As the West Coast Eagles match committee sits down to ponder the challenge of confronting Hawthorn in the round four clash at Launceston, they do so in the knowledge that an army of players are staking a claim for their opportunity.

Led by experienced defender Brett Jones, who continued his outstanding touch with a best-on-ground effort against East Perth on Saturday, there are players in every position awaiting a chance.

Jones had 29 possessions and kicked a goal in a near flawless performance against the Royals to continue a strong start to the season for Claremont and he has been a key factor in the Tigers’ unbeaten first month.

So, too, has midfielder Tom Swift, who had 27 possessions, most of them before sitting in defence for the last quarter and a half. He did much to set Claremont on their winning way, as did Lewis Stevenson (21 touches and five marks), while Gerrick Weedon stamped his authority on the game with nine first quarter touches on the way to 16 disposals, eight tackles and a goal.

Lively small forward Lewis Broome attracted some close attention from the Royals defence, but still racked up 11 possessions, three tackles and two goals. He remains the WAFL’s leading goal-kicker with 15 from four games.

Rookie Anton Hamp played in the reserves and kicked four goals.

Perth continued a bright start to the season with a two-goal win over Subiaco and Ashley Smith was a strong contributor. He had 20 possessions, took seven marks and kicked a goal as he offered important defensive rebound for the Demons.

East Fremantle dominated most facets of the game against West Perth without getting the result and a handful of West Coast players were prominent.

Bradd Dalziell led the way with 35 touches as he covered plenty of territory in getting the Sharks into scoring positions, while Tim Houlihan also continued his rich vein of form with 28 touches and at the same time restricting the impact of his opponents.

Koby Stevens was another who contributed through the middle of the ground and rounded out his game with four tackles and Jacob Brennan had 15 disposals, largely out of a back pocket. He completed his defensive role with aplomb, but also provided some strong rebound for the Sharks.

Brad Sheppard was clean and efficient at half-back, before being pushed forward in an attempt to finish off East Fremantle’s attacking opportunities. Unfortunately for the Sharks, he could not answer the riddle and West Perth marched away with the points.

Key forward Callum Wilson was another to shine, taking some outstanding contested marks and kicking 6.0 as he led South Fremantle to victory against Peel.

For Thunder, developing tall Scott Lycett had nine possessions and four marks, playing largely as a forward, but also was cast in the role of ruckman for a time and had 12 hit outs. Blayne Wilson was responsible for a good, tight defensive role on dangerous Bulldog forward Paul Mugambwa.