The challenge for players given an opportunity at AFL and drifting back to the WAFL when squeezed out of the senior team is picking up from the point they were at to gain their initial opportunity. It’s a test of their mental strength.

The same could be said of those who are regularly name in the 25, only to be listed among the three emergencies.

To use the football vernacular, it’s a test of character. And a number of West Coast players in that position on the weekend demonstrated their ability to remain focused despite the disappointment of missing AFL selection.

Tom Swift, Scott Lycett and Mitch Brown were shining examples on the weekend with outstanding contributions for their respective teams.

Swift has been within reach of an opportunity all season without actually donning the Eagles guernsey. Again, after being the travelling emergency against Essendon, he returned to Claremont and produced a best-on-ground performance.

The hard working midfielder gathered 34 possessions, took eight marks and laid five tackles in an outstanding display.

Lycett, after playing successive games in the absence of Nic Naitanui, showed strong resolve with a four-goal haul for Peel where his work rate and intensity were up, as indicated by six marks and 17 disposals.

Brown, who also lost his place after the Essendon game because of the return of Naitanui and/or Will Schofield, was strong for East Fremantle with 20 possessions and four marks as a key defender.

Small forward Ryan Neates, released to Claremont after making his debut against the Bombers, was also under notice with 17 touches, six marks and a goal, while Gerrick Weedon played both ends of the ground for a modest return.

Rookie ruckman/forward Jeremy McGovern, however, played perhaps the best game of his senior career with 18 touches and five marks. Anton Hamp was unlucky to be squeezed out of the seniors, but worked hard and kicked two goals in the reserves.

Another of the club’s rookies, Simon Tunbridge, continues to evolve as a defender with a strong performance in defence for a Perth team that struggled, while first-year forward Fraser McInnes kicked three goals to further underline his performance.

Experienced half-back Ashley Smith also returned to the Demons after a fortnight off with an ankle injury and was serviceable. The defender re-injured the ankle slightly during the game, but he is expected to be available for selection this week.

Murray Newman kicked two goals for Swan Districts and continues his education in senior football, while Blayne Wilson, after a slow first half for Peel, was more influential after half-time.

Another of the outstanding performers was half-forward Andrew Strijk, who kicked three goals for West Perth to be instrumental in his team’s strong win over Subiaco. Strijk, after an interrupted pre-season, is starting to find touch and has been in eye-catching form in the last three weeks.

Rookie Callum Papertalk has had injury issues as well and is slowly coming to hand in the East Fremantle reserves.