East Perth suffered a 23-point defeat at the hands of reigning premiers – and current ladder leaders – Subiaco on Saturday, but some of the club’s young players continue to evolve.

Key defender Tom Barrass, strong-bodied midfielder Brant Colledge and rebounding defenders Paddy Brophy and Jackson Nelson continue to fine-tune their skills and build their bank of experience.

Barrass was again solid in the last line of defence, has the capacity to take some strong contested marks, but also understands when he should spoil and does that effectively.

Brophy, the club’s first Irish recruit, is in his first season of football but continues to display a thirst for the game and had 20 possessions off half-back, often creating strong offensive rebound which leads to scoring opportunities.

Nelson, in his first season at the club, has already played nine senior games and looks to be a player who will impact senior football for many years. His ball use and decision making were strong attributes in the game.

Colledge, who has been a consistent contributor for the Royals, again pushed towards 30 possessions and was important for the Royals throughout.

Early in the year, when he forced an opportunity at AFL level, he was also hitting the scoreboard and will be looking to do so in coming weeks with a view to again forcing his way into the seniors.

Corey Adamson, who has returned to football this year after five years playing baseball in the US, was solid through half-forward and the midfield and is growing with confidence with greater exposure to the game.

Fraser McInnes, who played senior football this year, was used as a ruckman-forward in the absence of Scott Lycett and aside from 20 possessions and impacting in the ruck, he also laid 10 tackles. Lycett did not play because of a quad strain.

Young forward Malcolm Karpany had 12 touches and kicked a goal, but would like to increase his possession count, while Dylan Main was solid on a wing, Jamie Bennell did a good defensive job on Shane Yarran and Murray Newman worked hard without reward.

Forward Tom Lamb played another game in the reserves, building his match fitness after missing 11 weeks with a knee injury, while Rowen Powell also played in the early game and had 16 possessions and a goal.