ROUND 2 of the WAFL was a weekend that saw some of the competition’s heavyweights flex their muscles with imposing victories, while another of Western Australia’s brightest talents made his first ascension to senior football.

Claremont continued its strong start to the season, comprehensively beating South Fremantle by 48 points at Revo Fitness Stadium. The Tigers were never troubled on their way to victory, controlling the territory and possession battle in what was an excellent all-round performance from a side that many expect to contend at the business end of the season.

West Perth produced a merciless display against a hapless West Coast outfit, kicking a massive 34.13 (217) en route to a thumping 169-point triumph against the Eagles. In a result that epitomised the injury crisis confronting West Coast at both AFL and WAFL level, the Falcons did as they pleased, with forward Tyler Keitel filling his boots with 10 goals.

East Fremantle registered its first win with of the campaign, defeating Swan Districts by four points in a tight contest at Steel Blue Oval. The Sharks held the ascendancy for the majority of the contest before holding off a late challenge from the hosts to secure a hard earned four points.

Peel Thunder maintained its unbeaten start to the campaign, downing Perth by 65 points in a dour encounter in Mandurah. The hosts produced a steely defensive performance, holding Perth to just the lone goal for the contest as they ran out winners, 10.17 (77) to 1.6 (12).

In the battle of the Leederville co-tenants, East Perth took the points in an entertaining encounter with Subiaco to secure successive wins to begin their season. The Royals opened up a 52-point lead at the main break of a free flowing contest, before keeping the Lions at bay in the second half to run out 23-point victors.

DRAFT PROSPECTS:

With Round 1 debutants Koltyn Tholstrup and Riley Hardeman making the trip to South Australia to play in the annual AFL Academy match, Clay Hall was the lone member of Western Australia’s state squad to feature at senior level. The 17-year-old played on the ball for the majority of the contest and acquitted himself well on debut, notching 16 disposals, six tackles and a goal in what should be the first of many appearances at League level.

>> Round 2 Player Focus: Clay Hall

MATURE-AGE WATCH – Tyler Keitel

The West Perth spearhead showed once again why he is one of the best key position talents outside the AFL, putting the Eagles to the sword with 10 goals. Keitel is an old school full forward who is an excellent contested mark and reliable converter in front of goal, with both those traits on full display in his ruthless demolition of the West Coast defence. The 27-year-old has trialled with both West Coast and Fremantle as an SPP train-on and while his chances to be drafted may have passed him by, his performance on the weekend was an apt reminder as to why he has been considered by clubs as a mature-age option.