Southerner wrote: How many is loaded Larry
"As mentioned East Perth went down by 8 points but there was a fair bit to like from what was a pretty youthful East Perth outfit (aside from the young Eagles there was several youngsters amongst the EP contingent) against an older more experienced South Fremantle team
The Royals led by 15 points halfway through the 3rd quarter after McInnes ran into an open goal to kick his 4th for the match and to that point they were the better side. From there, however, some poor decision making and skill errors proved costly as Souths physical pressure took its toll - it actually got quite willing in the last quarter and there were a few spot fires around the ground as the Bulldogs tried to bully their younger opponents into submission. To their credit they fought the game out when it looked like the game was getting away from them)
Partington - was very good. Don't have any stats available but I'd expect he would have had near on 30 disposals. Of all the players looked the most likely to push for a senior game. Stronger at the ball than 2016 and not as easily pushed aside. His willingness to run and generate repeat possessions was also a highlight
McInnes- something of a surprise. Provided a good target up forward and competed in the ruck when moved on ball. Marked and kicked well finishing with 4 well deserved goals. Will need to churn out this kind of effort on a consistent basis before I'm convinced of his worth on the list
Gorter - struggled early in the first quarter as Souths midfield had an early ascendancy making life difficult for defenders. Had a solid game thereafter leading the defence.
Watson - quiet first quarter but his drive off half back in the second quarter helped propel EP to the lead. Super exciting player who has moments of brilliance and his strong tackling was a feature. Is also prone to the odd brain fart though which he needs to tidy up
Rotham - looked comfortable enough at this level and is composed with ball in hand. Can see him being a really good player once he builds up his light frame and can compete better physically with grown men
Cole - a bit like Watson in that he can do some nice things but screws up occasionally. Decent game from him but I've seen him play better
Brophy- had an OK game and did provide some nice run off half back in the second quarter in particular
Karpany- probably the best user of the ball in EPs lineup. Needs to get his hands on the ball more though to be a truly damaging midfielder
Bayok - considering he was playing colts last year this was a big step up and tbh it showed. Will need time to develop so that he can better absorb the physical pressure at league level.
Mutimer - had a bit of the ball but used it poorly for the most part. He isn't a particularly smart footballer and doesn't use his powerful left foot as well as he could. Makes simple mistakes too often
Snadden- see Mutimer although he was probably slightly more effective
Lamb - not impressed. Doubt he had more than five possessions and provided no physical pressure. Complete non event and it's hard to see him coming good
Waterman- named on the team sheet but sat in the grandstand wearing an East Perth polo. I have an inkling that he may have made a rookie mistake of some sort and was sat out as a disciplinary measure - he was sitting in front of me and a couple of club staff had a chat to him which I couldn't hear but it looked like they were having a bit of a crack. Misty looked a tad sheepish as well but I might be wrong on that. Didn't look like he was injured
One day I'll understand why the Eagles felt it necessary not to reveal which of their players were going to play today"