The key takeaways from Round 8 of the VFL
Historic results, mid-season draft hopefuls shining and the debut of an AFL coaching legend’s son were among the key talking points from the VFL at the weekend.
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It was arguably most exciting weekend of the VFL season.
Here’s everything you need to know.
COLEMAN-JONES SAYS PICK ME
With an injury crisis at North Melbourne, Callum Coleman-Jones has taken big steps towards an AFL return after a monster nine-goal outing in his side’s victory over Frankston.
The former Richmond ruck-forward had 22 disposals in the victory.
Aaron Hall racked up 30 touches while Tarryn Thomas put his hand up for senior selection with 27 touches.
Ben Cunnington had 24 disposals after he was demoted to the state league.
WILLI CREATE A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY
Williamstown are flying after seven rounds and on Saturday recorded a significant piece of club history against Sydney.
The Seagulls 33-point win against Sydney was the first time, they had beaten Sydney or South Melbourne in 18 attempts.
The home side was able to break the game open in the second half with Finbar O’Dwyer leading the way with 28 disposals as veteran Ben Jolley continued his impressive season with 26 touches.
Marty Hore did his Mid-Season Draft prospects no harm with 26 touches and 13 marks.
For the Swans, Angus Sheldrick put his hand up for senior selection with 36 touches and a goal while Dylan Stephens had 26 of his own.
BULLANTS OWN BATTLE OF BELL ST
Two clutch goals from vice-captain Jean-Luc Velissaris and a dominant performance from Cam Wild helped Northern Bullants win the Battle of Bell Street on Saturday.
In a thrilling final quarter, the Bullants fought back four times to sneak past traditional rival Coburg by just seven points at Piranha Park.
Velissaris‘ first goal broke Coburg’s run of four consecutive goals early in the fourth term and then popped up to kick the sealer in the dying minutes, finishing with 26 touches and eight clearances for 133 SuperCoach points.
However, Wild was the standout player on the field, collecting a game-high 32 disposals, 12 marks, six tackles and seven clearances for 151 SuperCoach points, all while keeping Lions ball-winner Flynn Gentile to 17 touches.
Mid-season draft prospect Brandon Ryan kicked 1.3 and was cited for striking, while Coburg star Ben Jepson had 20 possessions.
A BIG, BIG COMEBACK
The GWS Giants produced an exciting comeback against Collingwood to secure its fifth win of the season on Sunday.
After trailing by five goals midway through the last, the Giants rallied to storm home as Toby McMullin made himself the hero with the match winner.
Wade Derksen impressed for GWS with five goals.
Collingwood’s midfield depth was also on show after a big performance from Josh Carmichael.
CLARKO’S SON DEBUTS IN THRILLING DRAW
Richmond and Geelong played out the first draw of the season in a thriller at Punt Rd on Saturday morning with the Tigers storming home late to secure a share of the points.
Matthew Clarkson, the son of four-time AFL premiership coach Alastair, made his debut for Richmond and showed positive signs with 19 disposals.
James Trezise and Brad Melville had 29 and 26 touches respectively to lead all comers for the Tigers.
Noah Cumberland responded well to his omission from the Tigers line-up with 3.2 from 11 touches.
Jye Chalcraft put together another big performance for Geelong with 26 disposals and two goals.
SUNS CLAIM THE MACKENZIE CUP
It was a thrilling finish at Southport as the Gold Coast Suns held on for a two-point victory.
The Sharks rallied late to almost secure the unlikeliest of comebacks having trailed by as much as 47 points in the third quarter.
Sam Flanders did his chances of a recall to the Suns senior side no harm, although it may be difficult after their big win at AFL level, with 35 disposals, eight marks and nine clearances.
Boyd Woodcock was the game’s major ball winner with 38 touches while Jacob Dawson had 37 — both players are names to watch ahead of the Mid-Season Draft.
WERRIBEE ENDS ITS OWN HOME HOODOO
While it wasn’t the pretty match to watch, Werribee will be happy to have come away with its first win against Footscray at Avalon Airport Oval.
Despite the Dogs threatening to comeback in the final quarter, the Tigers eventually did enough.
Tom Gribble had 31 disposals while Dom Brew had 31.
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