The performance of Dick, who kicked four majors in the opening term, was the highlight of a string of eye-catching performances in the WAFL, with a handful of players applying serious pressure for a recall.
Dick, after a carefully managed start to the season, has been building weekly and culminated with a brilliant effort against West Perth – although it was not enough to propel the Sharks to victory. His eight goals came from 16 disposals.
East Fremantle teammate Brad Sheppard also had a productive day with 24 disposals, three marks and a goal where his running form was strong and consistent on a wing and through the midfield.
West Perth, however, claimed the points and midfielder Mark Hutchings was central to the Falcons’ effort accumulating 33 possessions and kicking a goal, to extend his strong form in the first third of the season.
The pressure applied by those players – and others – on those already in the team would be satisfying for the match committee.
Wingman Matt Rosa is another whose weight of performance in the three weeks since resuming from a serious thigh injury, uncompromising defender Adam Selwood and the ultra-consistent Blayne Wilson, were key contributors when East Perth finished over the top of South Fremantle.
Rosa ran hard and strong, gathering 25 possessions and taking six marks to signal he is ready for a return to elite football while Selwood, playing midfield and back, had 23 disposals, including an important last-quarter goal.
Wilson has been rock solid for the Royals in defence and continued in that fashion, with support coming from Cale Morton, who is another player building into the 2013 campaign.
Ruckman forward Scott Lycett also had a strong impact for the Royals, kicking three goals from 19 touches, but he also had 21 hit outs.
Pat McGinnity, in only his second hit-out for the year after back issues, was solid for Claremont in a negating role on Perth’s Paul Bevan while Fraser McInnes (Perth) and Adam Carter (South Fremantle) continue to build on their senior experiences.
Unfortunately, McInnes was injured early and while he fought out the game was obviously under duress while Carter played a lock-down role for South Fremantle.
