State league affiliate: Adelaide (SANFL)
This weekend: Central District v Adelaide - Saturday, July 21, 2.10pm, My Money House Oval
Brodie Smith got through his return to footy unscathed and was among the best in a huge positive as Adelaide's SANFL side went down to Central District on Saturday.
Having missed just 10 months with an ACL injury, Smith finished the game with 25 disposals from 10 marks in a hugely impressive performance.
Myles Poholke won 23 disposals and seven marks, while father-son prospect Ben Jarman kicked three goals in an exciting display up forward.
State league affiliate: Brisbane (NEAFL)
This weekend: Brisbane Lions v GWS Giants - Saturday, July 21, 3pm, Gabba
Tom Bell continues to rack up big numbers in the NEAFL, with the former Blue finishing with 33 disposals and eight marks in the Lions' draw with the Giants.
Rohan Bewick found the footy on 22 occasions and kicked a goal, Corey Lyons also had 22 touches, while Ryan Bastinac had 21 possessions and booted two goals.
State league affiliate: Northern Blues (VFL)
This weekend: Werribee v Northern Blues - Sunday, July 22, 1pm, Avalon Airport Oval
Key forward Patrick Kerr was a late withdrawal due to soreness, and Kym Lebois went off injured early in the match, but it mattered little as the Blues won 15.8 (98) to 9.17 (71).
There was much to like about the performance of young defender Angus Schumacher, who collected 23 possessions and kicked a goal.
Cam O'Shea had 19 disposals and could be in line for a recall to the AFL after injuries to Liam Jones and Zac Fisher.
Eight Carlton-listed players lined up for the Blues (Ciaran Byrne, Tom De Koning, Kym Lebois, Jarrod Garlett, Darcy Lang, Sam Rowe, Schumacher and O'Shea).
De Koning got through his return from injury unscathed, and sat out the fourth quarter as a precautionary measure.
Da da da da da #Northbound #PJVFL #LoveTheGame pic.twitter.com/PxeULeDbBa
— Northern Blues FC (@NBluesFC) July 22, 2018
State league affiliate: Collingwood (VFL)
This weekend: Essendon v Collingwood - Saturday, July 21, 11am, Windy Hill
Exciting forwards Jamie Elliott and Alex Fasolo pushed for a return to the senior team with strong performances in Collingwood's VFL victory over Essendon on Saturday.
Elliott looked dangerous to kick two goals, continuing his successful return from a hamstring injury, though he was reported late in the match.
Fasolo was also among the best and finished with three goals.
Josh Smith also bagged multiple goals and was one of Collingwood's most impressive performers, while James Aish and Jarryd Blair got through unscathed on their return.
A goal to Laverde closes our lead to 12 points. Great to see this man back out on the park #vflmagpies pic.twitter.com/6rVPy1MRTP
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) July 21, 2018
State league affiliate: Essendon (VFL)
This weekend: Essendon v Collingwood - Saturday, July 21, 11am, Windy Hill
Aaron Francis continued to push for a return to the senior team with another exciting performance in the VFL, despite Essendon going down to Collingwood on Saturday.
Francis mopped up everything with efficiency across half-back, went forward to impact on the scoreboard and even rotated through the midfield in an impressive display.
Michael Hartley was also solid in defence, while Kobe Mutch won plenty of footy in the midfield. However, he copped a knock late and didn't finish the match.
State league affiliate: Peel Thunder (WAFL)
This weekend: Peel Thunder v South Fremantle - Saturday, July 21, 2.15pm, Bendigo Bank Stadium
Harley Bennell sent a scare through the Fremantle camp when he limped off with an ankle injury, but the dangerous midfielder returned to play out the game.
Bennell impressed in the 24-point upset win, finishing with 22 disposals and a goal.
Ruckman Luke Strnadica (46 hit-outs) gave his midfield first use, and Mitchell Crowden (27 possessions) and Danyle Pearce (27) capitalised.
