Injuries are an unfortunate reality in a collision sport like Australian football and sadly the West Coast Eagles endured two setbacks on Sunday in the victory against North Melbourne.
Midfielder Chris Masten, who enjoyed the best pre-season of his short career, required knee surgery today, while sharp-shooter Mark LeCras has a torn adductor and will miss seven to 10 weeks.
While those players begin the lonely process of recovering full fitness with the aim of regaining their positions, others will be looking to earn their place in the team. At the head of the queue is a man who is more than familiar with the rehabilitation room at Eagles headquarters, champion midfielder Daniel Kerr.
The star on-baller has played two games with WAFL club East Fremantle and on Saturday had 22 possessions as the Sharks eclipsed Perth. He stepped up his game time to more than 80 minutes and will present a compelling case for inclusion against Port.
Others pressing for an opportunity are another premiership player who is returning from injury, Sam Butler, while youngsters like Koby Stevens, Gerrick Weedon and Tom Swift will be considered, along with wingman Bradd Dalziell.
Stevens combined with Kerr to give East Fremantle a decisive edge in the midfield against the Demons, while Jacob Brennan was solid in defence and Tim Houlihan enjoyed the challenge of a run-with role against former Hawthorn-listed wingman Jarrad Kayler-Thompson.
Houlihan had 19 possessions, took seven marks and laid four tackles in an eye-catching display. Dalziell used his running capacity to brilliant effect, collecting 28 possessions in another commanding display for the Sharks. Defender Ashley Smith was also a strong contributor for Perth.
The Claremont contingent was again under notice as the Tigers swept aside the challenge of premiers Swan Districts at Claremont Oval. Swift led the charge with 30 possessions and six marks and continues to develop his all-round skills.
In addition, Weedon was lively in attack and, aside from kicking three goals, was responsible for applying good defensive pressure inside the attacking 50, while diminutive forward Lewis Broome also kicked three goals.
Key forward Anton Hamp was a solid if unspectacular contributor, while Lewis Stevenson provided important defensive rebound, and both Brett Jones and Eric Mackenzie were solid in the back half.
Forward Callum Wilson did his bit in an upset victory for South Fremantle over East Perth, while on Friday night Andrew Strijk was lively in the West Perth victory over Subiaco.
It is disappointing to lose LeCras and Masten, but at least there are a number of players in the WAFL pressing for selection and looking to continue the club’s quest to string together early successes.
