Tough midfielder Koby Stevens continued his push for senior selection with another outstanding performance for East Fremantle in the WAFL at the weekend.
Stevens has been averaging possession tallies in the high 20s in recent and repeated the dose to be best afield when the Sharks overcame a slow start to account for Perth and shore up fourth position on the ladder.
The second year on-baller picked up 26 touches, but just as importantly he racked up 10 tackles, leading his team from the front. Indeed, the West Coast contingent has been pivotal in the Sharks success this year and that continued against the Demons.
Stevens was ably supported by wingman Tim Houlihan, midfielder Bradd Dalziell and defenders Jacob Brennan and Brad Sheppard.
Houlihan and Dalziell consistently rack up big numbers and, while they both hit around the 20 disposal mark, they were important and consistent, with their defensive influence a highlight.
In the back half, Brennan continues to develop nicely. Playing against former Hawthorn-listed midfielder Jarrad Kayler-Thompson, Brennan was efficient defensively but also provided some good, aggressive rebound.
Sheppard was also solid as evidenced by eight tackles which maintained import pressure in the Demons’ forward half.
When Peel upset West Perth, the trio of West Coast players were prominent for Thunder. Blayne Wilson was terrific in defence where he shut down several key Falcons forwards at different stages of the game, while Scott Lycett presented well up forward and finished with two goals. Jordan Jones enjoyed opportunities in defence and through the midfield.
Andrew Strijk, dropping back to West Perth after his first AFL game of the season, had 16 possessions and took seven marks as the Falcons tasted defeat for the first time this year.
Following a five-day break, South Fremantle found Swan Districts a tough nut to crack and lost by 17 points at Fremantle Oval.
Ashton Hams was outstanding through the midfield in his return from a two-week suspension while Andrew Gaff was prominent on a wing, with 27 possessions. Hams had 26 touches and also sent his team inside 50 on seven occasions.
Unfortunately, Callum Wilson was noton the end of those entries often enough and found himself in defence at the end of the game, where he was solid.
Claremont played in the Foxtel Cup against Victorian club Northern Bullants on the Gold Coast and won comfortably, led by Eric Mackenzie who was outstanding in his key defensive role.
Lewis Stevenson provided good run and carry off half-back, Gerrick Weedon continues to build as a versatile forward with good defensive attributes and small forward Lewis Broome always looked dangerous.
