If the West Coast Eagles match committee is looking to make changes as it searches for the right balance of personnel to tackle ladder leader Geelong this week, the options are bountiful.
If it’s a wingman they’re looking for, then Brad Dalziell cast his name once again into the ring; if it’s a running half-back then Ashley Smith and Lewis Stevenson said ‘pick me’. If it’s a form forward then Tony Notte and Mitch Brown demanded consideration. And if they’re looking for a hard-nosed midfielder, Koby Stevens’ form will ensure his debut is discussed.
In addition to that, Gerrick Weedon showed some flashes of brilliance in his second senior game for Claremont while Tim Houlihan, in his first hit-out for the year after a foot injury, played 60 minutes in the reserves for East Fremantle and found plenty of football.
Stevenson, elevated off the rookie list to debut against Sydney in round five, played three games before being ruled out with a hip injury a fortnight ago. He played strongly in Claremont’s commanding performance against Peel.
Brown, Dalziell, Stevens and Matt Spangher were all prominent for East Fremantle when they controlled the game against Perth where Smith continued his steady form.
Unfortunately, Jordan Jones suffered a serious ankle injury after an 11-possession opening quarter and Ashley Hansen sat out another week with a hip injury.
East Perth v South Fremantle
Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls
After being used deep forward and on a flank in the first half he was alternated between defence and attack in the second half and performed well. Took a few timely marks and generally used the ball to advantage.
Callum Wilson
Was a solid contributor in a team that controlled the game throughout and kicked two goals from outside 50m. His work rate was very good, especially in first half. He hit the contest hard and took five marks from very strong leads.
Peel v Claremont
Jordan Jones
Enjoyed an outstanding start to the game, playing in the midfield where he read the play well to win possession. He linked the play well, used the ball efficiently and had 11 possessions before being forced off the ground with an ankle injury at the 26 minute mark of the first quarter.
Lewis Stevenson
He patrolled the back line, where his reading of the play and willingness to run to create at every opportunity, meant that he became an attacking player from defence. He worked hard over four quarters, played with confidence and competed strongly in the contests. His use of the ball was very good and a strong, hard running, rebounding game from defence added up to an impressive performance.
Gerrick Weedon
He showed skill and played with flair to kick two goals. His first goal was after a contested one-handed mark, where he played on and kicked an excellent goal on the run in the first quarter. He moved confidently and used the ball well on most occasions.
West Perth v Swan Districts
Andrew Strijk
Utilised at half-back, where the resting opposition midfielders rotated, Strijk slowly worked his way into the game. He ran the lines to receive his possessions and his ball use was effective. He also applied some strong tackles and pressure on the opposition.
Tony Notte
In the absence of Ashley Hansen, who was injured, Notte played at full-forward, led well and took some good contested marks. He kicked four goals, a couple on a slight angle and one snap over his shoulder. His forward line pressure on the opposition was great and he made a contribution to his team’s win.
East Fremantle v Perth
Mitch Brown
He worked hard and took five marks, most of them being uncontested up the ground. As a roaming forward he found space due to his heavy work rate. Brown played well and kicked four goals in a team that enjoyed a comfortable victory.
Matt Spangher
Played with his usual flair and energy and continued to provide good rebound. He competed well in long bomb situations and took some strong marks.
Bradd Dalziell
Continued his dominant form for East Fremantle, particularly late in the game with 13 possessions in the last quarter. He played on ball and on a wing and generally used the ball well and kicked a nice left foot goal. His intensity was good with eight tackles and was close to best on ground.
Koby Stevens
Outstanding at the stoppages, he also took nine marks around the ground. He attempted to move the ball on quickly and was a strong contributor in a side that won easily. Always gave 100% when on the ground.
Tim Houlihan (reserves)
A solid 60 minutes first up in the reserves. His best quarter was his last where he gathered nine possessions and kicked a goal using his trademark running ability to find space. Will benefit from the run.
Ashley Smith
Playing wing and half forward, he probably had his best quarter in the last when pushing up from half-forward to gather seven possessions. He showed his speed on one occasion when on the wing and he appeared caught between play, but made up the ground a lot. He is consistently racking up around 20 possessions and kicks the ball well on most occasions.
Will Sullivan
A strong 1st quarter with three marks and he controlled the ruck. Was used in a limited capacity in the second half off the bench and while on the ground had a positive impact. Used the ball very effectively.