The State Leagues are heating up, and many are pressing their claims to be selected in their respective senior sides.
VFL
Frankston 8.8.56 def by. Northern Blues 14.11.95
After a disappointing start to the season, Jacob Weitering may have earned himself a recall to the senior side, finishing the game with 28 disposals, 17 marks in his side's 39-point victory.
Former Port ruckman, Matthew Lobbe kicked two goals, while dropped father-son prodigy, Jack Silvagni also showed his potential with a 20-disposal and nine-tackle performance.
Essendon 19.19.133 def. North Melbourne 10.7.67
Aaron Francis made his return to football following his time off for personal leave, albeit being relatively quiet in his return, finishing with just eight touches and a goal in his side's thumping victory of North Melbourne. Dylan Clarke [30 touches], Jake Long [29] and Kyle Langford [25 plus a goal] were the Bombers' best.
For the Kangaroos, number four pick in the NAB AFL Draft a year ago, Luke Davis-Uniacke had 18 touches in what was a terrible day for the Kangaroos. He, along with Sam Durdin [17 touches] and Ben McKay [15] were the best for North Melbourne in what was a disappointing day.
Box Hill Hawks 18.11.119 def. Sandringham Zebras 8.7.55
It was a successful return for Hawthorn ruckman Jonathan Ceglar, after spending the last 20 months on the sidelines. He kicked two goals and was influential in the contest as the Hawks ran out comfortable winners over the Zebras.
Jono O'Rourke also dominated, collecting 30 touches and snagging two goals, while David Mirra responded well from his omission, with a strong performance in the back six.
For the Zebras, the story was all about young top-ten pick, Nathan Freeman, who again made his return from a hamstring issue. Not only did he get through the game unscathed, he showed glimpses of what St. Kilda need in their senior side, finishing with 31 touches, seven marks and four tackles.
Dropped midfielder, Jack Sinclair, responded just how Alan Richardson would've wanted, finishing with 30 disposals and a goal in a disappointing day for the Zebras.
Daniel McKenzie and Doultan Langlands also made successful returns from injury, as Ed Phillips continued to raise his name at the selection table, finishing with 35 possessions.
Werribee 8.9.57 def by. Collingwood 16.14.110
Daniel Wells again elevated his game, itching closer to a return to the senior side being a solid contributor in the Pies' victory, and kicking a goal. Levi Greenwood was also influential, in his first game back from his knee injury.
Footscray 11.5.71 def. Richmond 9.16.70
Footscray escaped with a one-point victory against last year's Grand Finalist, Richmond. Former Lion, Josh Schache, returned from injury with a three goal performance, including the last to give his side the lead in the dying seconds.
Jackson Trengove and Tom Campbell were strong in the middle, amassing 48 hit-outs between them.
For the Tigers, Anthony Miles was again strong for the second's, finishing with 32 touches, six marks, four tackles and a goal. Shai Bolton was dangerous up forward, booting two majors, while Brandon Ellis was serviceable, finishing with 18 disposals and six tackles.
