Players to watch in WA Day Derby clashesMonday, June 2, 2025 - 8:43 AM - by Jordan McArdle

We've got a massive day of WA Day Derby action on the cards, highlighted by a top-of-the-table RAC Fremantle Derby clash at Fremantle Community Bank Oval from 1.10pm.

East Perth and West Perth also go head-to-head at Sullivan Logistics Stadium from 2.30pm to cap off an exciting Round 8 in the WAFL.

We look at the players to watch across the two games.

Trey Ruscoe (South Fremantle)

The former Collingwood-listed forward has been a revelation for the Bulldogs since arriving from West Coast WAFL during the off-season.

After booting 17 goals for the entire season last year, the energetic spearhead has 24 to his name in 2025 to be second in the Bernie Naylor Medal race.

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He’s kicked multiple goals in each of his seven appearances, including five in the big win over Subiaco last round, and is averaging four marks per game and looms as a danger man against the team he was drafted from back in 2019.

Averages

Goals: 3.5

Marks: 4

Disposals: 11.3

Milan Murdock (East Fremantle)

The gun East Fremantle midfielder was already a dominant player in the WAFL, but has still managed to take his game to another level this season.

Now a three-time Simpson medallist – including one in WA’s recent drought-breaking win over the SANFL and another in the Sharks’ 2023 flag – Murdock is made for the big occasions.

He’s averaging a team-high 26.9 disposals and 7.1 tackles per game and will suit the wet conditions predicted on WA Day.

Averages

Disposals: 26.9

Tackles: 7.1

Kane Bevan (West Perth)

The big-bodied midfielder has become one of the most promising young players in the competition, cementing his spot in the Falcons’ engine-room in the process.

A former Jack Clarke medallist as the best-and-fairest player in the EGT WAFL Colts competition, the now 21-year-old has move a smooth transition to senior ranks.

He’s amassed 24-plus disposals in four of his last five games including 29 in last weekend’s win over West Coast and 35 against South Fremantle in Round 4.

Bevan is a great size at 192cm, is strong overhead and can run all day.

Averages

Disposals: 23.9

Marks: 5

Tackles: 4.9

Tom North (East Perth)

The former Docker is putting together a career-best WAFL campaign to date and coming off a fine performance against East Fremantle last week.

The classy left-footer is an elite user by foot, has a great engine and can find plenty of it.

The 26-year-old is averaging a career-high 27.7 disposals per game, easily bettering his previous best of 20.2 back in 2019 for Peel Thunder while still on Fremantle’s list.

Averages

Disposals: 27.7

Tackles: 4.9

Marks: 3.5