Whether it be in defence, through the midfield or up forward, the players engaged at WAFL level have been producing consistently solid performances.
In recent weeks, Lewis Stevenson has been a stand-out performer for Claremont, largely off half-back, but also deeper in defence where his coolness under pressure has been a feature. Exquisitely skilled, Stevenson was again among the Tigers’ best when they comfortably accounted for Peel. He had 19 possessions, which were generally used to maximum effect, but also had three marks and five tackles.
Claremont teammates Anton Hamp, Gerrick Weedon and Jeremy McGovern were also prominent in the Claremont romp. Hamp produced possibly his most accomplished performance in senior football, a high work rate returning 16 possessions, six marks and two goals.
McGovern, playing in the ruck and forward, had 15 possessions and six marks while Weedon had 13 touches, five marks and four tackles. His performance could have been capped off with a few goals, but he returned 0.3.
Peel defender Blayne Wilson had 21 possessions and six marks and he continues to develop and show encouraging signs at WAFL level.
Koby Stevens has arguably been the most consistent of the players who have taken the field regularly in the second tier, where his work rate and energy consistently carry him to contests. When East Fremantle dispensed with West Perth, he was at the forefront with 26 disposals, eight tackles and eight inside 50 entries. He appeals as the player at the front of the queue should a midfield vacancy occur.
West Perth struggled to impact the game early against the Sharks, making Andrew Strijk’s task difficult, but he would also have been looking for a better day personally, when he gathered just nine possessions.
Rookie Callum Papertalk played in the reserves for East Fremantle and had 12 possessions, took four marks and finished with two goals in a display which will short-list him for a senior elevation with the Sharks.
Small forward Murray Newman was again lively for Swan Districts with 17 possessions, six marks and four tackles and could have impacted the scoreboard a little harder, returning just 1.3 from his opportunities.
Newman is, however, continuing to grow in confidence and stature and it would not surprise if he was to earn an opportunity to debut at AFL level in coming weeks - following on from Jacob Brennan and Ryan Neates, who have played their first games in the last fortnight.
