A THRILLING weekend of close results and comeback victories headlined an exciting round of WAFL action, as the competition returned after the league-wide State Game bye.

>> State Game Player Focus: Jack Buller

East Fremantle notched a crucial win to move into second spot, downing Claremont by 18 points in Broome. After trailing at the long break, the Sharks got to work in the third term with five goals to one to set up the victory.

Subiaco continued Swan Districts’ cruel trend of losing close games, downing the Black Ducks by four points at Leederville Oval. Swans led the game at every change and had a chance to clinch the win after the siren, but they couldn’t close out the result, resulting in their fifth loss by less than seven points this season.

Perth produced one of the upsets of the year, defeating South Fremantle by four points at Fremantle Oval. In what was a closely fought encounter all day, the Demons trailed at every change but edged ahead in the final term to secure a triumph that should give them some belief after a tough start to the campaign.

Peel Thunder asserted themselves the team to beat, getting the better of West Perth by nine points in Joondalup. After trailing by 21 points at half time, the Thunder produced a dominant third term to wrestle back the ascendancy and clinch an impressive victory over the reigning premiers.

East Perth snapped a three-game losing streak, pumping West Coast by 74 points at Mineral Resources Park. The Royals were never seriously challenged throughout the contest, as they notched up an important four points that sees them keep in touch with the top five.

DRAFT PROSPECTS:

With the WA State 18s playing a trial match against East Perth’s Reserves side, it was a couple of potential mid-season draft prospects that headlined the draftable players featuring in the top grade.

>> Scouting Notes: WA U18s vs. East Perth

None were better than Perth forward Jaiden Hunter, who booted five goals in a match-winning display in the Demons upset win over South Fremantle.

In what could be his last game for the red and black if he gets picked up this week, Hunter was superb, leading up nicely at the ball, taking seven marks and finishing his work nicely, kicking his five majors from seven kicks.

His teammate and fellow mid- season draft nominee, Jack Avery, was also excellent finding 25 touches and taking eight marks.

Elsewhere, Roan O’Hehir ran out for South Fremantle, racking up 18 disposals and eight tackles as he got some more midfield exposure, while draft smokey Ben Clarke was quiet for Claremont.

>> Preview: 2023 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft

MATURE AGE WATCH – Aidan Clarke (Swan Districts)

Back into the Swans lineup after a hamstring injury, Clarke made an instant impact on return, racking up 31 disposals and five marks in his side’s narrow loss to Subiaco.

The 24-year-old has been one of the competition’s most consistent players across the past 18 months, impressing with his pace, power, and ball-winning ability since he has been moved into the midfield.

Clarke was mooted as a potential mid-season draft smoky, having reportedly attracted the attention of some clubs, but hasn’t nominated for the draft this week and is perhaps one to track as a mature option for the end of the year should his form continue.