WAFL Emerging StarsTuesday, July 6, 2021 - 1:06 PM - by Charlie McCormack

THE 2021 WAFL season has unearthed several new stars of the competition, with some role players emerging into key players for their sides while others have graduated from the reserves to make their mark on the competition at league level. Here is your team’s emerging star from the first half of the season.

CLAREMONT - Jack Buller

After Alec Waterman left to Essendon after a dominant 2020 campaign, the Tigers were left without one of their key offensive weapons. But the emergence of 20-year-old key forward Jack Buller has softened the blow of Waterman’s departure, with the Cottesloe product booting 21 goals from 10 games and playing with a commanding physical presence in his debut season after playing all of last year in the reserves. Buller’s big games include a five goal bag against West Perth in Round 5, as well as kicking the sealer in amongst a four goal performance in a thrilling win over Peel in Round 11.

Times named in WAFL Team of the Round: 3.

EAST FREMANTLE - Luke Strnadica 

With former skipper Jonathon Griffin retiring at the end of last year, the opportunity was there for Luke Strnadica to lead the ruck division for the Sharks and the former Fremantle big man has taken the chance with both hands. He leads the competition for hit outs and has won plenty of the ball around the ground, with only Corey Gault and Lachlan Delahunty averaging more than his 16 disposals amongst ruckmen. 

Times named in WAFL Team of the Round: 3.

EAST PERTH - Christian Ameduri

Ameduri was best afield in the 2020 Reserves Grand Final and has continued that strong form into 2021, locking himself in the Royals best side and leading the team for tackles. With prime movers Jackson Ramsay and Nick Robertson missing large chunks of the season, the 21-year-old younger brother of former fairest and best winner Julian has enjoyed plenty of midfield minutes and has impressed with his physicality and defensive pressure around the ball.

Times named in WAFL Team of the Round: 0.

PEEL THUNDER - Tyrone Thorne

Having made his league debut in 2019, Peel youngster Tyrone Thorne has emerged to be one of the Thunder’s most consistent players in 2021. The 169cm speedster has averaged 21 disposals and kicked over a goal per game this year, and has shown the capacity to play as a bonafide midfielder, with his pace and evasiveness proving effective around the ball. Thorne was selected in the WA State Team for his stellar start to the season.

Times named in WAFL Team of the Round: 3.

PERTH - Corey Byrne

Having missed the whole of the truncated 2020 season, Byrne has made a strong return to the Demons midfield group this year and stepped up in the absence of several key players. The 24-year-old uses his run to break lines and is a classy distributor of the football, with both those traits highlighted in a best on ground display in Perth’s famous drought breaking victory over West Perth in Round 8.

Times named in WAFL Team of the Round: 1.

SUBIACO - Greg Clark

Clark has been a regular member of the Lions side for the past few seasons, playing in the 2018 and 2019 premiership campaigns, but has taken his game to a new level this season, averaging career high 28 disposals and leading the league in tackles. The Sorrento-Duncraig product is a terrific size for a midfielder at 193cm and has shown the ability to play both inside and outside the contest. He has helped to fill the void faced by club great Kyal Horsley’s retirement and has emerged as one of the breakout stars of the league this season. 

Times named in WAFL Team of the Round: 5.

SOUTH FREMANTLE - Tom Blechynden

In a star studded South Fremantle midfield brigade, young on-baller Tom Blechynden is quietly putting together a very solid season for the reigning premiers. The 21-year-old was the youngest member of the Bulldogs premiership side in 2020, but has established himself inside Todd Curley’s best 22, playing primarily on the wing and as an inside midfielder. He has averaged 20 disposals and four tackles per game to compliment the likes of Haiden Schloithe, Nick Suban and Jacob Dragovich in the engine room. 

Times named in WAFL Team of the Round: 0.

SWAN DISTRICTS - Brandon Erceg

Whilst its been a pair of Victorian imports in Frank Anderson and Sam Fisher racking up the possessions in the midfield for Swan Districts, it has been their steely defence led by 28-year-old full-back Brandon Erceg that has them headed for their first finals appearance since 2017. Erceg has been in Swan Districts’ program for a while, making his league debut back in 2016, but has really found his feet at the level this year, playing every game and becoming a reliable defender who can not only lock down an opponent, but play the intercepting game as well. 

Times named in WAFL Team of the Round: 1.

WEST COAST - Kieran Hug

It’s been a tough year for West Coast, who have suffered from a lack of continuity and a plague of injuries to their AFL side. But through a difficult season, some of the Eagles WAFL listed players have shown signs of promise, none more so than clever forward Kieran Hug. The former Perth little man has been effective as a small forward in recent weeks, kicking eight majors in his past three games, including snapping the sealer in their win over Subiaco, and has well and truly held his own as more AFL listed players have began to filter back into the side. 

WEST PERTH - Noah Pegoraro

It has been a rapid ascension for Noah Pegoraro, who has gone from playing amateur football for Kingsley in 2018 to becoming one of the most consistent and reliable defenders in the WAFL in 2021. The 24-year-old can play on both tall and small opponents and has added an offensive element to his game this year, averaging more than 18 disposals and five marks per game. He was rewarded with state selection earlier this year and has been one of the Falcons best in 2021. 

Times named in WAFL Team of the Round: 2.