Edwards stars for Bulldogs in WAFL

Royals junior Steven Edwards has continued his strong form at WA Football League level this season, playing a leading role in South Fremantle handing his former club Claremont a 65-point belting in round 5 last Friday.

Edwards, in his fourth WAFL season, has thrived since joining the Bulldogs in 2016 and was a strong contributor in their fourth victory already this season. The skilful 21-year-old had 14 disposals, three inside 50s, laid five tackles and kicked two goals in the big result at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.

Edwards averages 13.2 possessions, 4.2 tackles and one goal a game across the first five matches this season.

Ex-Mt Barker forward Ben Saunders booted two goals from his 15 touches, three marks and three inside 50s for the Bulldogs, also against his former teammates.

Former West Coast and St Kilda-listed player Beau Maister was quiet for Claremont with only five possessions and the Railways product managed only two points as a result.

Denmark-Walpole’s Jesse Laurie, who spent time with Port Adelaide, finished the game with 16 disposals and six marks for the Tigers.

Ongerup-bred Angus Litherland produced an impressive game for his new club Subiaco as they thrashed East Perth by 91 points at Leederville Oval, also on Friday. Litherland, who had stints with Ongerup, Royals and Albany, collected 16 possessions and laid five tackles.

Great Southern duo Matt Palfrey (Railways) and Dylan Smallwood (Albany) were named in Claremont’s best players in the reserves’ 43-point loss to the Bulldogs.

Palfrey’s outstanding game included 23 touches, four tackles and a goal, while Smallwood was rock solid in defence all day to gather nine disposals and three marks.

Borden’s Lewis Davis played well for Claremont’s colts as he finished with 15 possessions, seven marks, 13 hit-outs and three inside 50s.

North Albany duo Mitch Lenegan (10 disposals, three goals) and Addison Dew (13 disposals, two goals) also caught the eye in their side’s 41-point win.