1. Wingman Patrick Naish and midfielder Tom Joyce have given the Eagles list management something to ponder after impressive performances in the AAMI Community Series match against Fremantle. Joyce started in the middle, won plenty of ball (18 possessions) and had the confidence on occasion to channel the footy through the corridor. Naish, who only arrived in Perth on Thursday and met the players on Friday, was held back until the third quarter, but picked up 14 touches and kicked a goal.

2. Tim Kelly has had arguably the best pre-season of any in the Eagles camp and that has showed in warm-up match simulation exercises as well as the AAMI Community Series match. Kelly was comfortably best afield with 32 touches, four centre clearances and six other clearances. He also kicked a goal after creating three opportunities and 16 of his possessions were contested. With Jack Redden and Andrew Gaff they provided an example for the newcomers and emerging players in the team.

3. From the moment Brady Hough walked into the club, he has impressed. In training his decision making and skill execution was first rate and then, in match simulation, he always looked composed. Against Fremantle he again showed remarkable poise for a young man who joined the club through last year’s draft. He had 14 possessions and took eight marks across half-back, but his pace, demonstrated in a chase-down tackle, was also on show.

4. Hugh Dixon had already secured his place on the senior list after an impressive practice match hit out when he was the Eagles’ best nine days ago. He wasn’t at that level in this game, but still did some impressive things, with nine disposals and three marks, with his ball use being a feature. He was also involved in 20 pressure acts, impressive for a big man, and worked nicely in tandem with champion forward Josh Kennedy.

5. The reunion of Liam Ryan and Willie Rioli was heart-warming and clearly something they enjoyed as they each impacted heavily. Ryan was a constant threat with 10 possessions, four marks and two goals and as usual was high on the list of pressure acts (third with 16). Rioli took time to work into the game and was involved in a number of centre bounces as well his customary role forward where the highlight was an intercept mark and goal.