South West AFL Watch: Ethan Hughes finally returns to the AFL stage

After spending several months making appearances for Peel Thunder in the WAFL, Ethan Hughes has finally made a return to the AFL stage for the 2022 season. The former Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault Lion lined up in the Fremantle Dockers’ statement 14-point win over Brisbane Lions at Optus Stadium on Sunday. Despite starting on the bench, Hughes provided plenty of assistance throughout the midfield, finishing with 18 disposals and five marks. Hughes also racked up three score involvements and five pressure acts. Meanwhile, Harvey’s Brady Hough and former Eaton Boomer Isiah Winder were solid contributors despite the West Coast Eagles’ horror season extending to an eighth consecutive loss. The Eagles faced off against the Adelaide Crows at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, where they fell short by 31 points. Defender Hough managed 11 disposals, six marks and three tackles, along with a score involvement and 13 pressure acts. Winder finished with a modest eight disposals, a mark and two tackles, along with a score involvement, six pressure acts and two clearances.