AFL Watch: Former HBL player Clay Hall debuts in West Coast win alongside fellow ex-Lion Brady Hough

It was a big weekend for former Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault player Clay Hall who followed in his father Derek’s footsteps to make his AFL debut. The 19-year-old midfielder played for West Coast in their 10-point win against the Gold Coast Suns at Optus Stadium on Friday night and gathered five disposals and laid a tackle. Pulling on the blue and gold for the first time in the AFL saw Hall become the fifth second-generation Eagle, with his father Derek playing two games for the club in 1993 as well as 74 with Geelong. Taken in the second round of last year’s national draft, Hall made a big early impression at the Eagles but hopes of an early debut were scuttered by a preseason ankle injury. He was joined on the field by fellow ex-Lion Brady Hough, who notched up his 50-game milestone as he welcomed his former South West teammate to the AFL competition. The Harvey-raised Hough gathered 11 handballs during the match, his best result since the Eagles’ round 10 clash against Melbourne. Former Dunsborough Sharks junior Reuben Ginbey managed 22 disposals and five marks during the game as he continues to develop as a key player for West Coast. The Fremantle Dockers did not have as much luck on the weekend, being narrowly defeated by one point in a thrilling match against Essendon at the MCG. Busselton product Jye Amiss, however, continued his strong form, kicking four of the side’s 14 majors alongside seven disposals. Danielle Laidley’s player rankings for South West players in round 21 Reuben Ginbey: 8 Showed class at half-back, rebounding with his great kick. Was extremely impressive defending talls when Harry Edwards went off. Eight intercept possessions and five rebound 50s were the result, very impressive. Jye Amiss: 7 Class performance, marked strongly and kicked four straight goals. Brady Hough: 6 Had a good tussle with Ben Long for most of the game. At times trailed and lost one-on-one contests. Stuck at it, gaining eight intercepts, a goal assist and five score involvements, which is impressive from defence. Clay Hall: 5 Played with intent and speed coming on as a sub halfway through the second quarter, gaining five touches and playing a small part.