Victorian Football League (VFL) News

Melbourne forward demands recall, Suns midfielder produces record game: VFL Wrap – Round 5

Read up on the weekend’s standouts from the fifth round of the VFL season.

Published by
Aidan Cellini

A Gold Coast midfielder put together a career-best performance in the reserves over the weekend.

Casey Demons side recorded a 118-point thumping over Richmond, but a host of AFL-listed players put their hand up for selection.

Coburg had a bye this weekend, but featured against the AFL U18 Academy side.

Byes: Coburg, North Melbourne, Southport Sharks

Here's a recap of the VFL's weekend results and the standout performers from each game.

Richmond (25) def. by Casey Demons (143)

Melbourne key forward Jacob van Rooyen is looking to return to the senior side after a five-goal performance in the VFL.

Van Rooyen was dropped after a poor patch of form, but found his goal-kicking boots.

Aidan Johnson and Mitch Hardie slotted three majors each in the 118-point thrashing while ex-Saint Riley Bonner collected 43 disposals.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 10: Bailey Laurie, draft selection #22 for the Demons, poses for a photo during the NAB AFL Draft media opportunity at Marvel Stadium on December 10, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Bailey Laurie, and Jack Billings were also impressive.

Not many positives for the Tigers, but top draftee Josh Smillie looks poised for an AFL debut after gathering 24 possessions and five clearances in the loss.

Mid-Season fancy Tom McCarthy also continues to build his AFL stocks.

Frankston Dolphins (99) def. Northern Bullants (55)

Dolphins star Jackson Voss put an almighty game together, kicking two goals from 33 touches and 12 marks in the 44-point win.

Voss was joined by Tyson Milne (28 possessions and 10 marks) and Lochie Reidy (30 touches and four tackles) as Frankson recorded another victory.

Noah Gown and Corey Elison both kicked three goals while ruckman Angus Grant assisted his midfielders by getting his hands on the footy.

Patrick Fairlie and Liam Mackie were equally impressive for the Bullants, combining for 51 possessions and 10 clearances.

Werribee Tigers (79) def. Williamstown Seagulls (59)

Dom Brew is keeping AFL recruiters on alert after a stellar outing against the Seagulls. The Werribee star recorded 35 touches, 16 clearances and eight tackles.

AFL prospect Jack Riding was handy with 24 possessions, seven tackles and six clearances while Angus Hicks also helped in the stoppages.

Sam Conway recorded 48 hit-outs to pave the way for the Tigers' midfielders as Zac Banch and Harry Maguire cashed in on the club's forward plays with three goals.

Williamstown ruckman Tom Downie battled wilfully against Conway, registering 39 hit-outs and five clearances.

Toby Triffet benefited with a game-high 11 clearances while former Crow Lachie Gollant kept the scoreboard ticking over with four majors.

Sandringham Zebras (44) def. by Brisbane (93)

Will McLachlan's five-goal haul will give Brisbane coach Chris Fagan something to think about.

Deven Robertson's consistent VFL performances continue to mount a case for an AFL opportunity, while key defender Darragh Joyce stacked the stat sheet in the 49-point victory.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 16: Deven Robertson of the Lions in action during the 2022 AFL First Preliminary Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Brisbane Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 16, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Tom Doedee gathered 12 disposals as he attempts to come back from an ACL injury 12 months ago.

St Kilda coach Ross Lyon may be forced to make team changes after yet another deplorable loss in the senior competition.

Hugh Boxshall is looking for an AFL debut after gathering 24 disposals, 10 tackles and eight clearances.

Arie Scheonmaker responded superbly after being dropped, while Alix Tauru is building towards his first senior game.

Essendon (88) def. by Collingwood (119)

Collingwood's youth impressed in the reserves competition, with draftee Charlie West kicking three goals as a key forward.

Harry Demattia and Tew Jiath racked up plenty of the ball while Ed Allan was impressive despite being dropped from Craig McRae's side.

