Motormouth Mitch: Walyalup (Fremantle) midfielder Neil Erasmus needs to be given regular opportunity

From the fringe Docker who deserves a regular game to why the Eagles should keep Jeremy McGovern sidelined for one more week, The West Australian’s football writer Mitchell Woodcock takes a no-holds-barred look at this week of football... Erasmus expectation It’s time for Walyalup (Fremantle) to give Neil Erasmus a proper run in AFL side. And at no stage in this time should they start him as the sub or sub him out. Erasmus produced one of the best performances of his 27-game career in the upset win over Greater Western Sydney at ENGIE Stadium on Saturday. The 21-year-old looked at home in the midfield, bringing his WAFL form into the game with 19 disposals, five clearances and 329m gained. Erasmus complemented Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw well and while his ball use could use some improvement, the performance was promising. The key now is for Erasmus to get some consistency at the AFL level to show the Dockers whether or not he is worth re-signing. Coach Justin Longmuir should give Erasmus until at least the bye to prove to him that he is the right fit for their future. Erasmus has never played more than three consecutive AFL games without either being subbed in or subbed out. The Subiaco product has been part of the sub rotation 14 times, including in all four of his matches last year. Walyalup (Fremantle) don’t have Nat Fyfe or Hayden Young to call on at the moment because of injuries and they could do a lot worse than give Erasmus his shot. He might surprise the Dockers and take his game to the level they’d hoped he’d reach when they drafted him with pick No.10 in 2021. They can’t afford to potentially let him go at the end of this season, only for Erasmus to reach it elsewhere. Erasmus has put together an incredible 18 months for Peel Thunder in the WAFL, including winning the Simpson Medal in the premiership victory last season. There’s no reason why he can’t replicate it in the big league. Bazzo back? Waalitj Marawar (West Coast) should consider holding veteran Jeremy McGovern back for one more week. It’s not necessarily because of the concerns around another concussion — although it could help— but it would give them a chance to look at Rhett Bazzo. Bazzo is out of contract at the end of this season and hasn’t played since round 24 of last season. That’s the only game he’s played at AFL level since the start of 2024 because of injury. The highly-talented 21-year-old could become a pivotal part of their future as a defender and against Kuwarna (Adelaide) they’re going to need plenty of tall defenders. The Crows like to play three tall forwards in Taylor Walker, Riley Thilthorpe and Darcy Fogarty, meaning the Eagles are going to need several tall defenders to help out. Bazzo could join Harry Edwards and Sandy Brock in battling those three which would give Eagles coach Andrew McQualter a great opportunity to get a gauge of where they are at as they continue to explore their list. In an ideal work, they would also like to get a look at fellow out-of-contract defender Callum Jamieson, who is once again out with a hamstring injury. And for McGovern, it would ensure he plays his 200th game in front of a big crowd at Optus Stadium. If he returned against the Crows, he’d likely reach the milestone when the Eagles take on North Melbourne down in Bunbury. It’s unlikely to bother the Albany product but for a champion of the club who has given so much it would be more appropriate for him to be celebrated against Carlton at Optus Stadium in round 14. It seems to be a win-win situation for all involved. Succession failure Yartapuulti’s (Port Adelaide’s) premiership hopes are all but over and so should Ken Hinkley’s tenure as the coach. The succession plan has clearly failed and before it becomes more damaging all parties need to acknowledge this and pull the plug on it. After their disastrous loss to Geelong at Adelaide Oval on Saturday it is apparent that the Power are going to struggle to play finals. But the beltings may cost them more long term in the form of star Zak Butters. There is plenty of speculation around the Victorian’s future despite being contracted for next year and the situation they’re in right now surely isn’t helping. Butters has been linked to the Western Bulldogs and as he sat back on Saturday night to rest his legs he might have watched them belt Essendon. And if he did, surely the prospect of playing alongside Marcus Bontempelli, Tim English and Ed Richards — as well as Sam Darcy who didn’t even play because of injury — is more attractive than the situation that is happening at Port Adelaide right now. The Power need to give themselves the best chance to keep Butters if they’re going to contend at all in the next few years. They should give the reins to Josh Carr who can begin to put his stamp on the squad and possibly explore the list. It might give Butters a bit more confidence in the direction of the club because surely right now he must be questioning as to where they’re going. Hinkley has been a wonderful coach, but the succession plan was doomed to fail and he deserved better. But this is the situation, and they must now deal with it. Mental health I’m going to make a rare request of you all — please just reach out to at least one mate this week to check on them because you can make a massive difference. We’re losing too many people in society let alone the football world unnecessarily. Adam Selwood’s tragic passing is the latest and if there is any light to come from a dark situation that is on us. So, this week, reach out to a friend and check in on them. And if you’re struggling, please reach out to someone. Let’s start having more conversations around mental health. It isn’t weak to speak and we need to remember that. Get in your group chats and let people know you’re there to talk, because giving someone a bit of your time might give them plenty more. Vale Adam Selwood.