GEELONG forward Mitch Clark and his Western Bulldogs counterpart Tom Boyd are both closing on AFL recalls after strong performances in the VFL on Sunday.
Clark booted five goals in the Cats' dominant win over Box Hill, while Boyd marked strongly and slotted three goals in Footscray's come-from-behind win over Frankston.
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Despite dislocating his finger in the first quarter, forward Clark took best-on-ground honours, adding 18 possessions and 11 marks to go with his five majors in the Cats' 49-point win.
The 28-year-old, who took part in his third successive game since overcoming recurring calf injuries, also crashed packs with five contested marks.
However, Geelong coach Chris Scott has so far been reluctant to rush Clark back into the senior squad, saying he was "no chance" to feature before the Cats' bye in round 15.
"We play three (games) then have a bye, which will give him a really nice preparation and give him a chance to be available for selection after that," Scott told Fox Footy earlier this month.
Meanwhile, Boyd competed well in the ruck under the watchful eye of senior coach Luke Beveridge, and was a constant threat up forward amid persistent banter from the Dolphins' faithful at Frankston City Oval.
Boyd's exciting contribution is timely, considering the Bulldogs' senior side lacked a target and kicked only five goals in the 57-point thrashing at the hands of Geelong.
While Beveridge said he wouldn't risk Boyd until he was ready, it might be hard to resist bringing the 2013 No.1 pick back for the Bulldogs' trip to Sydney to face the Swans in round 15, after their bye.
In more good news, Clay Smith continued his inspiring comeback from a third knee reconstruction in as many years with another imposing performance in the midfield.
With the Footscray on-ball division soundly beaten for most of the afternoon, the 23-year-old never gave up and was one of the main reasons the Dogs snatched a 10-point win.
Smooth mover Lukas Webb again pushed his claims for a first senior game of the season after racking up plenty of the footy and kicking a crucial goal in the dying minutes of a scrappy encounter at Frankston City Oval.
Developing key defenders Kieran Collins and Zaine Cordy also battled hard, while versatile stopper Joel Hamling kicked three second-half goals after being moved forward.
And the Dogs look to set to consider a fifth father-son addition to their list, with midfielder Michael Romero acquitting himself well in his VFL debut.
The son of 1996 best and fairest Jose Romero displayed neat skills and speed while playing predominantly forward as the side's 23rd man.
@westernbulldogs forward Tom Boyd bangs through his first against Frankston. Competing well. pic.twitter.com/R9JUydXjga
— Ryan Davidson (@davo_media) June 19, 2016