The efforts across the board were outstanding, with players not only finding some impressive form at the lower level but also emphasising the quality that sits on the cusp of senior selection.
While he played against Port Adelaide in round 12, developing ruckman Mark Seaby returned to West Perth for the second time in a month to tally impressive stats of 29 possessions, nine marks, 31 hit-outs and two goals in a best on ground performance.
It was a timely display against Swan Districts, particularly to those outside the club that have questioned Seaby’s form in recent weeks, and will be a terrific confidence boost for the affable 22 year-old.
Despite being in the losing side, centre half-forward Ashley Hansen did his chances of a West Coast Eagles recall no harm, presenting very well and winning 22 possessions, nine marks and two goals.
Also impressive was big man Michael Gardiner, who continues his run of solid form with Claremont despite his side’s loss to East Perth.
Gardiner, gradually increasing his game time in the ruck, had 12 kicks, seven marks and a massive 43 hit-outs for the afternoon.
Defender Brett Jones, who has played four games for the West Coast Eagles this season and been named as an emergency for almost every other match, will also come under serious consideration at John Worsfold’s selection table this week after a performance for the Tigers that boasted 27 possessions and 13 marks.
But the strongest impact of West Coast Eagles-listed players was evident in Perth’s upset win over ladder leaders South Fremantle.
Midfielders Sam Butler and Steven Armstrong accrued 60 touches between them while key forward Andrew McDougall, who has also spent time in defence for the Demons this season, had 25 possessions, 16 marks and three goals in a dominant display.
And South Fremantle duo Travis Gaspar and Ashley Sampi continue to string together sound performances for the Bulldogs with Sampi’s 13 possessions and two goals complemented by 11 tackles.
Younger types Mark LeCras, Mitch Morton, Ben McKinley, Ben Sharp and Ashley Thornton also featured prominently in their respective matches.
