Rebounding defender Jamie Bennell, experienced midfielder Kane Lucas and youngster Jackson Nelson continue to press their selection claims with solid performances in the WAFL.
That trio was at the forefront of a solid and important 10-point victory for East Perth against Claremont at Medibank Stadium on Saturday and with one or two likely derby vacancies will be on the selectors’ collective minds.
Bennell was outstanding with 29 touches in defence, offering strong rebound as well as good defensive presence, while Nelson enjoyed a run through the midfield and had 24 possessions and eight marks.
Lucas, the most consistent of the West Coast players in the WAFL over the last six or seven weeks, again accumulated over 30 touches and six marks to sustain a rich vein of form.
Young defender Tom Barrass, who could be on red alert if Jeremy McGovern fails to recover from a hamstring injury, was solid deep in the defensive half along with Paddy Brophy, who has made an impressive start to his career in the game.
Through the midfield, Brant Colledge linked up well between the back half and the forward 50, with Dylan Main, who kicked a crucial goal, and Corey Adamson also under notice.
Murray Newman and Malcolm Karpany looked dangerous with the ball in hand, as did Tom Lamb who kicked two goals from 14 possessions – giving him 10 in the last three games for the Royals.
Rowen Powell again played in the reserves and continued his push for a return to senior action with 25 possessions and eight marks.