Senior players on the periphery of AFL selection, a couple of youngsters trying to force their way in and several rookies aiming for elevation maintained pressure for a call-up through strong WAFL form at the weekend.

Forwards Quinten Lynch and Ben McKinley were again solid for their respective teams, with McKinley adding five goals as East Perth scored its first victory of the year.

Defenders Eric Mackenzie and Tony Notte also did their selection prospects no harm, while rookies Lewis Stevenson, Ashton Hams and Andrew Strijk ensured they remained at the forefront of the selectors minds should the club opt to elevate a player off the rookie list to play senior football.

In addition, Ryan Neates and Adam Cockie played for the first time this season while Koby Stevens resumed and Jordan Jones, Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls and Beau Wilkes remained consistent contributors for their respective teams.

Peel v East Perth

Jordan Jones
Used across half-back, Jones also took responsibility for the kick-ins and was a steady performer for his side.  His overall decision making and ball use were pretty good, though his contribution was tarnished by a couple of turnovers. A solid effort and is playing with consistency.

Ben McKinley
He started each quarter in the midfield and then moved forward, playing deep forward and also across half-forward. McKinley worked hard and was a strong and consistent contributor over four quarters. He kicked five goals, giving him nine from the past two games and is in good touch.

Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls
Although he did not have a massive impact on the game, his endeavour, run and work rate was good. Involved in a couple of strong runs out of defence and delivered some quality football to the Royals’ leading forwards.

Subiaco v Claremont

Lewis Broome (reserves)
A lively performance playing half-forward, wing and in the forward pocket finishing. He finished with three goals, was ever the opportunist and his decision making and ball use were good. Is playing consistently with the Tigers and is pressing for an opportunity in senior ranks.

Ryan Neates (reserves)
In his first game of the season, Neates finished with two goals and 24 possessions in an impressive hit-out. Took a while to get into game, but improved as the game progressed, using his pace to get involved. 

Adam Cockie (reserves)
Also playing his first game of the season, Cockie endured 60 minutes of game time over three quarters in the midfield. Also started slowly, but wielded some influence in the second and third terms with his physical presence, decision making and ball use. 

Eric Mackenzie
Played at half-back and for much of the second half was a loose man in defense, and also played in the  midfield on Campbell for short time.  Took some strong marks (11) and showed very good run out of defence. His attack on ball and the contest were good and despite a couple of skill errors was a good contributor and played with plenty of energy.

Beau Wilkes
Wilkes again played the majority of game in the key defensive roles, with short stints up forward. When involved took some strong marks, although the ball did not spend a lot of time in the Tigers’ defensive half.

Lewis Stevenson
Another eye-catching display at half-back where his ability to run and deliver the ball from was outstanding.  A very strong four-quarter performance, where his quality use of the ball and good decisions contributed to Claremont’s dominant display.

West Perth v South Fremantle

Andrew Strijk
Playing in his customary roles through the midfield and across half-back, Strijk worked hard and delivered the ball with precision forward. His work around the stoppages was first rate, winning a few clearances and setting up his teammates.  He finished the game off with two goals, one of them was a gem on the run.

Quinten Lynch
Lynch was used deep forward and on the ball where he gathered most of his possessions. When playing forward made good position on a number of occasions but was not used.

Callum Wilson
After a quiet first half, Wilson had a good second half.  He lead well second after the break, took five marks and gave his team a contest. He finished the game strongly and will be looking to build on that effort.

Ashton Hams
Initially, Hams was tagged on-ball and then moved deep forward to play out of a pocket.  His strong leading and marking were features. His skills were smooth and his tackling fierce, to be among his team’s best with another four-goal effort.

East Fremantle v Swan Districts

Koby Stevens
Koby was a solid contributor in a losing team. He won several clearances and set up play by hand in contested situations. At times he ran to good positions from stoppages but failed to get used on the way out.

Tony Notte
A very good game by Notte at full-back. He spoilt very well, tackled effectively and used the ball with precision on every occasion. He played the “goal keeping” role for most of the game, not venturing too far up the ground.