A virtual full team of West Coast players filtered back into the WAFL at the weekend, with most of them performing strongly and enhancing their prospects of an AFL call-up.

In all, 18 players competed in the local league, which could have been 20 if draftee Murray Newman, whose club (Swan Districts) had a bye, had played, while Pat McGinnity was the emergency for Sunday’s clash with the Western Bulldogs.

Leading the way and steering East Fremantle to an impressive victory over Claremont were young defenders Brad Sheppard and Jacob Brennan, tough midfielder Koby Stevens and indefatigable wingman Bradd Dalziell.

Stevens offered some important grunt for the Sharks, particularly in the second half, and apart from his 19 disposals, also clamped on 10 vice-like tackles.

Sheppard and Brennan were under notice throughout for their defensive efforts, but also provided efficient rebound, while Dalziell had 28 possessions, nine marks and six tackles in a brilliant best-on-ground performance.

Mitch Brown and Callum Papertalk were also under notice for the Sharks in the back half, while a number of West Coast teammates performed strongly, if to no avail, for Claremont.

Lewis Stevenson and Tom Swift were most prominent for the Tigers while Ryan Neates and Gerrick Weedon were workmanlike, without impacting the game to the extent they would have wished. Young forwards Jeremy McGovern and Anton Hamp had some good moments, but also would have been looking for greater consistency across the four quarters.

Developing forward Fraser McInness was another who excelled with a strong performance which enabled Perth to fight off an intense Peel challenge.

McInnes had 16 possessions and kicked three goals in an eye-catching display, while experienced defender Sam Butler (15 possessions and eight marks) and rookie Simon Tunbridge also made valuable contributions for the Demons.

Peel Thunder were well led by ruckman-forward Scott Lycett and defender Blayne Wilson, who were in the best half dozen for their club. Lycett split his time between an on-ball role and pushing forward, where he kicked a couple of valuable goals, while Wilson was strong and efficient in the back half.

Wingman Michael Mascoulis continues to develop and was a handy contributor for West Perth in their come-from-behind win over arch rivals East Perth.

If the club had been fielding a team in the WAFL last weekend, it would have required just three “top up” players to compete.