IN what was arguably the match of the round, West Perth overcame East Fremantle by five points at New Homes Choice Park. Considered as a finals preview, there was a host of players who stood up.

Below were the best players from each team.

EAST FREMANTLE

#2 Michael Wright
In a powerful display, the Chapman Valley product proved he is one of the premier midfielders in this year’s WAFL Colts competition. He accumulated 23 possessions, took five marks, laid five tackles, recorded two inside 50s and kicked a goal to be one of East Fremantle’s best.

#10 Trent Rivers
The East Fremantle captain tried his heart out to try and drag his team to victory. He gathered 27 possessions (12 contested), took 10 marks, recorded nine inside 50s, laid four tackles and kicked two goals to arguably be East Fremantle’s best player. Playing as an inside midfielder, Rivers threw his body into every stoppage to win the ball for his team and was able to dish it out to his outside runners. His drafts stocks continue to soar every week.

#16 Chad Warner
The Willetton junior showcased why he is one of the best midfielders in this year’s WAFL Colts competition. In a dazzling display, he gathered a game-high 29 possessions (18 contested), won six clearances, took six marks, laid two tackles, recorded two inside 50s. He also kicked a goal from outside 50 in the first quarter.

#18 Chris Walker
The Fremantle Dockers’ Next-Generation Academy member was excellent off the half-back line for East Fremantle. He finished with 16 possessions, eight inside 50s, six marks and five tackles. Like Richmond star Nick Vlastuin, Walker is a medium sized defender who is excellent at intercepting the opposition’s attacking forays.

#23 Luke Jackson
Against the Falcons, Jackson produced a performance that indicated why he is considered a first-round prospect in this year’s AFL draft. Opposed to Zak Patterson, he finished with 17 possessions, 28 hitouts, six inside 50s, five clearances, five marks and two goals.

WEST PERTH

#3 Ben Johnson
The 2016 WA State Schoolboys’ representative was exceptional for the Falcons in their victory over the Sharks. He accumulated 20 possessions (12 contested), laid six tackles, recorded four inside 50s, took three marks and kicked a goal to be one of the Falcons’ best players.

#7 Jaxon Prior
Stationed at centre half-back, Prior was instrumental in the Falcons’ victory. He accumulated 23 possessions, took nine marks, laid six tackles and recorded four inside 50s in an inspiring performance. Like Fremantle’s rising star Luke Ryan, Prior is a medium-sized defender who has a strong aerial ability and an elite understanding of the game , enabling him to effectively intercept many of the opposition’s attacking forays.

#18 Tyron Hindmarsh
The Ocean Ridge product was outstanding in the midfield for the Falcons. Going head-to-head with Chad Warner, Hindmarsh accumulated a team-high 28 possessions, laid 11 tackles, won seven clearances, and took seven marks to arguably be the best player on the ground.

#23 Zak Patterson
The Joondalup-Kinross junior was outstanding in the ruck against East Fremantle. Opposed to Luke Jackson, Patterson finished with 15 possessions, 19 hit-outs, three marks, two tackles and a goal in an entertaining duel. Patterson looms as a draft smoky when his excellent athleticism, elite ruck craft and raw potential are considered.

#25 Heath Chapman
A bottom-age prospect, Chapman did his draft chances for 2020 no harm with a classy performance against the Sharks. Playing on the half-back line, Chapman gathered 21 possessions, took seven marks and laid three tackles to be a pivotal player in the Falcons’ victory.