The West Coast Eagles had 19 players, on the periphery of senior selection, in action across the WAFL on Saturday and most of them were strong contributors for their respective clubs.

That pressure from underneath ensures that those currently in the senior team have to maintain strong form for threat of losing their place in the 22.

Whether it be in defence, through the middle, or in attack, there are players providing options for the match committee to consider as they sit down to assess the starting line-up for this week’s game against Essendon at Etihad Stadium.

Young defender Brad Sheppard was in good touch for East Fremantle, while Chris Masten was lively in the midfield. Will Schofield relished the opportunity to play on a wing for Peel, while Gerrick Weedon, Andrew Strijk and Ashton Hams continue to push for a spot in the forward 50. The pick of the midfield performances came from Bradd Dalziell, Tim Houlihan, Tom Swift and Koby Stevens.

Sheppard had 20 possessions, four marks and three tackles to play a key role in East Fremantle’s victory over East Perth. A highly skilled young player, he used the ball efficiently and brought teammates into the game.

Jacob Brennan was also solid in defence in a valuable learning experience against Kane Pettifer, while Dalziell picked up 25 possessions, Stevens accumulated 23 possessions and six tackles, and Houlihan, in a negating role against Craig Wulff, emerged the victor of his individual battle.

Masten, in his return from a knee injury, had 21 touches from restricted ground time and showed no ill effects from a six-week lay-off. 

Strijk kicked two goals in a 13-possession effort for West Perth, which aided the Falcons in getting the points against Claremont. For the Tigers, Swift was again productive - both through the middle and across half-back - with 22 disposals and five tackles. Weedon had 11 possessions, four marks and five tackles up forward and Lewis Stevenson was lively off half-back and on a wing.

Lewis Broome did not impact the scoreboard as he had done in previous matches, but the defensive side of his game remained strong. Young forwards Anton Hamp and Jeremy McGovern both played reserves for the Tigers and were useful contributors.

Hams had 20 possessions and laid four tackles in an important contribution for South Fremantle while teammate Callum Wilson kicked three goals in a solid display deep in attack.

Schofield was the outstanding contributor from the West Coast squad when Peel went close to upsetting Swan Districts, with 19 possessions and five marks while Scott Lycett, Blayne Wilson and Jordan Jones did some useful things.

Wilson had a terrific learning experience against 2006 premiership forward Ashley Hansen.