Players to watch: WAFL Round 3

We take a look at the players to watch ahead of a massive weekend of Sullivan Logistics WAFL action.

Lachlan Tardrew (Peel Thunder/midfielder)

The former Collingwood VFL talent has been super impressive in his first two games in the WAFL, slotting seamlessly into Peel Thunder’s midfield.

Aaron Clarke (Perth/key forward)

Clarke had a quiet game against South Fremantle, booting just the one goal after a staggering seven-goal haul in the opening round.

Don’t expect the star Demons forward to have two quiet outings in a row.

Clint Hinchliffe (Swan Districts/half-forward)

The former Big Bash League cricketer has showed plenty in his debut season at Swan Districts.

He finds plenty of the footy, can run all day and has a damaging left boot.

Kane Bevan (West Perth/midfielder)

Bevan was one of the shining lights in an otherwise disappointing loss to West Coast last week.

One of the WAFL’s top Mid-Season Draft candidates, the big-bodied midfielder will be crucial to the Falcons’ chances of knocking off Swan Districts at Steel Blue Oval.

Chad Pearson (South Fremantle/defender)

The South Fremantle skipper is such a consistent and reliable contributor down back.

He’ll have his hands full no doubt up against a star-studded Claremont forward-line with plenty of weapons.

Zac Mainwaring (Claremont/midfielder)

Mainwaring’s midfield move has been a good one so far, with the usual dangerous small forward showing he can also get it done in the engine room.

This will be his biggest test yet up against the likes of Matthew Parker, Tom Blechynden, Jake Florenca and co.

Mitch Schofield (East Perth/key forward)

Schofield stunned in his first league game of the season last week, booting four majors in a best-afield display to help the Royals overcome a gallant Swan Districts outfit.

He looms as a key again as last year’s grand finallists looks to make it back-to-back wins against East Fremantle.

Jack Cleaver (East Fremantle/midfielder)

The East Fremantle young gun continues to get better every year and was crucial in his team’s breakthrough win last week against Subiaco, racking up 26 possessions and kicking a pair of clutch goals.

Is one who should be on the radar of AFL recruiters if he keeps going the way he is.

Finlay Macrae (West Coast/midfielder)

Macrae has been an excellent pick-up for West Coast so far, providing much-needed midfield depth as he pushes his case for a club AFL debut.

Stefan Giro (Subiaco/midfielder)

Giro not only finds a heap of the footy, he’s also become a regular goal-kicking for the Lions.

The former Fremantle speedster is averaging 23.5 disposals to go with five majors in the opening two games of the season to have a real impact for his team.