WAFL Top 40: South West guns Tobe Watson, Bailey Rogers and the Marsh brothers named among WAFL’s best players

A pair of brothers, last year’s Sandover medalist and a dumped Fremantle Docker from the South West are among 40 WAFL players recognised by The West Australian as the competition’s best. Margaret River brothers Harry and Jono Marsh both made the list, while Donnybrook’s Tobe Watson, who will return to Swan Districts this season, and Bunbury-born Claremont gun Bailey Rogers also featured. Harry Marsh, who spent three seasons at the Sydney Swans, starred for Subiaco last season, including a three-goal grand final blitz which nearly won him a Simpson Medal. Marsh finished in eighth spot, ahead of his brother Jonathon who had a significant impact in turning East Fremantle’s fortunes around last season. The former St Kilda player kicked 30 goals from his 15 games last year and finished 18th on the list. Watson, considered one of the unluckiest players AFL-wide to lose their contract last season, was named at number 38 ahead of his return to his original WAFL club, where he is expected to run through the midfield. He was named by the West Coast Eagles as a member of their COVID contingency list in March, and could be set for an AFL reprieve, should the Eagles lose a host of defenders. Rogers, who beat teammate Jye Bolton to the league’s top gong last season, made the list for the first time. He finished in second place, behind his star midfield running mate Bolton. Claremont and Subiaco led the way with seven players each from the top 40. The full list, which is available on thewest.com.au, was released ahead of the new WAFL season, which began on the weekend.