A couple of the forgotten faces of the West Coast Eagles have ensured they remain on the radar of senior selection with solid performances at East Perth in recent weeks.
Josh Hill and Ash Smith were prominent when the Royals beat the Fremantle-aligned Peel Thunder on Saturday. Should openings exist, then Hill and Smith, who both played forward and hit the scoreboard, are likely to come under consideration.
Hill has played four senior matches this year, while Smith is yet to play a game. The majority of Smith’s 43 games for the Eagles have been played in defence, but for the majority of this season in the WAFL he has pushed forward and had an impact.
While those experienced players continue to play consistently, the club’s No.1 selection from last year’s draft, Dom Sheed, is starting to rack up some good numbers on a consistent basis and had 25 possessions and 11 marks through the midfield.
After playing four AFL games early in the year, he has continued to develop in the WAFL and is progressing nicely. With Matt Rosa likely to be out of action this week, Sheed will be looking for another opportunity.
Strong-bodied midfielder Simon Tunbridge is eyeing off that possibility after 16 possessions, six marks and four tackles, and also kicking a goal.
Brant Colledge racked up good numbers with 22 disposals and 10 marks, but unfortunately he rolled an ankle late in the match and is likely to be sidelined for a few weeks.
Defender Jamie Bennell played his first game for the Royals, dropping back to WAFL level to work on a few specific areas around the defensive aspects of his game. He was solid in the back half, picked up 11 possessions and showed some improvement in the fundamentals the coaching staff sought.
Malcolm Karpany returned to the league team and had 14 touches, while defender Blayne Wilson provided strong rebound out of the back half with 18 possessions and eight marks.
Fraser McInnes, playing forward and pinch-hitting in the ruck, had 16 possessions, eight marks and nine hit outs.
Developing midfielder Dylan Main had 13 touches and kicked two goals in the reserves.