Young Tasmanian Hugh Dixon slotted three goals from just four kicks.
State league affiliate: Geelong (VFL)
This weekend: Geelong v Casey Demons - Saturday, July 21, 3.45pm, GMHBA Stadium
After 36 possessions and a goal last week, Charlie Constable collected 26 against the Demons.
George Horlin-Smith injured a shoulder and spent most of the game on the bench, while Jackson Thurlow had 10 disposals in the first half before being rested as an emergency for the senior side.
Jordan Murdoch picked up 19 touches and kicked a goal, James Parsons had 18 disposals and six inside 50s, while Sam Simpson gathered 17 possessions and had five clearances.
Ryan Abbott (46 hit-outs and a goal) and Zac Smith (44) were both very good in the ruck.
The Cats lost 8.6 (54) to 8.9 (57).
State league affiliate: Gold Coast (NEAFL)
This weekend: Sydney v Gold Coast - Saturday, July 21, 10.30am, SCG
Experienced midfielder Michael Barlow continued his sensational run of form in the NEAFL, winning 50 disposals, 11 clearances and seven tackles as the Suns overcame the Swans.
Clearly among the best players on the field, Barlow is now averaging more than 40 touches per game in the NEAFL as he pushes for an AFL return.
Brayden Fiorini was also impressive with 42 disposals, 13 tackles and two goals, while Jacob Dawson and Matt Rosa saw plenty of footy in Gold Coast's victory.
THINGS WE LEARNED It's decision time at Gold Coast
State league affiliate: GWS Giants (NEAFL)
This weekend: Brisbane Lions v GWS Giants - Saturday, July 21, 3pm, Gabba
Rookie-listed player Zachary Sproule and ex-Blue Dylan Buckley shared seven goals between them, but it wasn't enough to secure a win for Greater Western Sydney.
Sproule bagged four goals, took nine marks and collected 18 possessions, while Buckley added three majors and gathered 19 touches as the Giants drew with the Lions 14.15 (99) to 14.15 (99).
Aiden Bonar (22 disposals, seven clearances and two goals) was arguably the Giants' best player, while Daniel Lloyd (20 possesions and a goal) and Isaac Cumming (18 possessions) also performed well.
State league affiliate: Box Hill Hawks (VFL)
This weekend: Bye
State league affiliate: Casey Demons (VFL)
This weekend: Geelong v Casey Demons - Saturday, July 21, 3.45pm, GMHBA Stadium
Ultra-consistent utility Cam Pedersen put together another strong four-quarter performance, as the Demons came from behind to notch their 10th win on the bounce.
Pedersen collected 17 disposals, took nine marks and had seven rebound 50s.
Tim Smith was also among Casey's best, finishing with 20 touches, five tackles and five clearances.
Aaron vandenBerg, who is yet to play at the highest level in 2018, laid 11 tackles and kicked a goal, while Dean Kent, who has managed just three AFL appearances this season, laid 10.
Talented young forward Sam Weideman kicked two goals.
TEN STRAIGHT!!! A massive comeback win for the boys!! #PJVFL
— Casey Demons (@CaseyDemonsFC) July 21, 2018
Casey 8.9 57 - @GeelongVFL 8.6 54 pic.twitter.com/YNZSBmjIPl
State league affiliate: North Melbourne (VFL)
This weekend: Frankston v North Melbourne - Sunday, July 22, 12pm, SkyBus Stadium
Nick Larkey and rookie Gordon Narrier each booted two goals for the Kangaroos, who enjoyed a 58-point triumph at Frankston.
Not for the first time this season, Braydon Preuss had another good game in the VFL.
Preuss was excellent in the ruck, and provided a target when he floated forward. The 23-year-old kicked one goal, as did Daniel Nielson, who was one of North's best.
Mitchell Hibberd, Ben McKay and Will Walker all played well.
