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WAFL 2021: Who impressed in the first week of practice matches

Headshot of Mitchell Woodcock
Mitchell WoodcockThe West Australian
Cody Ninyette was impressive for South Fremantle against Swan Districts with two goals.
Camera IconCody Ninyette was impressive for South Fremantle against Swan Districts with two goals.

WAFL football returned on Saturday with three practice matches giving fans an insight into what was to come for the season ahead.

Here’s who impressed from the games.

South Fremantle 7.13 (55) def Swan Districts (8.3)

Matt Germs (Swan Districts)

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This young ruckman is a player to watch this season.

At 200cm and 100kg, the Bunbury product is a monster of a man and he showed plenty against Bulldog veteran Brock Higgins.

The Game AFL 2024

The 21-year-old started as a forward and was solid with his ability to lead up to the ball and contest, kicking a goal in the second term.

Once the Swans put number-one ruckman Corey Gualt on ice at half-time, Germs became the main big guy in the middle and competed well against Higgins.

Lewis Jetta (Swan Districts)

The former West Coast defender showed he’d lost none of his pace and skill in a good showing.

Lewis Jetta made a cool and calm return to Swan Districts on Saturday.
Camera IconLewis Jetta made a cool and calm return to Swan Districts on Saturday. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos

Jetta played just the first half, but did enough to show he’s going to be a force for Swan Districts this season, using the ball well off half back to create a number of attacking forays.

His leadership was also evident, as he looks to get the young Swans back into the finals.

Cody Ninyette (South Fremantle)

After playing just four games last season because of work commitments, the Bulldogs will be hoping to get a full year out of the former Perth forward.

Ninyette showed he’s a real X-factor, troubling Swan Districts’ defence on a number of occasions, kicking two goals.

Cody Ninyette was impressive for South Fremantle against Swan Districts with two goals.
Camera IconCody Ninyette was impressive for South Fremantle against Swan Districts with two goals.

Alongside the returning Matt Parker and Cam McCarthy, Ninyette is going to be part of a formidable forward line.

Blake Schlensog (South Fremantle)

The former Geelong big man looked right at home at his new club.

Athletic and with excellent skills, Schlensog moved across the ground beautifully to create for the Bulldogs.

Adds to an already impressive spine at the Bulldogs.

Subiaco 8.12 (60) def East Fremantle 5.7 (37)

Kyle Baskerville (East Fremantle)

The defender is growing with each game he plays and impressed many with his pre-season performance.

Baskerville had a good balance between defending and running off to create further up the field as the Sharks look to become a better side in 2021 and return to finals.

Luke English (East Fremantle)

The former Richmond-listed midfield showed he’s got plenty to give the Sharks in an impressive first half.

English played predominantly as an inside midfielder, where his clean work around the stoppages was a stand-out.

He faded after half-time when sent forward, but has done enoug to show he’s going to be great addition to East Fremantle this season.

Leigh Kitchin (Subiaco)

Without Kyle Horsley, the Subiaco captain’s performances are going to be more vital then ever.

In a scrappy game, Kitchen went hard and was one of his side’s best.

Premiership captain Leigh Kitchin is going to have to have a big season with Kyle Horsley retired.
Camera IconPremiership captain Leigh Kitchin is going to have to have a big season with Kyle Horsley retired. Credit: Trevor Collens/The West Australian

Could’ve impacted the scoreboard better, but managed just three behinds.

Angus Litherland (Subiaco)

A stock-standard game from the superb defender, who will be looking to return in a big way after an injury-interrupted 2020 season.

Litherland controlled the defensive end for the Lions which conceded just five goals against the Sharks, including none in an all-important last term.

Is vital to the Lions’ chances of winning a flag.

Angus Litherland controlled the defensive end for Subiaco.
Camera IconAngus Litherland controlled the defensive end for Subiaco. Credit: Daniel Wilkins/The Sunday Times

Peel Thunder 15.10 (100) def Perth 7.4 (46)

Conor McPartland (Perth)

Alongside draftees Logan McDonald and Nathan O’Driscoll, McPartland got a taste of league action in 2020 after impressing in the colts.

A four-goal performance against a Dockers-heavy Peel outfit has pretty much cemented himself in the league side for round one.

Mixed his time between the forward line and midfield, where he had an impact all game.

Conor McPartland kicked four goals for Perth against Peel.
Camera IconConor McPartland kicked four goals for Perth against Peel.

Oscar Bird (Perth)

The former Sydney Swans academy prospect didn’t hit the scoreboard, but did plenty of work as the lead-up forward to show he is going to be a valuable addition to the Demons.

Played as a high forward, leaving Fraser McInnes deep, which is important given they’ve lost Logan McDonald.

Took some good marks and created plenty of contests which would please new coach Garry Moss.

Jack Sears (Peel)

The teenager from South Mandurah is rated very highly at the Thunder and it was easy to see why.

Sears booted two goals and showed plenty of composure amongst a number of current and former AFL-listed players right under the nose of Fremantle coaching staff.

Looks set for a big year.

Jarvis Pina was great in defence for Peel on Saturday.
Camera IconJarvis Pina was great in defence for Peel on Saturday. Credit: Daniel Wilkins/The Sunday Times

Jarvis Pina (Peel)

The hard-running defender is not short of confidence and he used it to his advantage to outshine a number of Fremantle-listed defenders.

Pina impacted a number of contests deep in defence, but more importantly was creative off half-back to help aid the midfield.

Has a point to prove after being delisted by the Dockers at the end of 2020.

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