The nature of AFL football is that one man’s misery can be another’s lucky break. And while West Coast Eagles players are disappointed for experienced midfielder Brent Staker, there are a number of them making a strong case to take his place.

Staker will miss up to six weeks with two fractured metacarpals in his left hand and while he begins the recovery process, a host of players will be looking for promotion.

East Fremantle pair Tim Houlihan and Jamie McNamara have been in eye-catching form for a month, while Matt Spangher also continued his good touch. Brad Ebert and Will Schofield were prominent for Peel, while Scott Selwood and Ryan Davis also did their claims no harm.

Following is a summary of performances across the WAFL at the weekend.

Swan Districts v West Perth

Tony Notte: Returning from a knee injury, Notte kicked three goals, always looked dangerous and could easily have finished with five. He played at full-forward on Atkinson who had only five possessions on him. A good contribution in a winning effort.

Ryan Davis: A steady, hard working performance playing in midfield and at half-forward. Used the ball to good effect, especially early, and was strong at the centre bounces. Rounded off his game with nine tackles.

Mark Seaby: Enjoyed a good battle against Llane Spaanderman and had an impact for West Perth, especially with his ruck work. While Spaanderman picked up possessions around the ground, Seaby spent some time forward which was unproductive in a West Perth side that struggled t get the ball into the scoring zone. 

Nic Naitanui (Reserves): Nic played only three quarters, as planned, and played forward for the majority of the game and did some ruck work around the ground.  He used his leap to advantage, took a terrific vertical mark behind his opponent and he got through the game unscathed.

Claremont v Peel

Liam Bedford: Continues to grow as the season progresses and produced an encouraging effort. Had 12 possessions in first half at half-back and looked at home in that position. He was also thrown forward in the third quarter and was not as effective as he had been in defence.

Lewis Stevenson: Played wing and had nine possessions in the opening term when one of the Tigers’ most prominent players.  Was a good outlet on his wing from defence in the first half.  Was slightly down in the third quarter, but finished off the game well.

Pat McGinnity: A typically gritty performance from McGinnity, who worked hard through the midfield, was good in close and his decision making was good.

Beau Wilkes: A very strong game at centre half-back opposed to Robins.  Held him to eight possessions and one goal.  Read the play well, took some strong marks under pressure and delivered the ball with hs customary efficiency.

Ashley Arrowsmith: Arrowsmith started the game as a lead up half forward and he looked very dangerous ducking in and out of the space. He kicked two goals, took a strong mark in the first quarter and was very effective. In the 2nd quarter he was moved to a wing.

Brad Ebert: Used in the unusual role of a half-back flanker, Ebert tried to run off his opponent on several occasions. He continued to work on getting involved through physical pressure, by applying seven tackles and through his hard run.  When Brad was injected into the midfield in the third quarter he had several good clearances and had six possessions despite close attention from the opposition. 

Jordan Jones: Jordan played mainly in a back pocket and took several very good marks.  Jordan applied good pressure to the opposition and did a good job for his team.

Will Schofield: Schofield was in excellent touch early, was very clean and was running strongly from centre half-back. He copped a heavy knock in the second term which slowed him down, but he returned and played in the forward line. 

East Fremantle v Perth

Tim Houlihan: Houlihan maintained his rich vein of form with an outstanding display on the wing. He kicked the ball very well and his gut running was outstanding.  He applied good pressure to the opposition and positioned himself well as a sweeper at stoppages. 

Jamie McNamara: Jamie played midfield for the majority of the game and did spent some time resting deep forward in the second half.  His work rate and run were very strong for four quarters, his clean hands and willingness to hunt the footy were outstanding. He also took several strong marks in what was a best-on-ground performance.

Matt Spangher: Matt played a very good game across half-back and in a back-pocket.  His run and rebound were very good and generally he used the ball effectively.  He  took a number of strong marks in the back line and was an important member of his team’s defence. 

Will Sullivan: Took four very good overhead marks, and finished the game with 25 hit outs opposed to the experienced and stronger Lindsay.  Came off bench midway through Q4 and did well when the game was in the balance. 

Ashley Smith: Played his first senior game for Perth and at times looked a little nervous. Will undoubtedly benefit from the run.

Scott Selwood: A typically strong, hard running and physical performance in midfield from Selwood. His intensity in close was noticeable and evident through 13 tackles. He used the ball well and showed some great ‘gut running’ in the last quarter.

South Fremantle v East Perth

Callum Wilson: Wilson played centre half-back for only 10 minutes and then moved to the forward line for the remainder of the game.  He lead strongly into space and took some good one grab marks.  Callum was team orientated,  applied some good blocks and shepherds for his team mates.