WAFL Colts Top 20: East Perth midfielder Adam De Masi tops rankings for second consecutive round

The Colts competition has endured a split round in the past fortnight, with Claremont defeating Subiaco in the sole game of round four before the remaining three games were played on the weekend in round five.

When round four and five rankings are combined, De Masi can be considered the most in-form player in the competition, topping Champion Data’s top 20 rankings for a second consecutive round.

The 19-year-old was prolific in round three against Peel Thunder, posting 173 ranking points thanks to his 29 disposals, seven inside 50s, five tackles and a goal. And he backed it up in a round five derby against Perth, posting 172 rankings points after winning 30 disposals, seven tackles, five inside 50s, four marks and a goal.

De Masi only played six games for the Royals last season due to PSA commitments at Trinity College, captaining his team. But East Perth talent manager Aaron Ballantyne said that De Masi was thriving in his first full Colts season.

“He’s played for us previously and he was touted as a 16-year-old as someone who’d be in and around the mark,” Ballantyne said. “He’s an inside midfielder primarily but he can also push forward and hit the scoreboard.

“He loves the contest. He’s good defensively and his tackle numbers over the past few weeks reflect that.”

After missing out on selection in WA’s State squad, De Masi is expected to start training with East Perth’s senior squad in the coming months, giving him the chance to learn off the likes of Sandover Medallist Hamish Brayshaw, Angus Schumacher and former Docker Mitch Crowden.

“One of Adam’s areas for improvement is that balance between contested and uncontested footy,” Ballantyne said. “He’d be getting the ball 30 times and be smashed 27 of those.

“He’s a young kid learning his craft and that opportunity to train with the league guys will help even that balance out. He’ll be hoping for selection but it depends on how our reserves boys are going. He can obviously play up forward as well which could help his chances.”

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The son of premiership Eagle Drew Banfield, Claremont star Bailey, continues his hot start to the season, racking up 28 touches and seven tackles against Subiaco.

Dale Sutherland and Jadd Hill were the pick of the Demons in Perth’s 16-point win over East Perth, both finishing with 152 ranking points. Sutherland was named best on ground with 23 disposals and six marks while Hill had 30 touches and six inside 50s.

Claremont draft hopeful Jaxon Douglas rounds out the top five thanks to 24 disposals and eight marks.