2025 WAFL season review : PerthMonday, October 20, 2025 - 12:19 PM

Perth’s return to the finals for just the second time this century has given the club renewed hope of becoming a premiership contender in the coming years. 

The Demons ended the home and away season in fifth position with 11 wins and seven losses, a strong result for Mark Stone in his first year as senior coach at Mineral Resources Park. 

Capping off the side’s resurgence, Perth stormed to an impressive finals victory, coming from behind to defeat East Fremantle in the Elimination Final. 

The fairytale run came to an end in the First Semi Final when they were outclassed by Claremont at Revo Fitness Stadium. 

There were several highlights for the Demons during the season including beating East Perth by 32 points in the Round 4 ANZAC showdown, while their three-point result over the Sharks in Round 13 helped secure their place in the top five. 

The club’s high-profile recruits played a major role in guiding the Demons into the top five. 

Charlie Constable again proved to be a ball magnet, averaging over 30 disposals a game on his way to claiming the Sandover Medal. 

Brandan Parfitt joined his former Geelong teammate in generating plenty of ball inside the centre square, averaging 29 disposals in 19 games. 

The beneficiary of the midfield was the forward line. 

Aaron Clarke ended his campaign with 45 goals from 15 games, Blake Schlensog filled a variety of roles and still booted 31 majors, while small forward Lochlan Paton hit the scoreboard regularly, finishing with 32 goals. 

The Demons depth also improved with the development of several young players. 

Elijah Scoble, Riley Wills, Baxter Philip, Brodie McLean, Oscar Hine-Baston, Jake Watson, Cooper Moore and Noah Cachard all enhanced their reputations. 

It came as no surprise that Constable claimed the Butcher Medal as Perth’s best player this year ahead of close friend and ex-Geelong teammate Brandan Parfitt. 

The premiership drought for the Demons has now reached 48 years, but having re-signed several key players, Perth looks capable of taking another step forward in 2026.