West Coast defender Josh Rotham has put his hand up for round one selection with a strong performance for the Eagles’ WAFL team in their scratch match against Peel Thunder in Joondalup.

Rotham, whose pre-season was delayed by a hamstring injury, was one of the stand-out performers for the Eagles in their 6.13 (49) to 7.5 (47) victory.

The news of defender Tom Cole missing two months following surgery on a broken thumb has opened up the door for the 22-year-old, who played four games last season.

Fremantle hard nut Connor Blakely responded to his axing with a best-on-ground performance for Peel, getting his hands first on the ball in a number of contests to work well alongside Tom North and Luke Valente.

Fremantle draftee Jarvis Pina showed great confidence coming out of half-back, but faded late.

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Former Docker Hayden Ballantyne showed he still has the goods with two goals as the Thunder’s deepest forward, while under-18 representative Tyrone Thorne showed his pace and exciting skills with a number of brilliant runs.

Camera Icon Former Docker Hayden Ballantyne makes a break during the Round 22 AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Essendon Bombers. Credit: GARY DAY / AAPIMAGE

Brayden Ainsworth and Hamish Brayshaw were the best of the Eagles’ midfielders, standing out amongst some of the younger players and top-up players, while first-year ruckman Callum Jamieson impressed with his attack on the ball both up forward and in his limited minutes in the ruck.

Unfortunately for the Eagles it appears they did not get out the game unscathed, with skinny defender Ben Johnson not playing after half-time because of a suspected left shoulder injury.

Both ruckman Tom Hickey and Harry Edwards played for the Eagles reserves despite being named in the pre-season clash against Fremantle.