So perhaps that experience helps them continue to string together outstanding WAFL form, despite the fact that opportunities at AFL level have been scarce.
Butler’s only senior game came against Geelong in round four, on a night when McGinnity’s sole appearance for the season came as the substitute player.
Despite finding it difficult to force their way into the team, they each remain positive and their sustained run of good form continued in the WAFL on the weekend when they were brilliant contributors in an 80-point victory over Claremont.
East Perth produced a consistent effort across the four quarters and aside from McGinnity, playing against his former club, and Butler, everyone performed their role without dominating.
Playing through the midfield, Butler had 28 possessions, while McGinnity picked up 32 touches, with both of them also hitting the scoreboard with two goals apiece.
Experience tells them to worry about only the things they can control, which is their own output, and they have consistently been in East Perth’s best.
Young teammates Brant Colledge, Dom Sheed, Adam Carter and Jeremy McGovern could do worse than follow the example of their experienced teammates. That quartet has had a taste of senior football and doubtless they want more. They, too, have been good when playing at East Perth and have been consistent.
McGovern made a memorable AFL debut a couple of weeks ago before losing his place when captain Darren Glass returned. He showed his versatility against the Tigers, starting in a defensive role, before pushing forward and kicking two goals.
Carter has been solid in the past month across half-back and continued in that vein, while Colledge (26 touches) and Sheed (17) were lively through the midfield.
Simon Tunbridge was solid, if not dominant up forward, Will Schofield and Jacob Brennan did all that was asked of them in defence, Cal Sinclair had 16 possessions and took seven marks and Josh Hill did some clever things up forward.
Ash Smith, another of the experienced players who has regularly been one of East Perth’s strong performers, had 11 possessions and kicked a goal.
Four of the younger players were under notice in a solid win in the reserves, with Will Maginness the best of them, gathering 23 possessions and bobbing up at important stages of the game.
Mal Karpany had 14 touches, Dylan Main collected 15 possessions and defender Tom Barrass had 13 possessions, taking a memorable towering mark in defence.
