The form of an ever-increasing band of players in the WAFL is maintaining pressure for places in the senior team and ensuring those granted early opportunities perform at or beyond the required level.
Any number of players engaged in the WAFL at the weekend could build a compelling case for elevation, whether that be in the midfield, defence or attack.
Premiership defender Sam Butler continues to set the bar high and was outstanding for Perth against West Perth, with 25 disposals, six marks, five tackles and a couple of goals, when pushing through the midfield, rounded out his game.
While the Demons failed to clinch the points against West Perth, young forward Fraser McInnes and rookie listed defender Simon Tunbridge performed their roles with distinction. McInnes took six marks and kicked two goals in a classy display, while Tunbridge continues to develop his defensive skills.
For West Perth, Andrew Strijk made a solid 15-possession return, while Michael Mascoulis is having a stronger impact each week, with 14 disposals and five marks. Both also hit the scoreboard.
Ruckman-forward Scott Lycett was a prime mover in Peel’s victory over Swan Districts, managing to display great athleticism in the last quarter to grab the football, swivel and snap an important goal. Even before that he had been prominent and produced perhaps his best effort of the season to date.
Defender Blayne Wilson is another of the young pack who continues to grow and is playing with great consistency and confidence. He was outstanding in the key defensive posts, winning 19 possessions and taking five marks in a commanding performance where he out-pointed all opponents.
Murray Newman was lively for Swans and looked dangerous throughout, but kicked 0.4 when his finishing is generally slick.
After having a throng of West Coast teammates around him in the first few weeks, Brad Sheppard was the sole representative when East Fremantle tackled Subiaco on Friday night. He had 16 touches and played a variety of roles to good effect - from full-back to the midfield!
Claremont-aligned players Lewis Stevenson, Ryan Neates, Tom Swift and Gerrick Weedon all had strong impacts in the Tigers’ victory against South Fremantle.
Swift continues to set the bar at a consistently high level, winning the tough football in the clinches and despatching it efficiently. He had 26 possessions, took six marks and laid four tackles, completing his day with a couple of goals.
Stevenson is another who has been ultra-consistent and is developing into a well-rounded defender who mixes the defensive needs with offensive rebound, again evident in 18 possessions and five marks.
Neates, in particular, and Weedon have been effective forwards for the Tigers and again netted five goals between them to play key roles. Neates had 19 possessions and kicked three goals, while Weedon was strong defensively.
Jeremy McGovern had a quite day, while Anton Hamp again played in the reserves.
