As coach Justin Longmuir looked on, several fringe Fremantle Dockers kept themselves in contention for senior selection with solid performances for Peel Thunder in their six-point victory over East Perth at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on Saturday.
Player Performances
Bailey Banfield was among his side's best, collecting 25 disposals across half-back. His ball use, which has sometimes been shaky in a defensive role for the Dockers, has shown improvement this season.
Jaren Carr impressed in an on-ball role in the reserves.
Hugh Davies may be the leading candidate to replace Alex Pearce in the senior side after another strong performance. The impressive 21-year-old is equally comfortable locking down a forward and peeling off his man to impact as an interceptor.
Josh Draper shuffled between several defensive roles, using his speed effectively on multiple occasions to shut down promising attacking moves from the Royals.
Leon Kickett did not replicate the scoreboard impact of his three-goal league debut, finishing goalless in his return to the reserves, though his ball use was very good.
Oscar McDonald was given the chance to stake his claim to replace Pearce by moving back to defence. He found plenty of the football but was beaten by former teammate Sebit Kuek in some one-on-one contests.
Ryda Luke went without a goal for the fourth consecutive game in the reserves.
Ollie Murphy saw limited action as the deepest defender in the reserves.
Tobyn Murray provided a highlight with a classy goal on the run in the third term, but it was otherwise a quiet day.
Charlie Nicholls kicked a goal barely a minute after the opening siren, but that proved to be his only scoreboard impact for the afternoon.
Nathan O'Driscoll was solid again, splitting his time between an inside midfield role and the wing. He also pushed forward to kick a goal, achieving that feat for the third consecutive game.
Aiden Riddle produced the best performance of his fledgling career, sharing the honours in his battle with one of the WAFL's premier ruckmen, Scott Jones.
Chris Scerri threatened to break the game open with his speed on several occasions, finishing with one goal.
Jeremy Sharp immediately looked too good for the WAFL again on his return to the level, amassing a season-high 37 disposals, including 21 in the first half. AFL-listed players do not often feature prominently in the Sandover Medal count, but he may well do so if he remains on the fringes of senior selection.
Cooper Simpson stood out with the quality of his ball use from half-back in a scrappy affair. He launched several end-to-end chains that resulted in scores by taking on opponents and hitting aggressive kicks.
Adam Sweid tried to provide a spark by taking the game on, but was caught with the football on a few occasions.
Brandon Walker made a decent start to the game before unfortunately suffering his second concussion within two weeks.
Toby Whan ran hard up and down the wing all day and was neat with his disposal.
