While the football focus last weekend fell firmly on star West Coast midfielder Daniel Kerr, in the WAFL’s opening round, his immediate opponent has cast his name forward for inclusion in West Coast’s first match of 2011.

The resumption of Kerr’s career, quite rightly, drew much attention and he thrust his name forward for discussion by the match committee with an eye-catching 20 disposals in just 65 minutes of football.

But his shadow for a little more than hour, pugnacious utility player Pat McGinnity was also under notice. The dour McGinnity accumulated 28 possessions and laid seven tackles in an impressive performance which would put him in the frame for a berth against North Melbourne at Paterson’s Stadium on Sunday.

McGinnity was strong and disciplined against Kerr, who was playing his first senior game for his club of origin, East Fremantle, against Claremont.

Kerr impacted the game strongly and so did McGinnity, playing a key role in the Tigers victory.

There was an assembly line of other notable contributors from West Coast personnel on the day, with Tom Swift, Gerrick Weedon and Lewis Broome among the best afield.

Swift was assured and polished in a 28-possession, seven-tackle effort which indicated his ferocious approach, while Broome kicked five goals from just 12 touches in an inspired debut. Weedon had 24 possessions and was credited with nine tackles in a disciplined performance which underlined his defensive traits inside the attacking 50.

Brett Jones, Lewis Stevenson and Anton Hamp also played key roles for the Tigers, if slightly over-shadowed by their teammates.

Jeremy McGovern, unlucky to miss senior selection with Claremont, kicked two goals in the reserves clash against the Sharks.

For East Fremantle, Jacob Brennan provided good rebound, although at times he had his hands full with star Tigers Broome and Ian Richardson. Koby Stevens and Tim Houlihan were solid through the middle.

Far away from East Fremantle Oval, another West Coast premiership player, Sam Butler, made an enterprising return to football, albeit in a practice game in the Subiaco reserves against  Peel.

Butler played for the Lions because his aligned club, Perth, was among five teams who watched on as the season opened around them. He accumulated 21 possessions in a positive return after a thigh strain.

Scott Lycett was the star performer for Peel when he kicked four goals in the senior match, spending most of his time deep in the forward line, while Jordan Jones relished an opportunity to play in the midfield.

Defender Blayne Wilson showed some good signs in defence and looms as another exciting prospect.