Fremantle assistant and senior development coach Simon Lloyd says Alex Silvagni’s time playing as a forward at WAFL level was designed to continue improving his versatility.

Silvagni, who was Fremantle’s WAFL Player of the Round following his solid game in defence for Claremont last Saturday, started the state competition in the Tigers’ attack this season.

“We’re trying to build a team that is versatile by exposing our players to playing at both ends,” Lloyd said.

“Luke McPharlin has had to do it at different times and Zac Dawson did it last Saturday against Hawthorn.

“Alex has had a time where he’s been playing forward at WAFL level, which is great for his development.”

Lloyd said playing in attack had its other benefits for defenders.

“It’s good for any defender to have a go at playing in the forward line because it can help them understand how a forward thinks,” he said.

Lloyd shared his notes on all Fremantle’s players who took part in round 10 of the WAFL.


Swan Districts 15.15 (105) defeated East Fremantle 9.9 (63)

Sam Menegola (EF) - 15 disposals (9 kicks, 6 handballs), 3 marks, 4 tackles, 4 inside 50
Sam played mostly as a high forward and began the game well. He impacted strongly including an early crumbing goal. He had several possessions across the top of the forward 50 and showed some strong running patterns. Sam took three marks and won some good ground balls. Sam demonstrated in a passage of play a strong attack on the footy, winning an impressive ground ball, which is what he is building on.

Michael Walters (SD) - 15 disposals (11 kicks, 4 handballs), 5 marks, 3 goals
Michael player another encouraging game. He was the best small/medium forward on the ground due to his ability to win ground balls. He hit up well on the lead and, over the last couple of weeks, has taken some good grabs in the air. All of his goals came from 0-30m out and he shaved the post a couple of times. We liked that he worked higher up the ground and we are really pleased with his progress.

Jonathon Griffin (EF) - 16 disposals (11 kicks, 5 handballs), 10 marks, 4 inside 50s
It was a really solid performance from Jon. He controlled most stoppages, with 34 hitouts for the day. He worked hard around the ground to position himself in usable positions and worked hard deep in defence. He marked strongly on a number of occasions and generally used the ball well. It was an encouraging game.

Cam Sutcliffe (EF) - 16 disposals (12 kicks, 4 handballs), 2 marks, 2 tackles, 5 inside 50s
Cam started the game well, winning possession across the middle. He created forward 50 entries throughout the first half, although we just needed him to use the ball better on the day. Cam is putting some consistent football together and it was a satisfactory game overall.

West Perth 14.16 (100) defeated Subiaco 12.6 (78)

Jack Anthony (S) - 15 disposals (11 kicks, 4 handballs), 7 marks, 2 goals
Jack led really hard at the ball and showed some really good speed. He gained most of his early possessions higher across half-back. He was opposed to Brent Lecras and scored two goals, one from a soccer and one from a 50m goal after a mark.

Claremont 24.14 (158) defeated Perth 11.4 (70)


Nick Lower (P) - 21 disposals, (14 kicks, 7 handballs), 3 inside 50s
Nick played in the midfield against West Coast's Tom Swift. He won his share of stoppages and got his hands on the ball. He had nine clearances, which is his bread and butter. Nick plays his best football in winning the contested ball. He got through the game and played some solid midfield minutes.

Nick Suban (C) -
19 disposals (16 kicks, 3 handballs), 8 marks, 5 inside 50s
Nick played a mix of wing and midfield and had a short stint at half-back. The really pleasing thing about Nick's game was that he played with great desperation and effort, which is what we ask of all our players. He got in and hunted the ball and tackled hard. On the spread, he ran with real purpose. Overall, we were really impressed with Nick's game.

Alex Silvagni (C) - 12 disposals (9 kicks, 3 handballs), 9 marks
Alex played in defence for Claremont. He dominated in the air, taking nine marks, spoiling aggressively and he set up numerous counter attacks. One thing we all love about Alex is that he plays the game aggressively, he tackles hard and presented well as an attacking option from defence for his side.

Reserves
Claremont 15.13 (103) defeated Perth 4.12 (36)

Gavin Roberts (P) - 19 disposals (12 kicks, 7 handballs), 2 marks
Returning from injury, Gavin played on the wing for the entire game. He started well, getting involved through hard spread and good use of the ball through foot. He had six clearances and was able to win his own ball. One thing we are focusing on with Gavin, which will come with time and condition, is his repeat efforts. Overall a good hit out for Gavin and something he is going to improve on.

East Perth 25.14 (164) defeated Peel Thunder 18.6 (114)

Hayden Crozier (EP) -
15 disposals (10 kicks, 5 handballs), 2 goals
Hayden played as a high forward and was dangerous throughout the game. He worked up the ground to be used on rebounds and kicked a really good goal from hard running in the first quarter. He also had a good crumbing goal in the third quarter. Hayden is showing really good running patterns and finding himself in great positions. We are also pleased with his forward pressure.

Jayden Pitt (EP) -
13 disposals (10 kicks, 3 handballs), 4 inside 50s
Jayden is showing improvement in his intensity, particularly around his contested ball, which is really positive. He worked himself into the game by showing good run to help get back in defence. He used the ball well and took the opposition on to break the lines. It’s just a matter of Jayden building on his game as the weeks progress.

Peter Faulks (P) - 8 disposals (2 kicks, 6 handballs)
Peter was very solid defensively and demonstrated a couple of great efforts in the second half through his one-on-one defending. His rebounding is also developing well. Peter is very solid defensively but we are just looking for him to constantly work on rebounding more when Peel win the football.

Anthony Morabito (P) - 15 disposals (10 kicks, 5 handballs), 3 marks, 8 tackles
Anthony was on limited game time, as it's his second game coming back from injury. He played on ball, where he demonstrated real strength around the contest. Another of Anthony’s strengths is that he always looks to take the game on, and he did that whenever he was in possession. He doesn’t shy away from the contest and he showed that with eight tackles, three center clearances and 15 disposals in a half of football. Anthony looked classy and we are looking to build his match fitness.