Demons Leaving No Stone Unturned Wednesday, August 13, 2025 - 11:22 AM

For the first time this century Perth can begin preparing for a finals campaign before the end of the home and away season. 

The Demons 29-point victory over Peel last weekend ensured the club will participate in the finals, just the second time in 27 seasons they have qualified. 

Perth played finals in the 2020 in a nine-round campaign during Covid but were bundled out of the flag race by West Perth in the first week. 

In his first year in charge, Mark Stone has already achieved what few other Perth coaches have done over the last 40 years. 

“My reaction to locking away a finals berth is predominantly pride,” Stone said. 

“I’m really proud of the way the players have approached the year and all the adversities that come with it, and their ability to keep grinding away without a guarantee. 

“There is also some relief because games aren’t easy to win in this competition, and I’m happy for President Adrian Barich, for all his hard work and for the Demons supporters who haven’t seen their team in the finals often enough.” 

With two rounds remaining, Perth has secured 10 wins and is on track to finish fourth or fifth. 

But if East Perth stumbles in their last two games and Perth takes maximum points from its matches against Claremont and Subiaco, the double chance is theirs. 

“I’m really pleased with the progress that the group has made this year and in particular the development of many of our younger players,” Stone said. 

“When we came together last November, we had a few key areas to focus on, explore the list, build a better running profile, minimise injury, and become competitive on a consistent basis. 

“So, from that point of view I feel we have been able tick those boxes, but we all now there’s a lot of work still to do.” 

Stone, an experienced AFL Assistant Coach during his career, also has delivered a new level of tactical expertise to the coaches box at Mineral Resources Park. 

He also is a realist when it comes to competing with the big boys in a finals campaign. 

“I agree, South Fremantle has been the best team across the season and are such a well-balanced and well organised team, and deserve to be sitting at the top,” he said. 

“For us, we talk about possibility over probability and that extraordinary effort can produce extraordinary results. 

“But I do know that the teams above and around us have been together for longer periods, played in finals before together, and have built strong connections and game styles and will be hard to beat.” 

However, a return to finals action is just reward for the players, officials, sponsors and long-suffering?supporters. 

“The vibe around the club is very positive and has been all year,” Stone said. 

 “We have tried to introduce themes to our training and to our education meetings and added team dinners to build in an element of fun and make it a more enjoyable place to be. 

 “The players can see they are growing and building belief and trust in each other, which has contributed greatly to performance and ultimately that creates the fun in footy. 

When it comes to hosting a final, Perth’s destiny is in its own hands. 

“To play a final at MRP or Lathlain Park for the Demons faithful would be great if we earn that right,” said Stone. 

 “I’d like to think there would be thousands of red and black supporters on the hill and in the pig pen making plenty of noise. 

“It would be even better to win a final at home.”