Perhaps taking a leaf out of the book of Brad Sheppard, the outstanding performances in the WAFL at the weekend came from two men who have been front and centre at team selection in the past fortnight, with limited opportunities forthcoming.

Young midfielder Dom Sheed made his senior debut against the Western Bulldogs, but went back to East Perth in deference to playing a second successive match as the substitute, while Scott Lycett has twice been named in the West Coast squad without making the final cut.

Team selection has been challenging for the match committee and some disappointed players have played at East Perth in the first two rounds. Sheppard was one of them in the first week when, after an impressive pre-season, he could not be squeezed into the line-up.

Sheppard then dominated for the Royals against Peel. And Sheed and Lycett followed suit on the weekend.

Sheed had 23 possessions, took eight marks and had six inside 50 entries during a hard-running, disciplined performance while Lycett controlled the ruck battle and had 26 hit-outs, as well as 16 possessions and eight marks. Both men also kicked a goal each.

In addition to those efforts, defenders Sam Butler, Jacob Brennan, Adam Carter, Ashley Smith and Jeremy McGovern were under constant notice along with Will Schofield and Blayne Wilson.

Up forward Fraser McInnes was a constant threat and kicked three goals, while Pat McGinnity was typically tough at the contest. Josh Hill had a quiet day, but still kicked a goal.

Three of the club’s younger players all competed in the reserves, with Will Maginness gathering 22 possessions, Mal Karpany had 16 touches, as did Dylan Main. All three of them hit the scoreboard with Main the most productive with two goals.