VFL
Geelong 9.13 (67) def. by Northern Blues 10.8 (68)
The Cats came up just short in their clash against the Blues, succumbing to a mere one-point loss.
AFL-listed player Cam Guthrie returned from a calf injury that saw him miss the start of the 2019 season. His effective use of the ball saw him gather 25 disposals and place him in contention for Geelongโs match against Hawthorn on Easter Monday.
Wylie Buzza and James Parsons also gave the Geelong selection team something to think about as both continued to show strong form and were aggressive at the ball finishing with 18 and 23 disposals respectively.
Geelong looks to secure their first win in 2019 this week when they face Werribee in round three.
With Carltonโs poor start to the AFL season, the VFL boys raise the stakes as they continue to fight for selection. Midfielder Jack Silvagni emerged as one of the Blues' best, collecting 19 disposals and topping off his performance with two goals.
Matthew Kreuzer put up a strong fight against the dominant Geelong ruckmen. Kreuzer remained consistent throughout the match with 16 disposals, one goal and 26 hit-outs.
The Blues will look to follow up their win with another victory as they come up against Collingwood this Saturday.
Collingwood 6.4 (40) def. by Footscray 17.10 (112)
Footscray came out firing as they annihilated Collingwood over the weekend in a 72-point victory.
Whilst the loss was unpleasant, it saw the return of Daniel Wells and Brayden Sier, both who had been sidelined with injury.
Sier's niggles earlier in the week saw him demoted to the VFL side where he collected 28 disposals and six tackles. Wells, on the other hand, had been sidelined for 10 months due to a Lisfranc injury in his left foot. The midfielder returned and played as though no time had passed, finishing with 23 touches, 11 marks and a goal.
Collingwood will host the Blues this week, as they look to redeem themselves from their shocking loss.
In his second game back from a serious neck injury, Lukas Webb continues to shine as he finished with a team-high 28 disposals, two goals and a spot in Footscrayโs best.
Yet to get the call up for a senior game in 2019, Jackson Trengrove was heavily influential in the Dogs' triumph. The handy ruckman finished with 26 hit-outs, 26 disposals and two goals.
Lin Jong and Tom Boyd both returned from injuries and had a great impact on the game.
The Dogs will enjoy a restful Easter weekend with a bye. They will return in round four against Williamstown.
Sandringham 8.11 (59) def. by Hawthorn 16.4 (100)
Hawthorn went home with the four points in their curtain raiser match. They enjoyed a 41-point victory over Sandringham Zebras at Marvel Stadium.
Nick Hind pushes for a senior debut after a stellar performance on the weekend. The youngster broke through the pack as he showed off his speed and agility, gathering an outstanding 41 touches.
AFL-listed players Luke Dunstan and David Armitage performed consistently, finishing with 37 and 24 disposals respectively, whilst ruckman Billy Longer had 39 hit-outs.
Sandringham hopes to finally come home with the four points when they host Williamstown on Easter Sunday.
Kaiden Brand places himself in the frame for selection this week. James Frawley suffered a hamstring injury against St Kilda in round four of the AFL season, leaving a spot to be filled. Brand finished with 22 disposals against Sandringham and showed his strength and resilience in defence.
Conor Glass and Tim OโBrien also showed consistency at both ends of the field with the pair gathering 23 and 20 disposals respectively. Glass, however, came off with a minor knee injury late in the game.
Hawthorn looks to make 3-0 as they come face to face with Port Melbourne this Saturday.
Casey Demons 18.11 (119) def. North Melbourne 10.5 (65)
After a major loss against Hawthorn in round one, the Demons redeemed themselves in a 54-point win over North Melbourne.
Holding North scoreless in the first quarter, the Demons went to work and scored an astounding six goals. It was Jeff Garlett who led the way with three goals. The small forward returned for his second game back from a shoulder injury and proved strong with 18 disposals and five tackles.
Down the other end, Harrison Petty was a standout, earning himself a place in the best following 17 disposals and nine marks.
Other notable mentions include Corey Maynard and Alex Neal-Bullen, finishing the match with 23 and 14 disposals respectively.
The Demons join Footscray as they enjoy the Easter weekend off before returning to face Richmond, who also have a bye in round three.
AFL-listed forwards Tom Campbell and Nick Larkey stood out amongst the side, booting five goals between them. Campbell responded with class after being omitted from the AFL side. He capped off an incredible day with 63 hit-outs, 19 disposals and eight tackles.
Sam Wright and Dom Tyson also emerged as Northโs best. Wright finished with 24 disposals and seven marks whilst Tyson had 22 and eight tackles.
North Melbourne will face the fresh Essendon Bombers in round three.
Richmond 13.14 (92) def. Port Melbourne 7.7 (49)
Richmondโs VFL side recorded their second win of the season with a 43-point triumph over Port Melbourne.
The inexperienced side was led by pick number 58 in the 2018 draft, Fraser Turner who finished with a team-high 22 disposals, 15 of which were kicks, and four marks.
Dan Bulter and Oleg Markov were both dropped from the senior side this week, but fought with perseverance in attempt to slide back into contention for selection. Butler finished with one goal and 15 disposals whilst Markov was held to just 11 touches.
Both Patrick Nash and Derek Eggmolesse-Smith are yet to debut at an AFL level but continue to perform consistently in defence.
Richmond will continue to relish their win with a bye in round three. Round four will see Richmond come up against Casey Demons.
