While only two games were played in the WAFL last weekend, there was still an opportunity for several emerging West Coast Eagles players to stake a claim for a position in this week’s Carlton Mid Derby.

 

Perhaps the most eye-catching performance came from midfielder Pat McGinnity, who was listed as an emergency for last week’s clash with St Kilda.

    

 

Chad played full-forward for the first three quarters and then was shifted out to centre half-forward in the last quarter. He was opposed to Bolton for the duration of the game and consistently beat him on the lead and in the aerial contests. Jones was at his best in the first half, where he kicked a goal, but also shared the ball unselfishly on three other occasions when he could have had a shot himself. Peel dominated the second half and Chad’s opportunities were limited.

 

He played the first quarter and half on the wing opposed to Butler and Howlett. In the middle of the second quarter he was moved to half-back and played there for balance of game on Chipelhow, Butler, Haines and then finished the last quarter on Ballantyne. He produced a strong, steady performance: his use of the ball was good and he recovered from a couple of heavy knocks in second half. McGinnity is always prepared to put his body on the line and effected nine tackles.

 

Thomson played on Rosa all game, at half-back and through the midfield. While Rosa kicked two first-half goals, Thomson did a good job. Defensively, he limited his opponents’ impact on the game and was prepared to work hard to initiate his own ball. Overall a strong effort from Thomson on one of the game’s best midfielders. He used his run to create and was a consistent performer for his team.

 

Lewis Stevenson (reserves)

Stevenson started in the midfield, moved to half-forward and in the second half played at half-back. In a solid four-quarter effort, he showed good skills and kicked a very good goal in the last quarter. Claremont dominated the game and he played a significant role in the victory.

 

 

Wilson played at full-back and full-forward, again emphasising his versatility. In the first half he played on Adamson-Holmes, Chick and Larkins. Wilson held his own on all three opponents and they had little influence on the game. He was prepared to run and support his teammates in collecting eight possessions and taking seven uncontested marks in defence. In the second half, when moved to full-forward, his opponent was Rumble. He again presented well and competed hard in a good, solid four-quarter effort.