There were some strong showings by well known players in the state leagues around the country as they all look to play senior footy in the coming weeks. Let's see who impressed.
VFL
Werribee 15.13 103 def. Essendon 15.12 102
James Stewart had a day out in the Bombers' tight loss to Werribee, having 26 disposals, three marks and kicking 3.4.
Recently dropped Jayden Laverde kicked two goals and had 18 disposals and ruckman Matthew Leuenberger kicked three goals.
Richmond 19.14 128 def. North Melbourne 6.7 43
Young small forward Tyson Stengle was the star of the show, recording 26 possessions and kicking six goals, pushing his case for a first senior game of 2018.
Veteran Sam Lloyd also put his name in the mix, having 38 disposals, with 10 inside 50s and a goal.
For North Melbourne, ruckman Brayden Preuss had an impressive display with 45 hit-outs and a goal.
Box Hill Hawks 15.20 110 def. Port Melbourne 10.7 67
James Worpel will be among those pushing for senior selection. Worpel was the Hawks' best player, having 35 possessions and a goal.
Tall forward Ryan Schoenmakers had a strong showing kicking two goals and having 21 disposals in the 43-point win.
Casey Demons 13.10 88 def. Footscray 11.6 72
Dom Tyson provided a reminder of his potential value to the senior team, having 26 possessions in the Demons' win.
Young tall forward Sam Weideman was another to impress, kicking four goals, while Cam Pedersen played well, having 24 possessions.
Fergus Greene was a highlight for the Bulldogs, kicking four goals and could be in line for a senior debut.
Northern Blues 9.5 58 def by. Williamstown 14.14 98
A Carlton debut may be on the horizon for ruckman Matthew Lobbe, who was one of the standouts for the Blues.
With Andrew Phillips done for the season and Matthew Kreuzer failing to finish the game against St. Kilda with an elevated heart rate, Lobbe's number may be called.
Midfielder Nick Graham kicked two goals in the loss.
Sandringham 10.9 69 def by. Geelong 14.13 97
Pacy forward Nakia Cockatoo could only last 15 minutes as he suffered another knee injury and appears to be on the sidelines for another period of time.
Cats ruckman Zac Smith also shone, collecting 45 hit-outs, 21 disposals and kicking two goals, while defender Lachie Henderson may be close to a senior recall after having 20 disposals and 10 marks.
Injury prone midfielder Nathan Freeman could soon make his AFL debut after he continued his strong from in the reserves, Freeman was taken at pick 10 by Collingwood in 2013 and moved to the Saints in 2015.
