A handful of experienced West Coast Eagles players are demanding another senior opportunity through sheer weight of performance at WAFL level after strong performances in the WAFL at the weekend.

With just three AFL matches remaining, tall utility player Brent Staker, forward Ashley Hansen, ruckman Mark Seaby, defender Adam Hunter and midfielders Tyson Stenglein and Chad Fletcher all gave commanding performances at the weekend.

Fletcher gave a dominant best-on-ground effort for Subiaco, while Stenglein worked his way into the same game to be another key player for the Lions. Hansen was the best forward on the ground and Hunter was under notice in defence for Swans.

Staker also produced an outstanding display for East Fremantle while Seaby was simply brilliant for West Perth, particularly in the first half before a leg injury impacted his ability.

Emerging players like Jamie McNamara (East Fremantle), Ashley Smith (Perth) and Ryan Davis (Swan Districts) also did their chances no harm with strong efforts.      

Claremont v East Fremantle

Lewis Stevenson: Gathered 19 disposals in a workmanlike performance by Stevenson. Had some flat spots during the game but generally worked hard to be involved and added some energy to Claremont’s football.

Jamie McNamara: Was tagged heavily which made him work hard for all of his 23 possessions. Worked typically hard in close, pushed forward to take a couple of marks and kicked two goals.

Brent Staker : Another outstanding effort from Staker, who picked up 24 possessions, took seven marks and kicked three goals. Won most of his one-on-one contests and looked a class above most players on the ground. Tackled very well and used the ball efficiently.

Liam Bedford (reserves): Another consistent game by Bedford, playing half-back and wing. His defensive pressure was good and his field kicking was efficient, hitting his targets consistently. Had 22 disposals in a consistent performance.

Perth v East Perth

Will Sullivan: Opposed in ruck by Clarke and Shepherd, the young Eagle did well in the hit-outs, but was out-pointed around the ground. He won 23 ruck knocks, his second efforts were good, but would aim to get more possessions around the ground.

Ashley Smith: Possibly his best effort in senior football this year, Smith started at half-forward opposed to Oliver in a defensive role and did it well. He was moved to half-back mid-way through the third quarter and continued to be an effective player in a tea well beaten. Kicked a good long goal in the second term.

Subiaco v Swan Districts

Chad Fletcher: Loved the wet conditions and stood out with his composure capacity to hit targets with deadly accuracy. Fletcher won the centre clearances, which contributed to his team’s win. His skills and hard running were very good. Best player for his team.

Adam Cockie: Continued to get the hard ball in a disputed contest where his work rate and hardness in stoppages and centre bounces were outstanding. In the last quarter he was crunched in a bump at a centre bounce and was taken from the ground with a broken collarbone.

Tyson Stenglein: After a slow start, Stenglein finished strongly, with the features being his tackling and defensive pressure. He was strong around the centre taps and stoppages, clearing the ball on many occasions. He also ran hard to space and offered an option to his teammates.

Ashley Hansen: Played a terrific game where he was clearly the best forward on the day. Hansen took 13 marks and kicked four goals. He gave his team a target in attack and presented himself with strong leads. 

Ryan Davis: Davis played in defence and on the ball and continued to put physical pressure on the opposition, with his fierce approach to the ball. Worked very hard and was again among his team’s best players.

Tony Notte: Played at half-forward and full-forward, but struggled to get into the game. He had a few shots on goal but battled to impact the scoreboard.

Adam Hunter: Rotating between the back-pocket and half-back, Hunter’s defensive pressure was good. He also took some telling marks in defence and stopped a lot of Subiaco’s attacking moves into their forward zone.

South Fremantle v West Perth

Mark Seaby: His best work was done in the first half, before what appeared to be a leg injury impacted on his ability to have as much influence in the second half. In the first half he marked confidently, read the play well to make good position and worked hard in the ruck. He was unable to sustain his effort in the second half, with seven of his eight marks coming before half-time.