Collingwood key forward’s successful return, Geelong squeeze as forgotten Dogs dominate again: VFL wrap

See who may come into the senior side following impressive performances in the reserves.

Collingwood key forward’s successful return, Geelong squeeze as forgotten Dogs dominate again: VFL wrap
See who may come into the senior side following impressive performances in the reserves.
Aidan Cellini
AIDAN CELLINI
WRITER | JULY 14, 2024 – 4:06PM
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Collingwood will be buoyed by the return of key forward Dan McStay, who featured in the VFL on Saturday.

McStay tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) seven and a half months ago and has made a miraculous recovery.

The former Lion played limited minutes but looked strong in the contest and is a shot to be recalled by Craig McRae.

Geelong’s winning form will dictate selection but the performances of some well-known faces will give Chris Scott something to think about.

See who performed well in Round 16 of the VFL.

BYE: Brisbane, GWS and Port Melbourne

Sydney (79) def. by North Melbourne (84)
A late goal from Cooper Harvey saw North Melbourne steal victory with only seconds remaining.

On the day, Harvey slotted two goals as he was active in the forward line. He was joined by Zane Duursma, who kicked three of his own, while Tyler Sellers and Robert Hansen Jnr also joined the party.

Veteran midfielder Hugh Greenwood was huge in the coalface, laying 12 tackles and recording six clearances from his 21 touches.

Zane Duursma (left) and Geordie Payne (right) of the North Melbourne Kangaroos at training in 2024 (Image via North Melbourne FC)
Zac Fisher was a surprise inclusion but is in line for a senior recall after amassing 27 possessions and five marks.

As for the Swans, Sam Reid managed to hit the scoreboard with a pair of goals while Joel Hamling and Peter Ladhams registered singles.

Aaron Francis was arguably best afield, dominating the air in defence and being Sydney’s highest-possession getter.

The dropped Sam Wicks struggled at the level, gathering a measly 12 disposals.

Southport Sharks (107) def. Box Hill Hawks (54)
The Sharks’ emphatic performance was led by midfield trio Jacob Dawson, Boyd Woodcock and ruckman Brayden Crossley.

They combined for 79 disposals, 16 clearances and 25 marks, winning the ball at the coalface.

Hugh Dixon led the charge up forward with three goals and was followed by pairs from Matt Shannon, Jacob Heron and Jay Lockhart.

Saturday was a disappointing effort from Box Hill but multiple AFL-listed players rose to the occasion.

Jai Serong (19 touches and six marks) looked good as he makes a bid for a senior return, Finn Maginness (27 disposals and four tackles) and Henry Hustwaite (23 possessions and eight clearances) were also strong in the midfield.

Finn’s younger brother, Ned, made his Box Hill debut for the Hawks.

Werribee Tigers (130) def. Coburg Lions (51)
From start to finish, Werribee was too good for the youthful Lions, with their experience rising to the occasion.

Hudson Garoni and Zac Banch both slotted four goals.

Dom Brew was huge once again for the Tigers, collecting 25 touches, 11 clearances and 10 tackles, whilst also kicking a pair of majors.

Riley Bice continued his ball-winning ways with 27 while ruckman Sam Conway gave the midfielders first look.

Coburg was simply outplayed with most of their primary movers down on their usual form.

Joel Trudgeon kicked a nice goal, as well as gathering 22 disposals and eight clearances.

Flynn Gentile was strong in the contest but struggled to help generate scores.

The Lions also were unable to capitalise on Cooper Keogh’s 49 hitouts.

Collingwood (74) def. by Geelong (103)
Geelong continued its winning ways against Collingwood as an even spread of contributors would please the coaching staff.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 17: Brandan Parfitt of the Cats looks to pass the ball during the round four AFL match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Geelong Cats at Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 17, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Ted Clohesy (two goals, 34 touches and seven marks), Brandan Parfitt (34 possessions and seven clearances), Rhys Stanley (one goal, 22 disposals and 22 hitouts) and Mitch Hardie (two goals and 25 touches) were notable performers.

Veteran Jed Bews was good with ball in hand as was Mark O’Connor.

The Pies will be buoyed by the return of Dan McStay, who slotted a goal in his 40 minutes of playing time.

Jack Bytel was arguably the best in black and white, finding the ball 33 times to go with a goal.

Reef McInnes returned to the fold despite playing as the sub on Friday night while Finlay Macrae continues to push his case for a recall.

