Dashing half-back Ashley Smith continued to push his case for AFL selection with a best-on-ground performance for Perth against West Perth at Eftel Oval last Saturday.

Named as an emergency for the past three weeks, the young defender produced a 37-possession performance to further enhance his claims for an AFL debut.

Also ensuring their names will be discussed at this week’s match committee discussions were experienced rookie Ashton Hams, wingman Tim Houlihan, young midfielder Koby Stevens and key forward Mitch Brown.

Hams played a strong defensive role in South Fremantle’s loss to Claremont, while Houlihan and Stevens performed well in the midfield for East Fremantle and Brown proved to be an energetic forward target for the Sharks.

Stevens showed maturity after losing his place in the senior side after a good debut, while Ryan Neates, in his second senior game for Claremont, was again lively as a small forward for the Tigers.

Claremont v South Fremantle

Ryan Neates
Didn’t quite have the same impact that he enjoyed a week earlier on debut, but Neates played his role at half-forward well. In the last quarter he picked up eight of his 16 possessions.  His run, ball use and depth in his kicking in was very good and played with good energy.

Lewis Stevenson
Playing across half-back, Stevenson was a spare man in defence in the first quarter and showed plenty of dash and good ball use. Was injured at the 10-minute mark of second quarter and left the ground after a promising start. 

Ashton Hams
Had a good dual with Richardson who kicked three goals, two of them on Hams in the second term. Richardson had  only had eight possessions for game, with Hams doing a good job on him, playing him tight other than a brief period in the second quarter. His use of ball was good and ran strongly to be one of his team's best.

Callum Wilson
Alternated beteen full-forward and centre half-forward. Had a strong opponent in Laurie who didn’t give him much room. Wilson took some good marks on lead and had five entries inside 50. Only kicked one goal, although a couple shots didn’t make the distance. 

Reserves

Gerrick Weedon
After starting on the bench, Weedon played forward and on-ball. He won many ground ball contests and his disposal was good. He took a couple of strong contested marks, was very clean with his skills and his work rate was good.

Lewis Broome
Lewis played as a deep forward and started the game with good intensity. He did not have a chance at crumbing goals, but he was good front and square.  Lewis had to shots at goals, scoring 1.1.  He injured his hamstring in a contested mark, four minutes into the  second quarter and did not return.

Perth v West Perth

Ashley Smith
Provided excellent run all game from half-back and after 16 possessions in the first half, backed up with 21 possessions in the second to complete four solid and consistent quarters. He had a very attacking mindset, pushing up field and kicked well to leading half-forwards. His best effort of the season.

Will Sullivan
Had seven possessions in the first half, backed up with 10 possessions in the second and was reliable for his team. He ran very well into space, but was under-utilised by teammates. Marked the ball well uncontested, however could have a greater impact in contested marking contests.

East Perth v Swan Districts

Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls
Exerted an influence at times without being a consistent performer.  Showed some good pace and skilful ball use.

Tony Notte
Off the ground for extended periods of time and in and out of the match.  Whilst on the ground struggled to have an impact.

East Fremantle v Subiaco

Tom Houlihan
East Fremantle lost two players to injuries before half-time, restricting their midfield rotations. Houlihan was also a little sore but pushed hard to get on the end of some constructive running football. A solid effort given his injury East Fremantle’s lack of rotations.

Koby Stevens
Started the game well with six possessions in the first quarter and marked strongly overhead in a couple of contested situations. Stevens played through the middle and across half-forward and worked hard for his team.

Mitch Brown
Brown played as one of two tall forwards for East Fremantle, rotating between centre half-forward and full-forward. He started the game well, taking a contested mark and laying a tackle that resulted in a goal. His work rate was good and provided the Sharks with a focal point.

Matt Spangher
Played on Broadhurst for the first half before being switched to centre half-back and then centre half-forward during the third term. He found it difficult to get involved in the offensive part of East Fremantle’s game only having two possessions in the first half. Defensively he competed well - his main concern was getting turned around by Broadhurst as Subi pushed their players up the ground. He used the ball well with his 10 possessions.