WEST Perth has caused a major boilover in the WAFL Colts, defeating early pace setter South Fremantle by 10 points on Friday night. The Falcons led at every break but were pegged back to a five-point margin at three-quarter time, doing enough to hang on and hand the Bulldogs their first defeat of the season.

Swan Districts was also a big winner out of Round 4, matching the Falcons’ 2-2 record with a thumping 53-point victory over the winless Peel Thunder. State Under 18 stars Sam Swadling and Blake Kelly were dominant in either match, and both feature among our latest Scouting Notes instalment from out west.

>> STATE 18s: Western Australia finalises Under 18 squad

West Perth 9.10 (64) def. South Fremantle 8.6 (54)

WEST PERTH:

#4 Jacob Farrow
Defender | 188cm | 21/09/2007

Stats: 30 disposals, 13 marks, 4 tackles

The only man keeping up with Cattalini in the marking charts, Farrow also added 13 to his season tally, though his added ability to win the ball at ground level and rebound at pace made him the most dangerous man afield. As strong a contested mark as there is, I can’t recall Farrow being beaten in this game at any stage. His defensive capabilities are made all the more impressive by how quickly they become offensive capabilities, launching counterattack after counterattack with pin-point kicking and fast running. Quickly becoming one to watch for this year’s draft.

#12 Harvey Spawton-Guy
Key Forward/Ruck | 194cm | 08/09/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 10 hitouts, 2 goals

As the game heated up in the last quarter, two distinct groups formed behind the West Perth goals to cheer on their respective sides, though it was the chants of “Harvey” that rung loudest in the end. Putting the nail in the coffin with two ice cold goals from tight angles in the last quarter, Spawton-Guy made the most of his opportunities when they came. Able to pinch hit in the ruck when needed, the bottom-ager showed glimpses of a future in the ruck with his work around the ground.

#26 Sam Swadling
Midfielder/Forward | 187cm | 16/01/2007

Stats: 40 disposals, 5 marks, 4 inside 50s

The main attraction in Joondalup on a Friday night. Swadling’s work rate was unmatched and well rewarded as he finished with 40 disposals. A measured disposer of the ball, Swadling prioritised his side maintaining possession as opposed to 50-50 kicks to gain metres. Cruising through traffic with relative ease at the stoppage, it was Swadling’s constant running that allowed him to get free of an opponent and capitalise on open space when the ball was in play, where he found the bulk of his disposals. With some elite kicks and high pressure moments, scoreboard impact was the only facet of his game missing in an otherwise perfect performance.

SOUTH FREMANTLE:

#2 Lucas Cattalini
Tall Defender | 191cm | 04/05/2007

Stats: 26 disposals, 13 marks, 2 tackles

Quickly becoming the dominant full back of the competition this season, Cattalini extended his lead atop the league’s marking charts with another 13 in this match. Potentially the primary reason West Perth was unable to run away with this game despite dominating possession, Cattalini’s read of the ball in the air, refusal to give his opponent any room, and strength in the marking contest were genuine saviours on the Bulldogs’ last line of defence.

#5 Toby Whan (Fremantle NGA)
Midfielder | 184cm | 09/05/2007

Stats: 27 disposals, 3 marks, 4 inside 50s

A quieter game by the lofty standards set in the previous two rounds, Whan stood tall against what looks to be the strongest midfield in the competition this season. His 27 disposals came with his usual composure, sensible decision making and show of athleticism to break out of stoppages. Whan’s ability to break through tackles is improving weak by weak, taking on opponents successfully more often than not.

#9 Lucas Robinson (Fremantle NGA)
Midfielder | 189cm | 13/02/2008

Stats: 23 disposals, 3 tackles, 2 inside 50s

One of the unlucky players to miss the initial state squad, Robinson played a real Scottie Pippen role to Whan in this game. Laying the foundation with his contested work and grit in the midfield, Robinson preferred to go by hand in this game, with 18 of his 23 disposals being handballs. His pursuit of the ball was relentless, though it was never an easy day out for the Bulldogs midfield.

Swan Districts 16.11 (107) def. Peel Thunder 8.6 (54)

SWAN DISTRICTS:

#3 Blake Kelly
Midfielder | 183cm | 03/01/2007

Stats: 30 disposals, 7 marks, 3 goals

The main man in midfield for the Swans, Kelly continued to push his case for a spot in the WA midfield in this clash. Gutsy and intelligent, Kelly was equally effective with his contested ball winning as he was with his positioning outside the contest to clear the ball in his sides favour. A complete and well-rounded midfielder, Kelly flaunted his goalkicking ability for the first time this season to the tune of 3 goals, a combination of set shot excellence, smart crumbing and a typical midfielders goals on the run near the 50m arc.

