The successful return to football of small forward Mark LeCras and the continued build-up to match fitness for Ashley Hansen were highlights for West Coast Eagles players dropping back to play in the WAFL across the long-weekend.

 

LeCras had not played since the opening round of the AFL season against Brisbane, while Hansen has battled hamstring issues for much the year, his quest for match playing taking him back to the Peel Reserves on a miserable Saturday afternoon when fierce storms hit the metropolitan area.

Mark played on the ball and in a forward pocket. He worked hard during his 60-70 minutes game time, attacked the contest and used the ball effectively. He also tackled hard and his work rate was high in a pleasing return to football after being sidelined since round one.

 

Mark played in the ruck and at full-forward. He dominated the ruck, supplying his teammates with some quality football. His ball skills were clean and his decision making was clear. When Mark pushed deep into attack he was also effective and managed three goals.

 

 

With Swan Districts having a bye, Ashley played with the Peel reserves, the bottom of the ladder team. The ground conditions were extremely wet and Hansen’s best quarter was his first, taking a number of strong marks As the game progressed opportunities and movement of the ball to the forward line was limited, although he continued to work hard.

 

Ashley was assigned the task of playing on one of Perth’s most dangerous players, Kyler-Thomson on the wing. Ashley nullified the effect of Kyler-Thomson, who had little influence on the game. Ashley kicked the first goal of the game and had another in third quarter to finish with two goals. In a solid four-quarter effort he was probably Peel’s best player.

 

Will played only about half the game, with the conditions probably playing a part in his limited ground time. When on the ground, Will gave a strong and committed effort and given the prevailing conditions could be well satisfied with his effort.

 

Playing at full-back opposed to Ryan Murphy for a little more than three quarters, Matt was forced to work hard. After Murphy kicked his sixth goal early in the last quarter, Matt moved to centre half-forward and worked hard to kick two goals.

 

Jamie played the majority of the game on the ball. He was largely opposed to McGrath and played him reasonably tightly, restricting his opponent’s influence. Typically, he worked hard and made a solid contribution for his team.

 

Jaymie Graham
Worked tirelessly in the ruck all day. He positioned himself a kick behind the play and his tap work was efficient. When South moved to break open the game in the third quarter, Jaymie was at his best.

Callum was opposed to Mourish in the first half and while Mourish kicked two goals, Callum generally had the better of the contests. He read the play well and dashed out of defence with purpose a couple of times. In the second half he played at centre half-forward and proved to be a handful for the East Fremantle defenders.

 

Mark Nicoski
Mark played a variety of roles and was shifted around regularly – from a wing to half-back and back pocket. He used his strength and power in the contest and he was rarely beaten. He ran hard and was a creative option for his team.

 

Eric played on Brad Smith who kicked five goals and would have learnt a lot from the experience, particularly in working body on body. It was a good contest between two quality players, with Eric’s closing speed under notice a couple of times, allowing him to spoil strongly. He worked hard throughout and generally used the ball well.

 

Lewis started on the bench and was moved onto a wing. He generally used the ball well and helped set up a number of Claremont’s goals. He also showed his pace and some class with a very good efforts in reading the play.

 

After starting in a back pocket, Pat played at half-forward and through the midfield where he applied good pressure in the contest and laid several good tackles. 

 

James Thomson

James started on a wing as a run with on Hilderbrandt and limited Hilderbandt’s impact on the game in the first half, while collecting nine possessions himself. He then played off a half-back flank and continued to work hard.