If the West Coast Eagles match committee is looking to make changes for this week’s Carlton Mid Derby there is no shortage of players demanding an opportunity.

Whether it is key forwards, midfielders, key defenders or those with the capacity to fill a variety of roles, there was an abundance of Eagles playing in the WAFL across the weekend who showed they were in good touch.

Forwards Ashley Hansen (five goals), Quinten Lynch and Ben McKinley, midfielders Koby Stevens and Tom Swift, utility players Koby Stevens and Mark Nicoski and defenders Eric Mackenzie and Beau Wilkes all played strongly across the weekend.

While there is no room for a rookie elevation at this point, Callum Wilson (five goals), Adam Cockie and Andrew Strijk also reminded the match committee of their attributes.

Subiaco v East Perth

Adam Cockie
Playing through the midfield and forward, Cockie applied physical pressure in a contested ball situation at all times. His positioning around taps was excellent and he won many clearances for his team. He also worked hard both ways, used the ball well and was close to his team’s best player.

Mark Nicoski
Playing as a high half-forward in his first game back from a shoulder injury Nicoski showed his experience in a one on one contested ball situation, which won him some of his possessions.  He was always dangerous with his long, penetrating kicks into 50m zone putting the East Perth defence under pressure. He was rewarded wsith his team-oriented play, with two goals himself.

Ben McKinley
Used as a deep forward with an occasional run through the midfield, McKinley looked  good when leading up and taking some strong marks. He had about 8 scoring shots which could have been goals, but the radar was off. His forward pressure was good, as was his work rate good.

Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls
On occasions showed his speed to break the lines and looked dangerous when breaking away with the ball and  hitting targets. His ball use was good and his physical presence in a disputed contest put a lot of pressure on the opposition

Claremont v West Perth

Beau Wilkes
Another excellent game at centre half-back against a quality opponent in Brent LeCras. He kept him to two goals, of which one he got form stoppage. Wilkes backed himself from half-back with strong run and took some strong marks

Eric Mackenzie
Continues in solid form across half-back and was used on a variety of players. At times also found himself used as a spare man. He did not collect as many disposals as he has in recent weeks, but used the ball well and played his role in a good team victory.

Tom Swift
Close to best afield in a 34-possession performance where his clearance and stoppage work was outstanding. He had great awareness, backed himself and displayed very good evasive skills. One effort in the second term typified his game when at a centre bounce he smothered the ball, and then handballed to advantage, allowing Claremont an effective take-away. 

Quentin Lynch
Other than short stints in the midfield in the third and fourth quarters, he played almost exclusively at full-forward. After half time opportunities in West Perth forward line were limited and he worked hard all game. Only kicked the one goal, was clean with his ball skills.

Andrew Strijk
Was given the job to tag Luke Blackwell all game. Strijk won first half with a very strong effort keeping Blackwell to 10 possessions, limiting his opponent’s impact while gaining 14 touches himself.  In second half Blackwell got away from him, mainly with his stoppage work to have 19 possessions to Strijk’s seven. He was still a good contributor but the Claremont midfield dominated second half. 

Lewis Broome (reserves)
Played forward pocket and wing and when he broke free to use his pace he looked dangerous but did not get involved in game enough to have more opportunities.  His defensive pressure was good. 

Gerrick Weedon (reserves)
Used at half-forward and deeper in attack he had little impact on game. His defensive pressure was good but could have worked harder over four quarters.

South Fremantle v East Fremantle

Callum Wilson
Used in both key attacking roles, Wilson was at his best after the first quarter when used mainly at full-forward. He led up ground with some space in front of him, had a good opponent in Dodd but won the day. Wilson returned four goals from five set and finished with five goals. He hit the contest hard on most occasions and produced a solid effort in a losing side.

Brad Sheppard
Considering he returned to Perth on Saturday night after travelling to Sydney as the emergency, he returned a very strong four quarter performance. He played in a variety of roles through the midfield, across half-back, on a wing and forward where his work rate and ball use were good. His ability to find space was outstanding and  he finished his game with two goals.

Koby Stevens
An eye-catching display as a half-forward and through the midfield, where he was a solid four-quarter contributor. Excelled at stoppages, his work was good again and used his strength in contests to break clear and set up with handball. Did some good work across half-forward, kicked one goal and was strong with his tackles. 

Perth v Swan Districts

Will Sullivan
The emerging ruckman had a terrific first half - gathering 16 possessions, before tiring in the second half. He positioned himself well around the ground, won most of the hit outs and followed up his ruck work. A solid effort for Perth.

Ashley Smith
Relished the opportunity to play the majority of the game on a wing and he kicked two very good goals running onto the 50m line. He generally kicked the ball very well and was a solid contributor for his team, with 20 possessions and six marks.

Tony Notte
After starting at half-back on Smith and then Moody, he began reasonably well, but then lowered his colours to Moody in the 2nd quarter - particularly when Moody led up at the ball.  He was then shifted forward during the third quarter, but struggled to have an impact.

Ashley Hansen
Gave Swan Districts a reliable target all day at full-forward. He timed his leads very well and attempted to apply good defensive pressure when the ball hit the ground. He did miss a couple of shots he should have converted, but produced a very good game.