Racking up big numbers always attracts attention, but sometimes less is more. And that could well be the attitude of the West Coast Eagles match committee as they assess the performance of strong-bodied midfielder Brant Colledge.

In the last month, Colledge has pressed strongly for a recall to senior footy. Such has been his impact for East Perth, consistently pushing well beyond the 30-possession mark, that his name has been on the lips of the West Coast selection panel.

On Saturday, he didn’t accumulate disposals at the same rate, on what was a tough day at the office despite a 103-point victory for the Royals against Perth.

Colledge had only 16 possessions, but he was watched closely. He had a shadow everywhere he went and the majority of his touches were acquired in a contest. He also took four marks and laid five tackles.

Clearly he has been more dominant, but probably was no less impressive on a day when Mark Hutchings also stepped up his game.

Playing his first league match of the year, Hutchings had 19 possessions and laid nine tackles in a managed 80-minute hit-out. Another full game for the Royals this week and he will also appear on the match committee radar.     

Callum Sinclair was exposed to another game at centre half-back and did all that was asked him, with his ball use under notice.

And another emerging tall defender, Tom Barrass, enjoyed his second senior match, the feature being a couple of strong contested marks.

Unfortunately, in clunking one of those big grabs, he cleaned up teammate Kane Lucas, who copped a nasty cork to the thigh and his impact was then limited. Lucas remained on the ground to assist with the midfield rotations before sitting out the last half of the last quarter when the game was under control.

Two midfielders who did shine were father-son selection Alec Waterman and Dylan Main, playing his first senior game of the year. Waterman continues to build a strong resume in his first year of senior football, won the bulk of his 24 possession in close, took five marks and also kicked a couple of goals.

Main played across half-back and on the wing and found the ball consistently in gathering 21 touches, generally distributing it with a high degree of efficiency.

Also in the back half, Irish project player Paddy Brophy provided strong run and rebound and continues to gain a broader knowledge of the game with every outing.

Rowen Powell played forward, took six marks and kicked two goals as he grows in stature with every senior hit-out.

Corey Adamson, returning to football after a long stint in US baseball, is also adjusting with every game, developing a deeper understanding of how the game is now played. He had 10 touches off half-back and has a great thirst for knowledge as well as a commitment to continue his evolution.