Players looking to win further opportunities at AFL level excelled at the weekend and presented strong cases to the match recommittee for elevation after shining in the WAFL at the weekend.

Heading the list of possible graduates is experienced half-back Brett Jones who was outstanding for Claremont, while Tiger teammates Pat McGinnity and Tom Swift did their chances no harm either.

At East Perth, rookie-listed half-forward Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls laid claim for an opportunity with six goals, while Ben McKinley kicked three in a team-oriented performance where his tackling effort was as noticeable as his three goals.

South Fremantle forward Callum Wilson was also instrumental in the Bulldogs’ victory over Subiaco.   

Perth v East Perth

Will Sullivan
Will had his hands full with Zac Beeck, whose physical presence offered a big challenge. Sullivan certainly tried hard and in second half was better at getting front position at the boundary throw-ins, but Beeck probably took the individual honours.

Ben McKinley
Started each quarter in the midfield and then moved forward.  He had three goals from five shots by half-time. His work rate was outstanding while his decision making and ball use were also good.  In the final term all East Perth players were looking to get on the board and opportunities on the lead fell away. 

Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls
A very good four-quarter effort form Jarrad who played wing and half-forward and kicked goals in all quarters. He finished off the last quarter with eight possession and two goals, giving him six for the match. His decision making and ball use were very good.

Swan Districts v Claremont

Gerrick Weedon (reserves)
A strong effort which saw him kick five goals from 17 touches. Worked hard and reaped the benefit and is starting to find good touch. Making good progress.

Ryan Neates
Played half-forward for the majority of the game with a short spell at half-back in the second half. He used the ball well with creative short kicking and made a conscious effort to pressure the opposition with four tackles.

Beau Wilkes
Beau started the game very well with two goals in the first quarter. He was very mobile and actively looked to set blocks for teammates. He competed strongly in the air without talking any big pack marks, but did offer a presence.

Tom Swift
Tom played half-back for most of the game and accumulated a high possession rate by hard running to receive. Defensively he was sound and showed good overhead skills. Used the ball effectively in most instances.

Brett Jones
Brett was one of Claremont’s best players. He ran strongly off half-back to receive the ball and finished with four inside 50s, won most of his contests and used the ball well. He appeared to be running well. Another feature of his game was his strong communication and leadership.

Pat McGinnity
Had an interesting tagging role on Andrew Krakouer and was a little unfortunate in the first quarter when two of Krakouer’s  goals came from turnovers when McGinnity was running to create. At times he found it difficult to curb Krakouer’s influence around stoppages, but ran well and used it effectively.

Tony Notte
Played as a key forward with a short spell in the ruck without wielding a great influence on the game. He was sometimes caught between play.

Subiaco v South Fremantle

Callum Wilson
Had three defenders rotating off him, but Wilson still took some great leading marks as well as some strong grabs in the pack, coming in from the side. His forward line pressure presence was good, kicking four goals for the game and taking seven marks.