It’s virtually a prerequisite to play the game because you get tested physically and mentally in every match. Some do stand taller than others, whether that be in a low grade amateur game in suburbia, or on football’s highest stage.
A few weeks ago, the courage of West Coast youngster Brant Colledge was on display when he was cleaned up by teammate Scott Lycett in a sickening collision in the Foxtel Cup when both were playing for East Perth.
Running back with the flight of the ball, Colledge ran into the path of Lycett, who tried to evade his teammate, but could only minimise the impact as he spotted him too late.
Colledge missed a couple of weeks, not because of that bone-rattling collision but because he hurt his hamstring in the accident. On Saturday, making his return to East Perth, Colledge could have been excused for treading lightly, particularly in one instance when again he put his body on the line.
Again, in an unflinching display, he put himself in the firing line, stood tall and to use the football vernacular, ‘went when it was his turn’.
That was just one circumstance in a game where Colledge was one of several West Coast players who contributed strongly to an East Perth victory over South Fremantle – 21.17 (143) to 12.10 (82).
Colledge picked up 26 possessions, seven marks and laid five tackles in a solid return match.
He was ably assisted through the midfield by rookie Will Maginness, who also racked up 26 touches, and powerful midfielder/forward Simon Tunbridge who finished with four goals. Like Colledge, he has had an interrupted season and will be looking for continuity in the back half of the year.
Up forward, Josh Hill produced his most energetic display of the season with 19 disposals and two goals, while Ashley Smith continued his solid form since his shift forward five or six weeks ago and looked dangerous throughout.
Fraser McInnes chimed in with five marks, while Callum Sinclair backed up an outstanding effort a week ago with 21 possessions, eight marks, two goals and 20 hitouts.
Young gun Dom Sheed worked hard for 20 touches and was another strong midfield contributor.
In defence, Adam Carter (18 possessions, eight marks), Blayne Wilson (16 disposals, seven marks) and Jacob Brennan (15 touches, five marks) played with a mix of defensive guile and dash to keep South in check, while also providing important rebound.
Again, the club had three youngsters playing in the reserves, with Malcolm Karpany continuing to build on his strong push for promotion into the senior team. He had 21 possessions and oozed class in a nail-biting draw, while Dylan Main had 15 possessions, laid an amazing nine tackles and sent the ball inside the attacking 50 metre arc nine times against his former team.
Developing tall defender Tom Barrass had 10 possessions and took five trademark grabs.
