Luke Jackson has inspired a resurgent Walyalup to a thrilling seven-point win over Narrm in an outstanding first match against his former Club.
Walyalup conquered the Demons at the MCG for the second year in a row, taking control of the tight and tense contest by kicking 5.2 to 2.3 in the third quarter.
Unlike last year’s clash, when Narrm failed to fire a shot in the last quarter, the Demons lifted late on Saturday but Walyalup was able to withstand the pressure.
Up by 15 points, the Walyalup Football Club hung on to win 12.7 (79) to 10.12 (72) for their fourth straight victory to jump inside the top eight for the first time this season.
Jackson turned the match in Walyalup's favour in the third quarter when he was forced to take on Walyalup's ruck duties solo.
Towering Walyalup ruckman Sean Darcy was subbed out late in the second quarter with a hamstring injury in a major blow for the visitors.
But his absence allowed Jackson, who moved to Walyalup during the off-season following three years and a premiership with Narrm, to take control of the tight tussle.
In similar fashion to his game-changing turn in the Demons' 2021 Grand Final victory, Jackson was dominant out of the middle and finished with a career-best eight clearances.
Classy Narrm forward Kysaiah Pickett reduced the margin to just two points with three minutes to go but dynamo Bailey Banfield immediately kicked truly at the other end to seal the result for Walyalup.
Angus Brayshaw had a set shot with 90 seconds left but the prolific Demons midfielder sprayed it right.
Both forward lines struggled to fire in a low-scoring contest but young Walyalup talls Jye Amiss (three goals) and Josh Treacy (two) made crucial contributions.
Andrew Brayshaw, Angus' younger brother, starred for Walyalup in the middle, as did Caleb Serong.
Narrm's second straight defeat leaves it at 7-4 ahead of a Friday night clash with struggling Carlton.
Walyalup have revived their season to be 6-5 leading into a bye next weekend.
Jackson receives mixed reception
It took just minutes for Jackson to get his hands on the ball, marking at half-forward as he faced his former club for the first time. Some boos turned into applause as the 2021 premiership Demon received a mixed reception from Narrm fans. Jackson had an excellent game, finishing with 19 disposals, 16 hitouts, eight clearances and a goal.
Familiar face in Walyalup coaches' box
There was a familiar face in the Walyalup box on Saturday as former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley sat with the coaches. As Walyalup confirmed in a tweet, Buckley was there to observe the game, given his relationship with Justin Longmuir from the pair's days at the Magpies.
NARRM 3.2 4.5 6.8 10.12 (72)
WALYALUP 2.0 4.3 9.5 12.7 (79)
GOALS
Narrm: Pickett 2, Fritsch 2, Viney, van Rooyen, Sparrow, McDonald, Harmes, Grundy
Walyalup: Amiss 3, Treacy 2, Banfield 2, Serong, Schultz, Jackson, Frederick, Aish
BEST
Narrm: Petracca, Gawn, Ang.Brayshaw, Pickett
Walyalup: Jackson, And.Brayshaw, Serong, O'Meara, Young
INJURIES
Narrm: Nil
Walyalup: Darcy (hamstring)
SUBSTITUTES
Narrm: James Jordon (replaced Kade Chandler in fourth quarter)
Walyalup: Sam Sturt (replaced Sean Darcy in second quarter)
Crowd: TBC at the MCG