#7 Liam Hrabar
Midfielder/Forward | 188cm | 04/12/2006

Stats: 22 disposals, 6 tackles, 2 goals

A highlights package to watch again and again, Hrabar’s game certainly peaked with a mark of the year contender on Mitch Stirling in the last quarter. Winning plenty of the footy with 22 disposals, Hrabar’s work was split between being a forward 50 threat and possession getter in the centre. Like many of his teammates, Hrabar’s constant effort and persistence were too much for the Thunder to handle, outrunning his opponents and capitalising on almost every opportunity he was given.

#9 Leon Kickett
Small Forward | 172cm | 07/11/2006

Stats: 17 disposals, 7 inside 50s, 2 goals

Flashy, fast, dangerous and effective. Kickett continued on from his fine form to again be one of the Swans’ best afield in this fixture. Kickett’s pursuit of the ball and non-stop application of pressure was nightmare fuel for Thunder defenders in this game, pairing well with fellow small Tylah Williams to force opposition mistakes and create opportunities for teammates. His pace and ability to execute skills at speed are his biggest assets, able to break away when given an inch of space and setting up teammates or scoring goals himself.

PEEL THUNDER:

#5 Matthew Becker
Defender | 191cm | 30/08/2007

Stats: 26 disposals, 2 tackles, 1 goal

Nailing the opening goal of the game set the tone for what was a standout display in a losing side from Becker. A complete half-back performance, Becker’s strength in this game was primarily his speed in rebounding, either by way of kicking or carrying the pill. Defensively, Becker cleaned up plenty of the Swans’ poorer inside 50 entries. Taking over kick-out duties in the second quarter, Becker was clearly one of the best distributors afield, launching plenty of Thunder counterattacks with his long distance kicking, picking out a teammate down the line or switching with aplomb.

#18 Lachlan Birch
Midfielder | 181cm | 31/05/2007

Stats: 25 disposals, 3 marks, 4 inside 50s

Starting hot as his side competed early, Birch was up against it all day in the engine room, but was equally up to the challenge. Strong bodied and hard-working, Birch was one of the primary creators for the Thunder, topping the inside 50 count for his side. His ball use and decision making shone as many of his teammates struggled to execute under the immense pressure of the Swans. One of the few shining lights in an underwhelming Thunder performance.

#26 Mitchell Stirling
Key Defender | 196cm | 20/08/2008

Stats: 11 disposals, 7 marks, 2 tackles

One of the few bottom-age inclusions in WA’s state 18s squad for the National Championships, Stirling put on another marquee performance at full back as a part of an under fire Thunder defence. Topping the charts with seven marks, it’s rare to see Stirling lose an aerial contest, outright winning the majority of his one-on-ones and regularly competing in pack marking situations. For a big man, his impact at ground level and use of the ball by foot is extremely impressive. Stirling’s competitive spirit is on display for all, regularly the centre of attention when skirmishes broke out – a common occurrence at this early stage of the season.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

East Fremantle got the job done with relative ease over Subiaco as Kadyn Wilson and Harry Cox lead the way with 24 disposals each. For Subiaco, it was Toby Jones topping the charts, also finishing with 24 touches. Fremantle NGA prospect Joshua Nomlatyu shone with 13 disposals, 29 hitouts and two goals.

A dominant second quarter from Perth led to a big win, with Nathan Cameron (27 disposals, five marks) and Baxter Gray (24 and 11) finishing with big numbers. Garrison Kenh was the only 20-plus disposal getter for East Perth, finishing the day with 23. Jayden Clarke‘s 18 disposals, 11 marks and four goals for the Demons, as well as Fletcher Brown’s 19 disposals, 10 marks and two goals were both noteworthy performances.

STATE UNDER 18 SQUAD MEMBERS:

West Perth 9.10 (64) def. South Fremantle 8.6 (54)
Max Thomas (South Fremantle) – 11 disposals
Ryda Luke (South Fremantle) – 3 goals

East Fremantle 14.6 (90) def. Subiaco 6.4 (40)
Luke Carrello (East Fremantle) – 13 disposals, 1 goal
Hudson Walker (Subiaco) – 15 disposals, 5 inside 50s

Perth 13.9 (87) def. East Perth 7.3 (45)
Luke Hallett (East Perth) – 18 disposals, 5 tackles

Swan Districts 16.11 (107) def. Peel Thunder 8.6 (54)
Tylah Williams (Swan Districts) – 14 disposals, 5 tackles, 1 goal
Basil Hart (Peel Thunder) – 10 disposals, 6 marks
Bol Makuach (Peel Thunder) – 9 disposals, 22 hitouts
Will York (Peel Thunder) – 13 disposals (League)