Veterans Andrew Embley and Adam Selwood gave the match committee reasons to look favourably on a recall for Saturday’s final qualifying game of the season against Adelaide – both making their mark in the uncustomary role of a forward.  

Selwood was switched to an attacking role for East Perth against South Fremantle and adapted to the change by rattling off five goals and remaining a powerful contributor for the Royals, who were upset by South Fremantle.

Embley, stationed at full-forward for Swan Districts, could have had an even bigger impact against East Fremantle.

Playing deep in attack, he had 23 possessions and 12 marks, but finished with a disappointing return of 1.7. He proved too good for a number of opponents, including West Coast teammate Jacob Brennan.          

Embley is likely to play his 250th game this week, while Selwood, who announced his retirement from AFL football, is hoping for a farewell match against the Crows.

The veterans were the outstanding performers among the players engaged in the WAFL at the weekend, though emerging Perth pair Fraser McInnes and Simon Tunbridge also produced encouraging displays.

Tunbridge played as a defensive forward and his pressure and intensity was outstanding. He had 12 kicks, took four marks and, combined with two goals and four tackles, he was one of his team’s best.

McInnes had 19 possessions and took nine marks in a terrific display. He was also effective at ground level.

Cale Morton struggled to get into the game for East Perth against South, while young Bulldog Adam Carter continues to build on his first season in the AFL system, having 17 possessions and taking four marks.    

Jamie Bennell, who has enjoyed a solid second half of the year after resuming from a knee reconstruction, was also opposed to teammate Brad Dick in the Swans-East Fremantle clash, with honours about even.

Bennell had 17 possessions and took six marks, while Dick had 13 touches, five tackles and kicked 1.2.

Brennan, who was shifted on top Embley after the Norm Smith medallist looked threatening early, had up to five different opponents and stuck to his task in accumulating 17 disposals, three marks and four tackles.

As always, he committed to the contest and ensured his opponents earned every possession.