Royals carve out important victory
Pressure for places in the senior team continues to drive individuals in the WAFL playing for East Perth
As the Royals carved out a neat 22-point victory over Perth, ruckman-forward Callum Sinclair, utility player Ash Smith and midfielders Simon Tunbridge, Sam Butler and Brant Colledge were all under notice in the important victory.
Sinclair had 20 possessions, took nine marks and had 25 hit outs, capping off his work with a couple of goals - one of them in the clutch moment of the last quarter when the Royals led by two goals.
The Sinclair conversion, from deep on the boundary line, virtually determined the outcome as the Royals went on to win 14.14 (98) to 11.10 (76).
Smith, who has played most of his football in defence, pushed forward and kicked three first-half goals in an eye-catching 18-possession performance.
Butler, like Smith and Fraser McInnes, was playing against his original WAFL club and in another outstanding display had 27 touches, took seven marks and laid four tackles.
McInnes had 16 possessions, took five marks and kicked 2.2 in a solid contribution.
Tunbridge (20 touches) and Colledge (23)were under notice throughout and continue to press for opportunities.
Blayne Wilson, who has been extremely consistent in defence, continued to build on a terrific season with 18 disposals and three marks.
Youngster Adam Carter was reliable in defence, racking up 18 touches and eight marks in the back half.
Malcolm Karpany and Will Maginness enjoyed some good moments in the game and will continue to build as they grow accustomed to the tempo of senior football.
Young defenders Tom Barrass and Rowen Powell, as well as wingman Dylan Main, continued to build their form, confidence and ground time in the reserves.
Barrass, in his second game, had his match time managed once more, but gathered 12 possessions and took four marks while Powell, who is edging closer to a senior opportunity, gathered 18 touches and five marks while Main had eight disposals and took four marks.