Jack Redden did his round one selection claims no harm with a barnstorming display during East Perth’s final pre-season hit out against East Fremantle on Saturday.
The 26-year-old inside midfielder collected a game high 39 disposals to help the Royals run over the top of the Sharks and record a hard-fought 9.13 (67) to 9.7 (61) victory a week ahead of the club's WAFL season opener.
Redden, who was named in West Coast’s squad to play Melbourne but spent the entire game on the sidelines, won 24 contested possessions, effected 10 clearances and stuck four tackles at ATOM Stadium.
Jonathan Giles also impressed in his first game of 2017.
The journeyman ruck won 49 hit outs from the 59 jumps he contested and connected with the Royals’ midfield on 15 occasions to give them first crack at the ball.
Second-year on baller Kurt Mutimer was clean through the centre of the ground, hitting targets with 96% of his 25 disposals, and Luke Partington got his hands on the ball 27 times.
Will Schofield, who played the role of general in defence, collected 23 possessions and first-year half-back Josh Rotham shone with 20 effective disposals at the back of the ground.
Category B Rookie Francis Watson grew in confidence as the game progressed and finished with 31 touches.
Tom Barrass was also a solid contributor inside the Royals’ defensive 50.
The 21-year-old effected six spoils during his 11-disposal outing.
Mutimer led East Perth’s goal tally with two majors, while Liam Duggan, Tom Lamb, Fraser McInnes, Giles and Redden all kicked one goal each.
Malcolm Karpany, who played a variety of roles across the ground, finished with 21 disposals, defender Tom Gorter collected eight possessions and Jordan Snadden won the ball on 18 occasions running through the centre of the ground.
Defender Tom Cole, who played three quarters of the game, racked up 10 possessions and laid three effective tackles.