With the AFL season now underway, state leagues around Australia are beginning to ramp up ahead of their season openers in the coming weeks.
With a number of senior players getting injured, suspended or dropping in form at most AFL clubs, here are some of the players pressing their claims for a spot in the senior side for round two.
WAFL
Peel Thunder 20.9.129 def. East Perth 3.7.25
The Peel Thunder concluded their pre-season campaign with a convincing 104-point victory over East Perth over the weekend, heading into their round one season opener in high spirits.
Joel Hamling was disappointed to not be in top condition come round one of the AFL season, but he made sure he put on a significant performance for the Thunder, which could earn him some consideration for a recall.
Adam Cerra made sure he proved his form over the weekend as well, tallying up 24 possessions and finished off his impressive stat-line with a goal. If unlucky in selection this week, then number five draft pick will presumably continue to make a hard push for the senior team.
While it was a tough day for the Perth team, there were a few who stood their ground amidst the blowout.
Brayden Ainsworth and Josh Rotham battled hard, recording 26 possessions each for East Perth. Ainsworth applied much needed pressure against the Thunder, managing five tackles throughout the match.
It was a quiet day for West Coast senior team hopeful Willie Rioli who has been at odds with injuries over the past two seasons. The crafty small forward only had seven possessions and required left knee treatment within the first quarter.
