Carter, who played five games last season, has played in a defensive role for the Royals all year, largely as a lock-down against the opposition’s dangerous small forwards, and against Perth on Saturday had the job on former Hawthorn star Chance Bateman.
The former WA 18s captain held Bateman to just 12 possessions, while collecting 29 himself and a feature of his game was his disposal efficiency.
Fellow defenders Jacob Brennan and Blayne Wilson also were efficient and miserly, doing all they had to do when the opposition went forward – which was rare as East Perth coasted to a 92-point victory.
Young midfielders Brant Colledge, Will Maginness and Dylan Main also did their bit, with Colledge continuing to improve with every game. He had 22 possessions and finished off his game with two goals when pushing forward.
Maginness had 18 disposals and kicked a goal as he continues to grow and improve with his disposal efficiency while Main had 14 possessions and also used the ball to advantage.
Fraser McInnes enjoyed the opportunity to share the ruck responsibilities in the absence of Cal Sinclair, who was rested. McInnes spent 60 percent of his time forward and the rest of the game in the ruck, where his contested marking was a feature.
