Jack Darling was probably the game-breaker with five goals for East Perth, but another man pressing for his first opportunity of the season was equally impressive for the Royals on Saturday.
Experienced defender Xavier Ellis, who has had a couple of soft tissue niggles this season, was the defensive general as East Perth triumphed against Swan Districts at Steel Blue Oval, 13.9 (87) to 11.4 (70).
Ellis, who has been patiently building to this point, has been solid in the last fortnight where his experience and defensive organisational capacity have provided important direction for some of the club’s younger players.
In addition, he had 27 disposals and because of his level of efficiency with the ball, he was highly influential.
At the other end of the ground Darling, after understandably taking some time to get involved in the contest, finished strongly and kicked 5.0 from 10 possessions. He also took seven marks.
Through the midfield, shining lights included Brant Colledge (27 possessions), Kane Lucas (24 touches and five marks) and Mark Hutchings (17 disposals, four marks) who were influential throughout.
Murray Newman, in his first game for two months, had 15 possessions, eight marks and kicked a goal. While he, too, was a little rusty early his ball handling skills returned by game’s end.
Scott Lycett played mainly forward and kicked a couple of goals while having the occasional run on the ball while Malcolm Karpany struggled to impact. Rowen Powell, another developing youngster, had 14 possessions and six marks at half-forward and continues to grow in senior football.
In defence, Tom Barrass made further progress as a key position prospect and Paddy Brophy, who had been in outstanding touch, had his challenges across half-back.
Damien Cavka, another player having his first hit out for the season, played 60 minutes in the reserves, and had 10 possessions and four marks. Doubtless he will be better for the run, while Dylan Main had 18 touches in his return from a back injury in a similarly managed exposure to game time.
Corey Adamson continues to evolve, with the former baseball star gathering 28 possessions through the midfield, took six marks and also kicked a goal.