This one felt good! ⚪️ #BeAShinboner pic.twitter.com/jxP1zo6VPI
— North Melbourne VFL (@NorthVFL) July 22, 2018
State league affiliate: Port Adelaide (SANFL)
This weekend: Port Adelaide v Glenelg - Saturday, July 21, 2.10pm, Alberton Oval
Jimmy Toumpas was a prolific ball winner as Port Adelaide went down to Glenelg in the SANFL, winning 32 disposals to go with eight marks and a goal.
Young rookie Cameron Hewett was also impressive, finishing with 28 disposals from 10 marks and also laying eight strong tackles.
Developing ruckman Billy Frampton kicked two goals to go with 19 disposals, 19 hit-outs and seven marks, while Kane Farrell kicked three goals.
THE RUN HOME Shades of 2017 for the Demons
State league affiliate: Richmond (VFL)
This weekend: Sandringham v Richmond - Sunday, July 22, 2pm, Trevor Barker Beach Oval
Rookie-listed Tiger Liam Baker kicked three goals and was among Richmond's best in its huge 66-point win at Sandringham.
Experienced Tigers Anthony Miles (36 possessions), Sam Lloyd (29 disposals and two goals) and Jacob Townsend (24 touches, 12 tackles) were outstanding.
Youngsters Patrick Naish (32 possessions, 10 marks), Shai Bolton (21 disposals) and Tyson Stengle (17 touches and a goal) also played well.
The Tigers returned to the top of the VFL ladder after the victory.
Sunday funday #gotiges #PJVFL pic.twitter.com/7VoShhHrrF
— Richmond VFL (@RichmondVFL) July 22, 2018
State league affiliate: Sandringham (VFL)
This weekend: Sandringham v Richmond - Sunday, July 22, 2pm, Trevor Barker Beach Oval
Could round 19 be the week Nathan Freeman earns his long-awaited AFL debut?
The injury-prone midfielder amassed 30 disposals and kicked a goal, and must surely be a strong chance to play against the Giants on Saturday.
Blake Acres is banging down the door in terms of winning his spot back in the Saints' side.
Following a combined 54 disposals in his past two VFL outings, Acres won 36 possessions against the Tigers.
Young defender Nick Coffield (29 touches) also won plenty of the ball.
Rookie Ray Connellan slotted two of the Zebras' nine goals in the 66-point loss.
State league affiliate: Sydney (NEAFL)
This weekend: Sydney v Gold Coast - Saturday, July 21, 10.30am, SCG
Jordan Dawson had a massive day out, despite Sydney going down to Gold Coast, finishing Saturday's NEAFL clash with 29 disposals and an incredible 23 tackles.
The Swans youngster, who has played just one AFL game in his career, also took seven marks and kicked three goals in what was an impressive display.
Dean Towers and Jordan Foote won plenty of the footy, while youngster Angus Styles also delivered a strong performance with 24 disposals and two goals.
Still out of the senior side, defender Heath Grundy had 24 disposals. However, in some bad news, Gary Rohan broke his hand and didn't feature in the second half.
State league affiliate: East Perth (WAFL)
This weekend: Claremont v East Perth - Saturday, July 21, 2.15pm, Claremont Oval
First-year Eagle Liam Ryan was quiet, finishing with just six possessions and no goals.
Brayden Ainsworth and Luke Partington both amassed 25 possessions, as East Perth lost by 24 points.
The Royals managed just three goals for the match in wet conditions, one of them coming from axed Eagle Jake Waterman.
Jarrod Brander was a late withdrawal due to back tightness.
State league affiliate: Footscray (VFL)
This weekend: Williamstown v Footscray - Saturday, July 21, 2.10pm, Williamstown Football Ground
Young ruckman Tim English was named among the best, despite Footscray narrowly going down to Williamstown in the VFL on Saturday.
English won 20 disposals from seven marks, along with 51 hit-outs, but had a costly afternoon in front of goal and kicked four behinds from four scoring shots.
Fergus Greene continued to push for an AFL debut with three goals, while Shane Biggs mopped up everything behind the ball to claim seven marks and 16 disposals.
