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Perth rookies impress

AN impressive 46-point win over South Fremantle in the Variety Challenge pre-season competition has the Perth Demons licking their lips, particularly after some impressive debut performances by their younger recruits.

Perth colts players Aaron Elari, Michael Florio, Liam Smith and Darren Humble were all terrific in their first league level hit-out, and according to coach Andrew Jarman will only get better.

“All these boys will develop in different roles throughout the year to give them some football experience and an understanding of their role in the side,” he said.

“Their training has been outstanding with them training 4-5 days per week. The areas that they are developing at the moment is their body strength and their running capacity, so they can adjust to the intensity of training and performing at game day matches.”

Elari, who won the Jack Clarke medal as last year’s best and fairest colts player kicked four goals against the reigning premier, and is certainly one to watch this season. The teenage midfielder has been described as a player with a terrific work ethic, who possesses exciting speed and endurance.

Michael Florio (19) who also starred for the Demons is a smart winger with elite athletic ability, and great ball use by foot. He has been likened to Eagles midfielder Andrew Embley, with his ability to run and carry and finish with kicking long goals from outside 50.

Defender, Tendai Mzungu, who played 15 games last season was among the best, but could be played differently in 2010, according to Perth football manager Rod Basell.

“He had a good game against Souths on the weekend and is easing back into the mix,” he said.

“This season he could be freed up to play a more versatile role rather than just as a defender as he has played in the past.”

Basell said playing finals football for the first time since 1997 is a realistic possibility for the club, which finished in sixth position, with nine wins. 

“We need to win 11 to 12 games at least this season to be in the running for a top four finish. We had an up and down year, but the bottom line is we lost more games than we won,” he said.

“The key is obviously winning more home games, because it encourages the fans to throw even more support behind our players, particularly the young ones.

“I think it would be great for our members because they’ve suffered for so long.”

Perth will play an improved Claremont outfit at Claremont Oval this Saturday.