On the WA Day public holiday, East Perth celebrated in style with a solid 16-point victory over arch rivals West Perth which was an amazing turn-around from a 100-point thumping when the two clubs met earlier in the year.
Midfielders Mark Hutchings, Sam Butler and Pat McGinnity were all strong contributors, while also having their game time managed in light of a short turnaround before the senior team heads to Launceston on Thursday.
Hutchings still had 28 possessions and kicked a goal, while McGinnity and Butler were also influential.
Big man Scott Lycett gave the match committee something to ponder with 22 possessions, 25 hit-outs and three goals in a solid contribution that will ensure his name is discussed when the selectors convene.
So did rookie Dom Sheed, who had 22 touches, and three players who have not yet seen senior action this year - Ash Smith, Jacob Brennan and Adam Carter - continue to push for selection. They were all under notice at times in a dour battle that saw East Perth win 10.9 (69) to 7.11 (53).
Ruckman forward Callum Sinclair was strong throughout, amassing 20 touches and five marks, while Will Maginness enjoyed a return to senior football with 20 touches and a goal. Fraser McInnes took nine marks as a key forward and kicked two goals to push his prospects of a Tasmanian debut.
The upshot of the performance is that the match committee has no shortage of options as it scours the list to get the right balance to tackle the Hawks at their second home.
Four youngsters also played in the reserves, with lively small forward Malcolm Karpany snatching a three-point victory for the Royals with a clever goal with just 30 seconds remaining. Backing up from an eye-catching effort in the Foxtel Cup, he is again building a case to return to the league team.
Tom Barrass (10 possessions, five marks) and Rowen Powell (11 possessions, three marks) were both solid down back while Dylan Main had 11 disposals and continues to develop.
