Good Will hunting
Eagles rookie Will Maginness led the Royals to victory in Bunbury with a superb four-quarter effort
Maginness, who has split his time between the reserves and league sides as he adjust to playing against men after coming through the 18s system, hunted the ball, had 19 possessions and three goals in an eye-catching display.
He set the benchmark for hard work and would be pleased with his progress in the second half of the year.
While Maginness has developed at a powerful rate, ruckman-forward Callum Sinclair continues to make an impression in the WAFL, ensuring that he gives the match committee another option to consider when assessing West Coast’s forward structure.
He has been exemplary and had 15 possessions, five marks and a goal against Swans to go with 29 hit outs. While he had produced more dominant displays he would have been satisfied with his contribution.
Like Sinclair, two other West Coast players who can do no more than maintain their solid form, did exactly that and will doubtless be discussed as a replacement for the injured Xavier Ellis this week against Essendon.
Ellis has oscillated between defence and attack throughout the year, but has primarily played in defence. If the match committee looks for a like-for-like replacement, then both Jacob Brennan and Blayne Wilson must be in the frame.
Floating between half-back and the last line of defence, Wilson, who has played one game this year, had 14 possessions and took three marks while Brennan had 24 disposals and four marks, using his speed to break away and set up play from the back half.
Midfielder Brant Colledge, whose second half of the year has been interrupted, had 22 possessions and nine marks in his second match back from an ankle injury while Simon Tunbridge had his moments in a 14 possession effort at half-forward and through the middle.
Youngster Dylan Main again enjoyed the experience of playing senior football and while he had just nine disposals and four marks, he kicked a goal and continues to impress with his athleticism.
Adam Carter and Ashley Smith were both rested, held over in the event they would have been required to play against Collingwood on Sunday.