Northern Bullants (64) def. by Frankston Dolphins (92)
Dolphins forward Matt Johnson’s six-goal haul led Frankston to an impressive away win on Saturday.

Johnson was arguably the difference maker in the 28-point victory but was helped by Lachie Sharp’s trio of goals.

Midfielder Trent Mynott was also pivotal in securing the four points, gathering 32 possessions and seven clearances to go with his major.

Bullants trifecta Liam Mackie (34 touches and seven clearances), Jean-Luc Velissaris (32 possessions and six clearances) and Patrick Fairlie (29 disposals and six clearances) did their best to wrestle the game back from the Dolphins.

Will Elliot, Caleb Franks and Maison Goodman kept the scoreboard ticking over while Matthew King was a ball magnet.

Williamstown Seagulls (83) def. Sandringham Zebras (63)
Former Suns player and Seagulls gun Brodie McLaughlin had himself a day out, which could’ve been bigger.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 12: Brodie McLaughlin of the Suns during a Gold Coast Suns AFL training session at Heritage Bank Stadium on April 12, 2023 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
McLaughlin was the answer to Williamstown’s prayers, kicking 5.6 on the way to a 20-point victory.

Ex-Hawk James Cousins was just as instrumental in the win, gathering 23 disposals and six marks while Joel Fitzgerald led the way with 29 touches.

As for the Zebras, Seb Ross will be in line for a senior recall following his 21-possession outing whilst also recording 14 tackles and a goal.

Matthew Allison matched McLaughlin’s efforts with five goals of his own as Max Heath continues to mount a case for an AFL debut.

Ruckman Tom Campbell was huge, amassing 34 hitouts and 18 disposals.

Zaine Cordy and Liam Stocker were quieter than usual but still performed at a high level.

Richmond (96) def. Gold Coast (70)
The Tigers continued their impressive stretch of form with a win over the Suns, led by Lachlan Wilson.

Wilson amassed 23 disposals, nine clearances and two goals, which was helped by ruckman Oliver Hayes-Brown’s (62 hitouts, 11 touches and four clearances) performance.

Jacob Bauer was busy in front of the big sticks with three goals while Sam Davidson continued to keep ticking over the scoreboard.

Kaleb Smith was instrumental with the ball in hand while Joel Garner played multiple roles to the delight of Richmond fans.

Suns defender Rory Atkins did his recall chances no harm after recording 30 disposals, 12 marks and a major.

Thomas Berry responded to his axing while Sean Lemmens mounted a case for a return.

Footscray Bulldogs (88) def. Carlton (79)
The Bulldogs made it two from two against Carlton over the weekend with the reserves claiming the all-important four points.

Riley Garcia couldn’t have done more on the day, collecting 33 possessions, 15 tackles, 10 clearances and two goals in a BOG performance.

Anthony Scott (35 touches, 10 clearances and five tackles) and Caleb Daniel (28 disposals, 10 tackles and seven clearances) weren’t far behind.

Untried defender Jedd Busslinger continues to impress as senior coach Luke Beveridge has plenty of talent at his disposal, with Alex Keath, Oskar Baker and Arthur Jones all featuring in the twos.

Blues midfielder George Hewett made coach Michael Voss regret his decision of not playing him yesterday after dominating, gathering 33 touches, 11 clearances, 10 tackles and a goal.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 17: George Hewett of the Blues handballs during the round five AFL match between the Carlton Blues and the Port Adelaide Power at Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 17, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Jesse Motlop will struggle to find a spot in Voss’ side after a quiet performance, slotting only one goal from 12 touches but applied immense pressure in the front half with nine tackles.

Jack Martin was also down on his usual output, recording 10 possessions and a behind in his return.

Casey Demons (90) def. Essendon (68)
A four-goal to-nothing opening quarter set up the win for Casey over Essendon.

Jack Billings (two goals, 29 touches and nine marks) and Bailey Laurie (two goals, 29 possessions and eight tackles) were significant contributors to the victory.

Adam Tomlinson was consistent down back, as was Blake Howes.

Forwards Ben Brown and Shane McAdam managed to kick singles each while ruckman Tom Fullarton still poses as a strong replacement for Max Gawn next week.

Richmond coach and former Melbourne player Adem Yze’s son Noah debuted for the Demons.

The Bombers would be disappointed with their performance but Elijah Tsatas and Ben Hobbs can hold their heads high.

The pair were dominant in the midfield, capitalising on Nick Bryan’s ruck work.

Jye Menzie slotted three goals, as did untried youngster Jayden Davey.

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