With most of the players who had been involved in pre-season action being rested ahead of the season opener, it was left to the club’s emerging players to fly the West Coast Eagles flag in the WAFL’s round of fixtures.

They did so with mixed results, perhaps the best performances coming from Perth defender Simon Tunbridge and Claremont midfielder/forward Ryan Neates.

Rookie-listed Tunbridge, who returned to WA after one season on the Greater Western Sydney list, is being converted from a forward into a defensive capacity and after some early adjustments against South Fremantle was among his team’s best.

Unfortunately for the Demons, they saw a nine-goal third quarter lead evaporate as the Bulldogs powered home to score an amazing victory.

Perhaps the best gauge of Tunbridge’s contribution was his 10 tackles. 

Conversely, Claremont hung on for a pulsating win against East Perth, holding off the fast-finishing Royals.

Neates had 24 disposals for the Tigers and was lively throughout, while young teammates Jeremy McGovern (nine possessions and a goal) and Anton Hamp (seven possessions) found it difficult to impose themselves on the game.

The club’s top draft selection from last November, Murray Newman, enjoyed his hit-out for Swan Districts and had 10 possessions and a goal, while wingman Michael Mascoulis will benefit from his first senior game with West Perth.

Ruckman-forward Scott Lycett did not impose himself on the game for Peel and will be looking to exert a stronger influence in coming weeks.