Experienced wingman Matt Rosa staked a strong claim to return to senior action with a best-on-ground display for East Perth at the weekend.

Rosa led the way for the Royals in a nail-biting four-point loss to Swan Districts, with 32 disposals, eight marks and six tackles – a solid all-round performance. In addition he sent the ball inside the Royals’ attacking 50-metre arc 10 times.

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He was outstanding, but good days were also enjoyed by midfielders Brant Colledge and Kane Lucas, as well as key defender Tom Barrass.

Colledge returned to something like the form he enjoyed earlier in the season, with 28 possessions and five marks and was particularly effective around the stoppages, while Lucas continued a rich vein of form. He had 23 touches and capped off his good ball use with two important goals.

Barrass did not rack up big numbers, but played a mature game in defence where he spoiled effectively and also took four marks.

Ruckman-forward Fraser McInnes was under notice with 20 touches and 29 hit outs, sharing the ruck responsibilities with Paul Johnson, while Scott Lycett, in his first game for a month, played mainly deep in the forward line.

Small forward Murray Newman also spent some time through the midfield and had 15 possessions, while Jackson Nelson resumed with 11 possessions and Jamie Bennell was under notice, particularly early in the game.

Paddy Brophy worked hard across half-back, while Rowen Powell had 14 possessions and four marks as a forward.

The club also had three players engaged in the reserves, with Malcolm Karpany shining in a 24-posession effort, while Tom Lamb, after 11 weeks off with a knee injury, resumed on restricted game time and got through the hit-out.

Dylan Main also racked up 19 possessions in a steady performance.

Utility player Corey Adamson did not play after receiving a knock to the knee at training during the week and rookie Alec Waterman was ill.