Premiership defender Sam Butler continued to push hard for his return to AFL ranks with an outstanding performance for Perth on Saturday.

Butler led the last quarter charge when he had 13 of his 34 possessions and helped the Demons to a thrilling three-point win over the previously undefeated Lions. With 10 marks, 10 tackles and a goal, he ensured his name would be mentioned at match committee this week.

The performance of Butler was the feature of the players deployed at WAFL level, while young defender Jacob Brennan continues his push for selection with another eye-catching performance for East Fremantle.

When Perth stormed home to beat Subiaco, youngsters Fraser McInnes and Simon Tunbridge also made useful contributions at either end of the ground.

East Fremantle lost a tight encounter to East Perth, but Brennan, playing at half-back and wing, displayed a mix of dash and poise with 18 possessions and four marks. Unfortunately, hard-nosed midfielder Koby Stevens ran into a brutal bump in the first quarter and played no further part.

Brad Sheppard enjoyed a change of role and played with enthusiasm on a wing and at half-forward, racking up 20 possessions and eight marks - a performance he will be looking to build upon in coming weeks.

Defender Mitch Brown, unlucky to lose his place after a solid performance against GWS, put that disappointment to one side with a solid display for the Sharks.

Blayne Wilson continues to play with consistency for Peel, despite Thunder being out-pointed by South Fremantle, he was again strong and resilient while Scott Lycett also had some good moments, both forward and in the ruck.

Of the brace of West Coast players taking the field for Claremont, Tom Swift was the pick, with 17 possessions through the midfield, while Gerrick Weedon was another Eagle who enjoyed a change of role and was more productive when moved to half-back in the second half.

Jeremy McGovern had 10 possessions and six marks against his name as a key forward while Anton Hamp kicked three goals in the reserves.

Lively midfielder Murray Newman did not impact the game to the same extent that he did a week ago, but was still handy for Swan Districts in their upset win over the Tigers.