Midfielders racking up big numbers, key position players impacting at either end of the ground, defenders finding the balance between offensive rebound and shutting down dangerous opponents - the last round of WAFL matches had it all from a West Coast Eagles perspective.
One of the shining lights was the performance of young ruckman Scott Lycett, who continues to build on his form with Peel and was instrumental in the Mandurah club’s victory.
Lycett had 10 possessions and four marks, but his tackling pressure and influence in the ruck were significant and so were his three goals. In conjunction with West Coast teammates Brad Ebert, Blayne Wilson and Jordan Jones, he led Peel to a well-deserved victory over Perth.
Ebert was close to best afield with 26 possessions, seven marks and five tackles, while Jones and Wilson were both efficient in the back half, defending grimly when required but also offering some strong rebound.
The East Fremantle contingent continues to accumulate strong numbers, all of them causing the match committee to throw their names forward in discussions around team selection this week.
It is arguable whether anyone is in better form than Bradd Dalziell, while Koby Stevens, Tim Houlihan and Jacob Brennan continue to build a case for inclusion.
While East Fremantle lost the Foundation Day Derby against arch rival South Fremantle, it was through no fault of the West Coast contingent. Dalziell was again strong in the clinches but also generated some signature run in a 28-possession, 10-mark and five-tackle effort that would have been close to a best on ground effort.
Stevens had 31 touches, five marks and five tackles to also figure prominently among the best afield, underlining his performance with seven inside 50 entries. His form has been building over the last month and should an opening occur at AFL level he is certainly ready to seize the opportunity.
The same could be said for Houlihan, who also had 29 touches and seven marks, while Brennan, in his customary defensive role, offered strong rebound in addition to his task of nullifying the impact of his opponent.
The sole West Coast representative in the South Fremantle line-up, forward Callum Wilson, hit the ball hard and while his scoreboard contribution was just one goal, his influence on the game was more profound.
Claremont continued on their winning way with Eagles players also having a strong impact on the result, none more so than experienced defender Brett Jones who continues to enjoy an outstanding season.
The 2006 premiership half-back started the season in terrific form before breaking his arm and missing a month of football. He has not missed a beat since resumption and has played a key role in marshalling the defensive forces with the Tigers.
Against Subiaco he wielded as much influence as anyone, while Gerrick Weedon continues his development as a strong-bodied forward where his balance and efficiency around the stoppages has been exceptional. He had only 13 possessions, but with four marks, four tackles and three goal assists was at the forefront of the triumph.
Teammate Lewis Broome enjoyed some time on the wing in the second half and also kicked a goal for the Tigers. Lewis Stevenson did not accumulate the big numbers he is accustomed to across half-back, but was nonetheless a handy contributor.
Developing forward Anton Hamp could earn a berth in the Claremont team that plays the Northern Bullants in the Foxtel Cup on the Gold Coast this week on the strength of his performance in the reserves. Three goals, seven marks and 17 possessions as a key forward was a terrific performance and he continues to build confidence.
Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls, in his second match back from a fractured ankle, flashed in and out of the game when East Perth surrendered a 32-point advantage before slipping to defeat against arch rival West Perth on Monday.
Oakley-Nicholls had 13 possessions and five marks as he continues to build match conditioning.
