• Fantasy round review: High-flying Hawks, low-flying Giants
• After the siren: Kangas can start recalibrating their finals dream
• Ballantyne, Tigers among 10 charged by MRP
NORTH Melbourne forward Robbie Tarrant has made it through his first competitive hit-out for the season unscathed.
After missing nine games last season with a leg injury, a stress reaction in Tarrant's tibia flared up during the pre-season, sidelining him for three months.
But on Sunday the Kangaroos’ tall made a successful comeback to football for Werribee in the VFL.
The 25-year-old started well, taking a strong grab in the opening minutes of his side’s loss to Williamstown.
In a strong first showing Tarrant had four contested marks and presented well up forward and kicked a goal in the third term.
He covered the ground well, floating down across half-back in the final term as Williamstown took a stranglehold on the match.
Tarrant's North Melbourne teammate Ben Jacobs has continued to knock the selection door down after leading North Ballarat to a two-point upset win over Box Hill on Saturday.
Hawk Will Langford responded to his AFL omission with a strong performance, while key forward Sam Grimley booted three majors.
Meanwhile, Collingwood's Ben Reid has pulled up well following his first game since March as the Pies defeated the Scorpions by a goal at Casey Fields.
The Magpie booted two goals in tough conditions, pleasing Collingwood football director Rodney Eade.
"He got through three and a bit quarters," Eade said.
"Unfortunately the ground was really wet and heavy, they had a downpour probably half an hour before the game and the ground didn't drain too well.
"But from our point of view we're pleased he got the game and he looked good."
Ben Kennedy was among Collingwood's best, while Dean Kent kicked three goals in a best afield effort for the Melbourne-aligned Scorpions.
Jordie McKenzie was also impressive for Casey.
Also on the comeback trail, Cat Allen Christensen made a stunning return from back surgery in a best-on-ground performance in Geelong's upset win over league-leaders Port Melbourne.
Christensen led a strong Cats line-up to a three-point win at Simonds Stadium, while Chris Judd performed strongly in his comeback game, later declaring he would be ready to face Hawthorn on Friday night.
Christensen further buoyed Cats fans the day after the AFL side's thrilling win over the Judd-less Blues.
In his first game for the year, Christensen combined with Taylor Hunt, Jackson Thurlow and Jake Kolodjashnij to lead Geelong to victory.
Ruckman Ayce Cordy dominated in the air as Footscray overcame Frankston on the road.
Cordy kicked three goals in a strong bid to return to AFL ranks, while Lin Jong, Lachie Hunter, Jake Stringer, Brett Goodes and Liam Jones showed positive signs in a 14-point win.
Judd came through unscathed in his first match since straining his hamstring in round five against the Western Bulldogs.
Judd gathered 18 touches – 12 contested – in about 70 per cent game time in the Northern Blues' 12-point win over Sandringham at Visy Park on Saturday.
It was only the second time Judd has played at state league level after he played for East Perth in 2002 before launching his AFL career at West Coast.
"The game time he played was spot on for what we wanted," Northern Blues coach Luke Webster said.
"We wanted to manage his game time all the way through the game to get him through the four quarters.
"He's got through fine, so hopefully he pulls up well and we'll see how it goes next week."
There was more positive news for Carlton fans, with Jaryd Cachia working hard for four quarters to gather 33 touches and veteran Kane Lucas collecting 25 disposals.
"Jarryd's being banging the door down for the last three or four weeks," Webster said.
"I thought Kane was really good. He's another guy who's really capable of playing at the next level, he's just got to continue knocking the door down and put in performances like he did today."
There could be some concerns for St Kilda with Arryn Siposs unable to take to the field after half-time.
However, Jimmy Webster responded well after his off-field issues by being the Zebras' best, while David Armitage was tireless through midfield and James Gwilt contested strongly in the air down back.
WAFL
Luckless Anthony Morabito's push for a return has gathered pace following a brilliant 28 possession, three-goal game in Peel's loss to East Fremantle.
Morabito also delivered the ball inside 50 on 10 occasions in a complete performance, while Scott Gumbleton returned for his first match this year after a hamstring injury.
Gumbleton had nine disposals, took seven marks and drilled a goal in what was his first game for his old club since 2006.
Hayden Crozier and Colin Sylvia were also influential with 27 and 21 disposals respectively and two goals each.
Meanwhile, West Coast ruckman Callum Sinclair has booted six-straight goals in a dominant match for East Perth.
The Eagles big man had 21 touches, 17 hit-outs and 13 marks to heap pressure on West Coast's match committee.
Dom Sheed found plenty of the ball, while Ash Smith gathered 21 disposals and kicked three goals.
SANFL
Shaun McKernan was Adelaide's best player as the Crows' reserves easily accounted for Woodville-West Torrens.
Ian Callinan kicked three majors, while experienced duo Jason Porplyzia and Brent Reilly also played well.
Tom Logan starred in the Port Adelaide Magpies 13-point-win over Central Districts.
The 28-year-old had 31 disposals, four clearances, nine marks and six tackles, while elusive forward Jake Neade proved dangerous in attack with 16 touches, three marks and two goals.
Utility Cam O'Shea was also a solid contributor for Port Adelaide with 26 disposals, six marks and a goal.
NEAFL
GWS co-captain Phil Davis got through his first game less than three months after suffering a serious kidney injury in round one.
Veteran Ashley McGrath slotted four goals, but the Brisbane Lions' reserves still went down by 31 points against Redland.
Former Collingwood forward Jackson Paine, developing key position Tom Cutler and midfielder Ryan Lester impressed for the Lions.
The Sydney Swans and Gold Coast's reserves will do battle on Sunday.
