Emerging West Coast Eagles players Liam Duggan, Paddy Brophy and Alec Waterman were among the better performers in a disappointing team display when East Perth lost the opening game of the WAFL season against East Fremantle.
Those three rookies, playing their first senior games, and wingman Kane Lucas, in his first game for the Royals, produced eye-catching displays.
Duggan, who had been impressive across the summer before suffering an ankle injury when on the cusp of the practice match series, showed a capacity to remain in the contest, picked up almost 20 possessions and generally distributed the ball with purpose.
Irishman Brophy, who had not played the indigenous Australian game in any form until a month ago, was deployed off half-back and looked far from out of his depth, particularly with his defensive attributes.
Waterman, a father-son selection last year, also caught the eye and never stopped working in an effort to lift his new team.
Lucas, who returned to Perth to reignite his career after five years at Carlton, was the Royals’ highest possession winner (31 touches) and covered the ground in style.
In addition, Murray Newman kicked a couple of goals and enjoyed a run through the midfield. His second half was particularly pleasing and he will be keen to build on that platform after his first competitive hit-out in 12 months.
Brant Colledge, Malcolm Karpany and Josh Hill all played seniors and will be looking to have a stronger presence in ensuing games.
In the reserves, developing swingman Rowen Powell, pushed his claims for a senior debut with a five- goal performance as a high half forward, who also was pushed deep. He took six marks in an encouraging display.
Key defender Tom Barrass impressed in his first hit-out for a month, wingman Dylan Main will appreciate the run and Corey Adamson, who returned to football after five or six years where his sporting focus was baseball, played solidly at half-back and will continue to further exposure to the modern game.
