Swan Districts boom recruit Ryan Davis was rewarded last week for his solid WAFL form with elevation from the Eagles rookie list and an immediate debut against the Kangaroos.
Davis continued a successful season of career-launches for the club with Chris Masten (six games), Brad Ebert (five), Scott Selwood (two) and Matt Spangher (two) all debuting this season, while Jamie McNamara and Will Schofield have been given chances to build on their early careers.
Coach John Worsfold said Tim Houlihan (East Fremantle) and James Thomson (Claremont) were the next players in line for a call up but the club was unlikely to use every listed player this season.
“Maybe not everyone,” Worsfold said. “I’d love to but it’s unlikely that’ll happen. And we’re not going to do it for the sake of it.
“We’ve got pretty strict criteria on what they’ve got to do to get a game. And they need to be in very good form to be considered to come into the side. So we won’t be changing from that.
2006 premiership player Sam Butler also moved closer to an AFL recall last weekend displaying his trademark poise for the Perth league side.
After 30 possessions for the Demons reserves a fortnight ago, and 14 possessions under heavy scrutiny last week for the League team, Butler boosted his fitness with a near full match and is now only one week away from serious AFL consideration.
Worsfold said the classy onballer was pulling up well after matches and was experiencing no soreness.
Claremont 16.6 (102) lost to East Fremantle 18.15 (123)
Eric Mackenzie
Eric played full-back on Mourish and Foster in the first half and both had very little impact on the game. He showed good run and attack on the contest and used the ball well. Midway through the third quarter he was switched onto Dunn who had kicked three goals and kept him goalless for the remainder of the game. In the third quarter Eric picked up 10 possessions and his anticipation and ability to read the play was excellent. Overall, a very strong, positive and aggressive four-quarter effort and his opponents did not score a goal.
James Thomson
James played on Adams in the first half and struggled to keep him under control. He went to centre half-back after half time and played well before starting the final quarter on a wing. Against Monteath and Houlihan, James really stuck to his task and limited their impact. He was at his best when attacking the contest and gaining possession.
Beau Wilkes
Beau started extremely well at centre half-back against Weller where he controlled that position and his opponent. But Weller got away from him in the second quarter and he started the third term in the midfield. The move was beneficial to Claremont, with Beau using his physical strength at stoppages and his ability to run and read the ball to good effect. He was moved back to a half-back flank and was still a strong contributor to his team.
Lewis Stevenson (Reserves)
Playing a kick behind play, Lewis started well with seven possessions in the first quarter. He rarely came off and applied good pressure with tackling throughout the game and used the ball efficiently.
Tim Houlihan
Tim was very consistent and ran hard playing on the wing. He was opposed to Roberts for the majority of the game who struggled to keep up with him. Tim finished with 23 possessions and kicked two good goals. After starting slowly he hit a purple patch in the second quarter with 11 possessions, kicked a great running goal and worked back into defence impressively.
Matt Spangher
Matt played at centre half-back and full-back on Crawford, and while his opponent finished with two goals, Matt was a clear winner in the personal battle. Matt attacked the ball and contested strongly on all occasions where his ability to spoil was a real feature. He read the play extremely well and was prepared to back himself and leave his opponent to work up the ground.
Peel Thunder 15.12 (102) d East Perth 8.10 (58)
Ashley Arrowsmith
Ashley played on a wing and at half-forward, alternating with Brock O’Brien. While he tried hard he didn’t really get into the game and struggled to have an impact.
Perth 8.17 (65) drew with West Perth 9.11 (65)
Sam Butler
Sam probably had greater ground time than planned as Perth lost three players before half time. He was very clean by hand and used the ball effectively. His composure and on-ground leadership were clearly evident. His intensity around the contest continues to improve each week.
Will Sullivan
Will had 25 hit-outs and rucked against Warnock (16 hit-outs) and Kuenen (15). He also played at full-forward as Perth’s rotations were restricted. His work in the ruck continues to improve and his efforts in the last quarter in a high-pressure game were impressive.
Scott Selwood
Scott’s impact on the game was thwarted when he received a heavy knock in the second quarter and did not return.
South Fremantle 23.16 (154) d Swan Districts 11.9 (75)
Callum Wilson
Callum played centre half-back and did a good job defensively. He provided plenty of run and created opportunities for his teammates further up the ground. Callum’s positioning was good, but he was not used when in a good position to receive the ball.
Tony Notte
Tony played centre half-forward with occasional stints at full-forward. He received most of his possessions up the ground and was generally under pressure when he had the football. He took several strong contested marks and a couple of good leading chest marks.
