Districts in Round 8 when they led by five goals at three quarter time before being swamped in the last term.

The Demons had several players who enjoyed excelled seasons.

Sandover Medallist Charlie Constable led the way with an average of 30 disposals a game through 20 matches, and on numbers front he was supported by Corey Byrne, Austin Davis, Brandan Parfitt and veteran defender Matt Taylor who all collected more than 20 possessions a match.

There were also a group of emerging players who took the next step in their development as players.

Elijah Scoble, Baxter Philip, William Tilbee, Oscar Hine-Baston, Noah Cachard and Kane Johnston were among those to play regular League football.

Johnston has been rewarded for his outstanding form, receiving an invitation to the WA State Draft Combine as one of just two mature-aged players selected.

The invitation is recognition of Johnston’s consistent performances and development over a number of seasons at Lathlain, placing him firmly on the radar of AFL recruiters ahead of this year’s national and rookie drafts.

The 23-year-old finished second in the club’s goalkicking with 27 for the season, returning from a back injury late in the year to play in Perth’s second final.

Aaron Clark ended the year as the Demons top goalkicker with 53 for the season, five of those coming in his two finals appearances.

The other forwards to hit the scoreboard regularly in 2026 were Lochlan Paton (23 goals) and Jack Kluske (19 goals).

While the premiership drought continues for Perth and they have parted ways with coach Mark Stone, the players have now appeared in back-to-back finals series, an achievement to build on in 2027.