After a slow start to the season, Geelong have won their past five matches, including a 22-point victory over Coburg.
Footscray remain undefeated while stand-alone clubs Werribee Tigers and Southport Sharks notch up important wins to keep in touch with the top four.
The Giants, alike their AFL side, record their third consecutive loss.
Collingwood's slump in form continues as the Bombers dominate to complete the weekend.
Here's a wrap-up of all the action from Round 8 of the VFL.
BYES: Box Hill Hawks, Gold Coast, Port Melbourne Borough
Frankston Dolphins (65) def. Sydney (50)
The Dolphins got the VFL weekend underway with a surprising win over the Swans, led by midfielderย Taj Campbell-Farrell.
The No.26 was everywhere on Friday, recording 23 disposals, 20 tackles and 10 clearances in the win.
His efforts were joined byย Matt Johnson'sย three goals whileย Josh Butland slotted two of his own.
As for Sydney, veteranย Luke Parker once again proved his class in the reserves grade, although has a nervous wait ahead following a lewd bump during the clash.
Small forwardย Jacob Konstanty was impressive with two goals and 17 possessions whileย Angus Sheldrick collected 30 touches and nine clearances.
Collingwood (48) def. by Werribee Tigers (100)
Werribee took full advantage against a depleted Pies outfit at their home ground.
Jay Dahlhaus capitalised on the opportunities up forward, kicking four goals whileย Hudson Garoni had an almost day, slotting four behinds.
Jack Riding (one goal, 23 touches, four tackles),ย Dom Brew (28 possessions, 13 clearances and six tackles) and Angus Hicks (two goals, 22 disposals and five marks) were pivotal in the victory.
Former Hawkย Ned Long continues his impressive VFL form for Collingwood in the absence of some of their regulars whileย Ed Allan is nearing an AFL debut.
Charlie Dean hasn't dropped his head since being relieved of his senior chance whileย Tew Jiath'sย dash was on display.
Ex-Pie and Crowย Ben Crocker kicked two majors.
GWS (64) def. by Western Bulldogs (109)
Coach Luke Beveridge would be pleased with how his AFL-listed players are performing in the twos.
Ryley Sanders was impressive through the midfield once again whileย Caleb Poulter (two goals, 30 disposals and eight marks) andย Lachlan McNeil (three goals and 18 possessions) were arguably the best afield.
Young defender Jedd Busslinger was strong in defence as he works toward an AFL debut as Anthony Scottย andย Dominic Bedendo have given Beveridge something to consider.
After being dropped,ย James Peatling will certainly be in the frame to return.
Three goals, 25 touches and 10 clearances was a special performance from Peatling while untried ruckmanย Nick Madden grows week by week.
Casey Demons (57) def. by Brisbane (64)
Midfielders Deven Robertson and Jarryd Lyons' efforts were pivotal to the narrow seven-point victory.
The pair combined for 59 disposals, 11 clearances and 11 tackles, proving to be a cut above the reserve grade.
Former Giant and coachย Daniel Lloyd put the boots on after retiring at the end of last year, kicking three goals in his return.
As for Casey, rangy forwardย Oliver Sestan bagged a quartet of goals while youngsterย Matthew Jefferson kicked two of his own.
Bailey Laurie found plenty of the ball whileย Andy Moniz-Wakefield was arguably the Demons' best.
Northern Bullants (69) def. by Southport Sharks (125)
The Sharks has winners all across the ground on Saturday, starting with ruckmanย Brayden Crossley.
The big man kicked two goals to go with his 19 touches, 49 hit-outs, seven tackles and seven-mark effort.
Hugh Dixon slotted three goals whileย Will Sexton went one better on the day.
Jacob Dawsonย found plenty of the ball while registering 10 clearances.
The Bullants were valiant in their effort, led by gunsย Patrick Fairlie andย Jean-Luc Velissaris.
A pair of goals toย John Jorgenson, Rohan McKenzie andย Caleb Franks kept the scoreboard ticking over.
Coburg Lions (66) def. by Geelong (88)
Tough midfielder Jhye Clark did his recall chances no harm after amassing 27 touches, seven tackles, seven clearances and two goals in the 22-point victory.
Clark was joined byย Mitch Hardie, who was impressive with a similar stat line whileย Shaun Mannagh slotted three majors up forward.
The Lions were strong in their output, led byย Donovan Toohey (30 disposals and seven marks) andย Flynn Gentileย (32 possessions, eight clearances and four tackles).
Josh D'Intinosante slotted two goals while ruckmanย Sam Grantย gave his midfielders first look.
Williamstown Seagulls (88) def. Carlton (83)
The Seagulls continued their winning ways after a thrilling five-point victory over Carlton.
Three goals each to Brodie McLaughlin andย Jovan Petric put pressure on the Blues to do it down the other end of the ground.
Ruckman Tom Downie (one goal, 16 touches, 29 hit-outs and seven clearances) was pivotal in the victory whileย Will Fordham andย ex-Tigerย Riley Collier-Dawkins found plenty of the ball.
As for Carlton, former Pieย Liam McMahon slotted four majors while ex-Bomberย Ned Cahill missed opportunities he'd normally get.
Axed defenderย Lachlan Cowan was impressive, as wasย Jaxon Binns, who was crucial in the midfield.
Sandringham Zebras (134) def. Richmond (24)
Sandringham recorded the biggest win of the season so far, putting Richmond to the sword.
Thanks to the efforts ofย Matthew Allisonย (five goals) and Hugo Hall-Kahan (three) along with nine other goal-kickers, the 110-point margin became a reality.
Youngster Hugo Garciaย was huge for the Zebras, amassing 27 possessions, 10 tackles and eight clearances while tallsย Max Heath andย Tom Campbell dominated in the ruck and up forward.
Veteranย Brad Crouch could be in line for a senior recall after gathering 35 disposals whileย Jack Hayes will certainly get a look.
The injury-depleted Tigers struggled for personal and relied on the depths of their list.
Key forwardย Jacob Koschitzke slotted two goals whileย Joel Garner (19 touches and five tackles) andย Kaleb Smith (22 disposals and five tackles) were the club's best.
Essendon (99) def. North Melbourne (48)
Back-up ruckmanย Nick Bryan is playing some high level of football that is worthy of a crack at the AFL, with Sunday no different.
Bryan slotted two goals from his 25 touches, 15 clearances, 39 hit-outs and three marks, giving his midfielders the first look.
Former Crow Jackson Hately was the beneficiary of such dominance, collecting 26 possessions and also kicking a pair of majors.
Youngsterย Nate Caddy was close to a debut and his two-goal performance won't harm his case whileย Zach Reid returned successfully.
It was a tough day for the Kangaroos with the players struggling to get on top throughout the match.
Will Phillips was North Melbourne's best for his 24-disposal game whileย Dylan Stephens found plenty of the footy.
