Veteran West Coast Eagles midfielder Chad Fletcher produced a typically hard-running midfield display for Subiaco at the weekend to guarantee he is again in contention for Satuday’s Carlton Mid Derby against Fremantle.
The dual Ross Glendinning Medallist picked up 37 possessions for the Lions in a dominant display to ensure his name is discussed at selection this week.
Others to push their names forward included rugged Swan Districts utility player Ryan Davis, who showed his versatility by playing on forwards of different capabilities and physical sizes as well as running through the midfield.
Ben McKinley kicked a couple of goals for East Perth and was a key player in the upset victory over Swans while Tom Swift, Ashley Smith and Jordan Jones – draftees from the 2008 intake – all produced eye-catching performances.
And, as has been the case all year, another of the rookie-listed players was under notice. Ashley Arrowsmith, who played deep in the forward line and then through the midfield, was another solid contributor in a Peel team well beaten.
East Perth v Swan Districts
Ben McKinley: Started the game deep in attack and kicked a couple of goals, missing one more that he should have converted. His work rate from the start was excellent and two constructive handpasses set up East Perth’s opening two goals. His defensive pressure and chase were also good.
Tony Notte: Playing deep in the Swans attacking 50 was not the place to be, with East Perth dominating early, so Notte was starved of opportunities. In the second term he spent time at half-forward but again the ball was in East Perth’s possession for much of the quarter. While Notte struggled to get into the game his tackling and second efforts were good.
Ryan Davis: Was used as a tag for Trevor Oliver and then spent time on Seal. Halfway through the second term he moved into the midfield and finished the game on McKinley. His defensive work was good, particularly his tackling. A solid, hard-working performance.
Claremont v Perth
Liam Bedford (reserves): Had 13 possessions and took four marks in a solid display for the Tigers.
Tom Swift: Had 23 disposals in a good effort for Claremont and had it not been for a couple of poor turn-overs he would have enjoyed an even better day.
Beau Wilkes: After a strong run of form at centre half-forward he struggled to repeat the impact and was moved into the ruck in the third quarter. Tried hard but had a quiet day.
Lewis Stevenson: Another of the Tigers who had been in career-best form going into the match, but could not sustain it for another week. Still worked hard, but impact was below that of the past five or six weeks.
Will Sullivan: Conditions did not suit the young ruckman who had 19 hit-outs, but struggled to get involved around the ground. That was understandable to some extent given the wintry weather which prevailed, suiting the smaller, running players.
Ashley Smith: Did the team things well and produced perhaps his best senior game of the season. Showed good courage, use the ball efficiently and he should be buoyed by a confidence-boosting performance.
West Perth v Peel
Ashley Arrowsmith: Played deep forward and always looked dangerous in the first quarter, although the windy conditions made goal kicking difficult. In the second and third terms he played across half-forward and on the wing. In the final term at half-back, he ran hard and picked up six of his 23 disposals for the game.
Jordan Jones : Jones provided his team with good rebound from half-back and generally ran hard to do so. He was tight on his opponents but also offered important rebound. A solid performance by Jones especially considering his team well beaten in the second half.
Subiaco v East Fremantle
Chad Fletcher: A 37-possessions game from the experienced on-baller ensured he was a key contributor for his team. He won many clearances around stoppages, boundary throw-ins and centre taps. Fletcher positioned well to receive most of his possessions. His power running through the corridor set up a lot of his team attacks.