Mason Cox looks ready to return after Dan McStay suffered a knee injury, with the American kicking two goals from 11 touches.

Mason Cox during the 2022 AFL Round 1 match between St Kilda and Collingwood (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

The Bombers could also look to their youth coming through the ranks.

Lewis Hayes was impressive down back with 10 marks and 19 possessions.

Project ruckman Vigo Visentini could also be called upon to help fill the void. He collected 21 touches, 27 hit-outs and five clearances in the defeat to the Pies.

Alwyn Davey Jr. also hit the scoreboard, slotting a pair of majors to keep Essendon in the contest.

Gold Coast (93) def. Sydney (46)

Suns midfielder Brayden Fiorini has stuffed the stats once again, kicking five goals from 34 possessions and eight tackles.

Teammates Sam Clohesy (28 touches, one goal and seven marks) and David Swallow (29 possessions and six clearances) helped shoulder the load in the victory.

Alex Sexton and Ned Moyle kicked a pair of majors each.

The Swans, like their AFL contingent, were disappointing against Gold Coast.

Angus Sheldrick can hold his head high, gathering 34 dipsoasls and six marks.

Draftee Ned Bowman impressed with one goal and 16 touches while VFL-listed player Nicholas Shipley was laid 11 tackles.

Box Hill Hawks (123) def. Port Melbourne Borough (85)

Mid-season recruit Jasper Scaife slotted six goals to put his name into AFL consideration.

Utility Sam Frost was impressive, kicking two majors from 13 touches while Finn Maginness collected 38 touches and 10 clearances.

Changkuoth Jiath produced a solid outing, as did depth ruckman Ned Reeves, who has found himself behind Lloyd Meek on the Hawks totem pole.

Hawthorn Hawks mid-season draft recruit Jasper Scaife in 2024 (Image via Hawthorn FC)

Former Bombers captain Dyson Heppell led for the Borough in the defeat, recording 30 disposals and seven clearances.

Charlie Lazzaro and Harvey Hooper combined nicely in the midfield, gathering 50 touches, 12 tackles and nine clearances.

Mid-Season Draft fancy Ajang Kuol Mun battled wilfully against Reeves in the ruck, but proved he could match it with the AFL player.

Carlton (88) def. Geelong (84)

A late Harry O'Farrell goal stole the victory for Carlton as a host of players look to receive a recall in the AFL side.

Jaxon Binns continues to produce solid performances at VFL level, while veteran Sam Docherty gathered 27 disposals and five clearances.

Ruckman Marc Pittonet was instrumental through the midfield as Mid-season option Liam McMahon kicked 3.3

Geelong utility Nathan Kreuger will rue his inaccuracy (2.4) in front of goal in such a tight contest, but did his AFL reprieve chances no harm.

Ted Clohesy was strong through the contest, recording 13 tackles and eight clearances.

Jake Kolodjashnij also featured, gathering eight disposals and one mark.

GWS (120) def. Footscray Bulldogs (47)

Nathan Wardius has continued his impressive goal-kicking form with three majors in the strong victory over Footscray.

Wardius was joined by Phoenix Gothard (three goals), Harry Rowston (two), Callum Brown (two) and Joasaia Delana (two).

Rowston led the charge for the Giants, collecting 22 disposals and six tackles.

Bulldogs veteran Taylor Duryea stood out in the defeat, gathering 29 disposals and eight marks.

BALLARAT, AUSTRALIA - JULY 29: Taylor Duryea of the Bulldogs kicks the ball during the 2023 AFL Round 20 match between the Western Bulldogs and the GWS GIANTS at Mars Stadium on July 29, 2023 in Ballarat, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Oskar Baker found plenty of the football, while Harvey Gallagher and Anthony Scott are providing Luke Beveridge something to consider.

Dropped defender Liam Jones didn't set the world alight, but his 14 possessions and six-mark performance were serviceable.

Published by
Aidan Cellini