Experienced players staked their claim for a recall to senior action over the WAFL split round of fixtures across the weekend.

Brett Jones, an emergency for Saturday’s clash with Geelong, did all he could to win one of two vacancies created by injuries to Adam Selwood and Sam Butler in the loss to the Cats, while Quinten Lynch and Mark Nicoski also thrust their hands in the air.

Lynch was outstanding for West Perth, gathering 31 possessions, kicking three goals and being involved in five goal assists, while Nicoski’s effort in a losing side against Claremont was also meritorious.

A couple of younger players also pushed the cause of youth with Koby Stevens and Tim Houlihan proving influential in East Fremantle’s powerful victory over port rivals South Fremantle, while Ashley Smith was constantly in the game when Perth opened its winning account against Peel on Saturday.

Perth v Peel

Ashley Smith
Used on a wing, Smith started well, drifted out of the game in the second quarter, but finished strongly in a solid effort for his team. His ball use was generally good and used his pace to good effect on one occasion to break the lines. Kicked a very good goal in the final term.

Will Sullivan
Another solid effort by Will, especially his positioning in general play. He took 11 marks and his ball use (14 possessions) was very good. He was also very effective at the stoppages, with 28 hit outs. 

Claremont v Subiaco

Lewis Broome (reserves)
Damaged a hamstring in the second quarter, after playing only 26 minutes, but in that time kicked three goals. He looked in good form, laid one strong tackle which gave him a free kick which resulted in goal. 

Ryan Neates (reserves)
In his return from a finger injury, he played through the midfield, spent some time at half-forward and picked up plenty of the ball. His decision making and ball use were good, particularly after a slow first quarter. His ability to run and carry ball was excellent and produced a team-orientated effort.

Gerrick Weedon
Started in a forward pocket but then played across half-forward for the rest of game. Started very well, showed plenty of energy and while his work rate was good, he often found himself out of position. Did some good things, with some flashes of brilliance but will be looking to contribute more consistently across the game.

Brett Jones
Played at half-back throughout, on a variety of opponents and he had a lot of the ball. Picked up 36 possessions in an important contribution for his team, particularly considering he was coming off a reasonably long break. The further the game went the better he performed.

Mark Nicoski
Used in a variety of roles, from half-back to half-forward and through the midfield, and was among Subiaco’s best. Kicked 1.2, missed two shots on goal that could have converted. His work rate and generally used the ball effectively.

Adam Cockie
Was solid throughout with his aggression and physical pressure in contests, playing mostly through the midfield before finishing at half-forward. His work rate was good, he broke tackles a few times and had he been cleaner with his hands would have garnered a few more possessions.

East Fremantle v South Fremantle

Koby Stevens
Crisp ball handling and hard running were features of Koby’s game. He ran hard out of stoppages and contests.  He appeared to tire a little after three-quarter-time but it was an encouraging performance. He found space and used the ball efficiently.

Tim Houlihan
In his first senior game of the year, he started on the bench and played most of the game on a wing with brief stints in the middle and deep forward. Houlihan kicked the ball well and ran hard both ways. He took a strong contested mark at the end of the game to finish with a goal. A solid effort first up.

Matt Spangher
Was opposed to Callum Wilson for most of the match and did a good job in a team that won very easily. Had two goals kicked on him when outmarked by Wilson from a rushed kick and then Murphy who got behind him and marked.

Ashton Hams
A very quiet game for Ashton, who struggled to find the ball playing a variety of roles. Looked to have little run or intensity in his game and was one of many disappointing players for South Fremantle.

Callum Wilson
Tried hard in a team that only sent the ball inside the attacking 50 metre arc 39 times. He kicked two long goals from marks and continued to lead hard throughout the match. It was a tough day with limited opportunities and as two-goal return was a good effort.

West Perth v East Perth

Andrew Strijk
After an enterprising start, when he received some good possessions, Andrew was tagged and his influence was restricted thereafter.

Quinten Lynch
He worked hard up the ground to receive his possessions, playing at full-forward or centre half-forward. He took some good contested marks and his body work was good. On many occasions he won possession outside 50, scanned deep forward and hit up a teammate. Kicked three goals and was involved in five goal assists.

Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls
He showed brilliant speed after winning possession of the ball at times, worked hard and took some good contested marks. He also finished with two long goals from 50m in the third quarter and played his role in an important team victory.