FREMANTLE full-back Joel Hamling has put his hand up to help contain dangerous Essendon forwards Joe Daniher and Cale Hooker after an impressive aerial display in Peel's thumping WAFL practice match win over East Perth.
Hamling was considered underdone by the Dockers and was overlooked for the 50-point round one defeat to Port Adelaide.
In the 194cm backman's absence, the Power's three-pronged tall forward line of Charlie Dixon, Jack Watts and Todd Marshall combined for eight of their 16 goals.
But Hamling, who missed Freo's opening pre-season match to attend his father's wedding, appears likely to be recalled for round two at Optus Stadium as the Dockers plot how to handle Daniher and Hooker's threat.
The 24-year-old commanded the air in Peel's defensive 50 on Saturday, taking eight marks in a watertight backline, while Brennan Cox (seven) was also rock-solid.
"(Hamling) played well and I think he might have had 20 or so possessions, so he's had a pretty solid game," coach Cam Shepherd said.
"I don't get involved in Fremantle's selections but certainly he ticked that box today."
Gearing up for a tilt at a premiership three-peat in 2018, the Thunder were far too big and far too good for East Perth in a 20.9 (129) to 3.7 (25) triumph.
Ruck trio Sean Darcy, Lloyd Meek and Scott Jones wore down a gallant but outsized Fraser McInnes as Peel dominated clearances (44-30) and inside 50s (60-39).
The Royals were also desperately undersized down back. When Darcy rested forward in the third term he had 8cm and 26kg on opponent Josh Rotham.
Impressive young forward Hugh Dixon took full advantage, bagging six majors and showing a clean pair of hands, while injury-ravaged Michael Apeness made an encouraging return.
Apeness hauled in a team-high 10 marks – seven contested – and slotted three goals after a season ruined by PCL setbacks.
The 2013 first-round NAB AFL Draft pick has slimmed-down to take some weight off his legs and looked mobile in Mandurah.
"(It) paid dividends today," Shepherd said.
"It's a good story isn't it, because he only played half a game in the reserves last year and then broke down again,
"He hasn't played footy for a long time."
No.5 draft selection Adam Cerra was everywhere early and finished with 24 touches and a goal to show an AFL debut might not be far away.
Tommy Sheridan notched 25 disposals and Taylin Duman (23) rebounded strongly in a complete team performance.
After a scintillating midfield display for Peel last week, Tom North didn't play due to a shoulder stinger and Griffin Logue watched from the sidelines after a recent foot complaint.
There were concerning signs for West Coast's depth.
Both sides fielded 14 AFL-listed players but Peel blew the game open with an eight-goal-to-nil first quarter and the Royals never recovered.
Left-footed onballer Brayden Ainsworth was East Perth's most consistent performer, finishing with 26 touches and five tackles.
But he had few mates willing to get their hands dirty.
Rotham (26, 12 marks) fought against the tide of supply, while McInnes (14, five) could hold his head high and Hamish Brayshaw (19) toiled hard.
Small forward Willie Rioli (seven disposals) never got into the contest after needing his troublesome left knee bandaged during the opening quarter and spent most of the final term on the bench.
