AFL News

Hawthorn pair record goal-kicking spree, tall Pie, forgotten Saints ready to return: VFL WRAP

Read up on all of the weekend’s key performers from the VFL.

Published by
Aidan Cellini

Hawthorn duo Nick Watson and Chad Wingard were arguably the VFL's best performers over the weekend, slotting four goals each in the comprehensive Box Hill victory.

Coburg's Flynn Gentile was just as impressive with a dominant performance against Casey Demons while former Sun Brodie McLaughlin bagged five majors for Williamstown.

St Kilda could welcome back a host of familiar names while a Collingwood tall will come into contention for the annual King's Birthday clash against Melbourne.

Here's a wrap-up of all the action from Round 10 of the VFL.

BYES: Brisbane, GWS, North Melbourne, Southport and Sydney

Collingwood (59) def. by Footscray (97)

Footscray continued their unbeaten aways on Friday under the roof at Marvel Stadium, led by dominant VFL-listed player Cooper Craig-Peters' performance.

The midfielder gathered 36 disposals, 15 clearances and 10 tackles.

Oskar Baker (three goals and 21 touches) was just as impressive, while untried youngster Jedd Busslinger inches closer to an AFL debut.

Ex-Pies Trent Bianco and Caleb Poulter were handy through the centre and wings while Dominic Bedendo slotted three majors in the victory.

As for Collingwood, who are battling with an injury crisis, were able to unearth Luke Quaynor, younger brother of premiership player Isaac.

The injury-prone Nathan Kreuger was impressive up forward, kicking three goals and putting his hand up for a senior recall.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 25: Nathan Kreuger of the Magpies warms up during the 2022 AFL Round 06 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Collingwood Magpies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 25, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Ed Allan was quiet after being axed while Harry Dematia and Tew Jiath are looking more comfortable at the level.

Coburg Lions (108) def. Casey Demons (82)

Unlucky not to be selected in the mid-season draft, Coburg's Flynn Gentile proved why recruiters made a mistake not picking him up last week.

Gentile kicked two goals from 43 touches and 11 clearances in the 26-point victory.

Kyle Weightman and Liam Podhajski slotted three majors each while Joel Trudgeon (33 disposals and seven clearances) and Donovan Toohey (29 possessions and seven marks) found plenty of the ball.

AFL coach Simon Goodwin could look to his reserves side to make some changes after Fremantle handed the club a 92-point loss on Sunday.

Blake Howes was excellent for Casey in the defeat while Bailey Laurie is in line to replace a host of underperforming players in the seniors.

Tom Fullarton has been considered to assist Max Gawn in the ruck and that could be for King's Birthday while Matt Jefferson continued to hit the scoreboard with two goals.

Geelong (77) def. Richmond (60)

Ted Clohesy has once again put his hand up for an AFL debut after his weekend's performance, recording three goals and 27 disposals in a best-on-ground performance.

Brandan Parfitt was equally as good, collecting 34 touches and 12 clearances while premiership defender Jed Bews poses as a reliable option if he were to be recalled.

After opting to go with Toby ConwayRhys Stanley has been placed in the twos to regain some form but struggled in the lower grade.

As for the Tigers, mid-season draftee Jacob Blight was impressive at his new club, amassing 20 possessions and nine marks.

Campbell Gray (left) and Jacob Blight (right) of the Richmond Tigers in 2024 (Image via Richmond FC)

VFL-listed forward Archie May could've been the difference maker (2.4) if he'd kicked straight while former Hawk Jacob Koschitzke failed to make an impact.

Frankston Dolphins (54) def. by Sandringham Zebras (55)

St Kilda coach Ross Lyon will be pleased to see that a host of fringe players performed well in the reserves over the weekend.

Those in contention to return are Brad Crouch (one goal, 31 touches, 12 tackles and 11 clearances), Mattaes Phillipou (26 disposals, 13 tackles and seven clearances) and Cooper Sharman (three goals and 17 possessions).

Max Heath could be looking at a debut following his dominance in the ruck while Arie Schoenmaker is likely to be in consideration as well.

The Dolphins were valiant in the loss and errant kicking cost them the four points.

Thomas Murphy was arguably Frankston's best with 30 disposals and seven clearances while Matt Johnson kicked a pair of goals.

Gold Coast (73) def. by Werribee Tigers (90)

Jack Henderson led Werribee to a strong away victory over Gold Coast, slotting three majors from 25 disposals and nine clearances.

Louis Pinnuck was equally impressive, collecting 27 touches and 14 marks to go with his one goal.

Forward Hudson Garoni could've had a much bigger day but ended with 2.3 while Jay Dahlhaus was also inaccurate in front of goal.

Despite the loss, Gold Coast had some strong performers that will give Damien Hardwick something to consider.

Levi Casboult kicked four goals while veteran Brandon Ellis was instrumental, gathering 32 disposals and two goals.

Alex Davies was a tackling machine, laying 10 while Jake Rogers (two goals) and Sam Day (three) were crafty in front of the big sticks.

Essendon (40) def. by Box Hill Hawks (112)

Box Hill romped Essendon out at Windy Hill in pleasing signs for Sam Mitchell.

Small forwards Chad Wingard and Nick Watson both kicked four goals each while ruckman Max Ramsden (two goals, 23 touches, 27 hit-outs, six clearances) was arguably the best afield.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 01: Nick Watson of the Hawks kicks a goal during the 2024 AFL Round 03 match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 01, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Finn Maginness (39 touches) and Harry Morrison (36 disposals) found plenty of the ball while former Pie Callum Brown looms as a potential summer signing for next year given his impressive form.

Essendon mid-season recruit Saad El-Hawli was strong for his new club, amassing 25 touches and four marks while midfielders Will Setterfield (two goals, 29 touches and seven tackles) and Dylan Shiel (26 possessions and six clearances) were the Bombers' best.

Luckless defender Zach Reid was found injured again while Sam Weideman failed to impact the scoreboard.

Northern Bullants (95) def. Carlton (83)

A seven-goal opening term led to the Bullants' second victory of the season.

Bullants pair Patrick Fairlie and Jean-Luc Velissaris were instrumental in the win, combining for 79 disposals, 15 clearances and 12 tackles.

John Jorgensen kicked three goals from his 21 possessions while Will Elliott was active in front of the big sticks.

Carlton's poor start meant the club was on the back foot from the get-go but performances from Jack Carroll and ex-Pie Liam McMahon kept the door slightly ajar.

Jaxon Binns was impressive with the ball in hand while key defenders Caleb Marchbank and Lewis Young responded to the poor opening half.

Jesse Motlop during Carlton training, November 21, 2022. (Photo by Jake Benoiton)

Small forward Jesse Motlop was quiet as he looks to return to the senior side.

Port Melbourne Borough (129) def. Williamstown Seagulls (69)

Port Melbourne broke Williamstown's winning streak with a 60-point thrashing at their home ground, led by captain Harvey Hooper.

Hooper recorded two goals, 27 touches and 12 clearances in the victory while small forward Anthony Anastasio kicked four goals along with Archi Manton.

Ruckman Felix Flockhart was pivotal in getting the Borough going through the midfield while Robbie McComb found plenty of the football.

Combating Flockhart's influence was Seagulls tall Tom Downiewho was up to the challenge.

Downie recorded 60 hit-outs, 11 tackles and 15 possessions while former Sun Brodie McLaughlin slotted five majors to keep his name on the minds of recruiters.

Published by
Aidan Cellini