The Victorian Talent League grand final is locked in, Glenelg claimed the premiership in South Australia, while a mature-ager flourished in the VFL.
For the first time since 2019, Sandringham will not contest the Talent League grand final, with Gippsland knocking them off by two points in Sunday's preliminary finals, while Dandenong proved far too strong for Eastern Ranges.
Meanwhile, state squad member Jacob McNicol was the star of the show as Glenelg cruised past Woodville-West Torrens.
Victorian Talent League
Sandringham Dragons v Gippsland Power player notes
Albert MacGowan: His detractors continue to say he lacks the necessary speed for the moder game - but the same was said about Murphy Reid. The fact is MacGowan never plays a bad game and arguably for the second consecutive week was the Dragons' best. He was everywhere early as Sandy was up agains it and showed his aerial power both on the wing and in attack, hitting the scoreboard and showing his punchy kicking. Finished with a game-high 26 disposals and showed a touch of class when he found the footy.
Gus Teixeira: It was a quiet return from a calf injury for Teixeira who spent time through the midfield and inside 50. He didn't show the electrifying pace and work rate he has become known for as often as in previous games but came into it in the third quarter, highlighted by a running goal, to give Sandringham a sniff.
Ollie Bartal: Ultra-competitive and able to intercept mark as he pleases, he was an important piece with his athletic ability to launch for the footy. Spent time on underrated goal kicker Augustus Finsterer who has averaged three goals across his past six games and kept him to just one major. His kicking has been the question mark on his game and outside of one costly turnover in the corridor, he was reliable.
Tyson Bradley: Bradley's match ups throughout junior footy with Wil Malady have been a sight to behold at junior level and long may it continue at the next level. On Sunday, Bradley for the most part had Malady's measure, though the Gippslander was able to stay involved with his dynamism and was at times a beneficiary of the Power's fast ball movement. Bradley's strength and ability to manipulate his direct opponent was important throughout the contest.
Lochie Burrows: Had an engaging battle with Marlon Neocleous with both players having moments of impact. For Burrows his toughness and confidence to break the lines when there was space in front of him got things going for Sandringham. Showed power and drive and made good decisions with the ball.
Leo Stephenson: The bottom-ager was arguably unlucky to be overlooked in the Under-17s Futures squad and played a marvellous game on Sunday. Put himself in good positions to create turnover in defence early and provided overlap and drive, then went into the midfield, where he injected energy at a critical time to turn momentum Gippsland's way in the last quarter.
Keenan Boi: After kicking 0.5 last week, the Hawks NGA prospect brought his kicking boots on Sunday, kicking two excellent front and centre goals in traffic, including the first of the game. Nearly kicked a third late in the game but a diving Tyson Bradley got back to touch the dribbler on the line. His pressure and connection was also elite and he had some enormous moments when he went into the midfield in the last quarter.
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Judd Burgiel: Has a burst of speed that makes him hard to contain when he hits his stride. Was Gippsland's barometer in the midfield and his ability to cut through traffic makes him a dangerous proposition. His foot skills have always been the question mark but he has been quite efficient by foot through the finals series which continued on Saturday.
Xavier Ladbrook: The key defender was credited with just the five marks but among those were some critical intercept and for the most part he judged the swirling high ball better the most. Equally as impressive was his trademark dare to take grass if there was space in front of him and purposefully clear the defensive area with his neat kicking.
Dandenong v Eastern Ranges player notes
Wil Antrobus: The lethal left footer used his incisive kicking to great effect on Sunday, with his penetration and decision-making putting speed on the ball and punishing Eastern's poor ball retention going inside 50. The half-back also took a big leaping mark in the first half and also took metres with his run and carry.
Andrio Sousa: Prominent throughout the match, he worked hard and was effective with his ball-use and took the game on with his pace and willingness to take territory. Worked hard and was particularly dangerous when he got the ball forward of centre.
Jordan Knapp: Kicked a goal from long range early which was critical to keep Eastern Ranges in it and was typically neat with his disposal and clean with his skills in the coal face. Spread well from contest and continued to toil even as the result became a fait accompli.
Baxter Sruk: Was uncharacteristically wayward in front of the big sticks but competed hard in the clinches all day, busted his way through tackles and played with great balance. Was efficient and looked to make things happen with his daring skillset as he finished with a game-high 34 disposals.
SANFL Talent League Grand Final wrap
South Australian squad member Jacob McNicol was named best afield as Glenelg smashed Woodville-West Torrens 129-63.
The Tigers burst away in a dominant second quarter with AFL Academy member Gabriel Patterson leading the onslaught alongside McNicol with their mid-forward connection and class around stoppage.
Jack Wakelin kicked six goals and star bottom-ager Josh Jarrad kicked two as the Eagles' defence had no answers for a forward line well serviced by McNicol and co.
McNicol had 34 disposals with his ability to accelerate from stoppage and damage with his foot skills and win his own footy all features of his game.
Captain Jimmy Hele, who has received mild draft interest despite missing the state squad, finished with 25 disposals and won some crucial contests, and Harvey Croker and unheralded defensive draft prospect Harry Franz both had moments.
State league star destined for higher honours
Tyler Sellers looks destined to end up on an AFL list after capping an excellent season with a best afield performance in the VFL for Essendon on Saturday.
The Bombers bowed out to Box Hill in a cracking preliminary final where Sellers finished with 27 disposals and 12 marks to cap off a breakthrough season in the VFL where his competitiveness as a 193cm defender has
Having already put himself on the draft radar prior to Sunday's outing where he looked every bit an AFL general style of defender, he further boosted his stocks with a big performance in September.
His physicality and intercept marking are features of his game. Aged 24, he spent time on North Melbourne's list, playing two games in 2024.
Meanwhile, Box Hill's Tom Farrer, who himself has AFL traits and is establishing himself as a player to watch in the future, finished with 16 disposals and two goals, showing off his running power and utility value.
Journos need to bring back the simple art of proof reading. I only got to Albert MacGowan and he alone had 2 huge errors.
Its really not hard to proof read.