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• Around the state leagues: Reid injured in VFL return
VFL
Collingwood defender Ben Reid has made a short-lived return from injury in the VFL, suffering a corked leg in the Magpies' clash against the Northern Blues on Sunday afternoon.
Reid, who was playing forward, didn't return after sustaining the injury in the second quarter, with the Magpies' medical team taking a cautious approach with the key tall.
Line-breaking midfielder Nathan Freeman, who was selected with pick No. 10 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft, was due to make his return from a serious hamstring injury but he was a late withdrawal with soreness.
In better news for the Pies, former captain Nick Maxwell completed his first match back from a calf injury.
Patrick Karnezis was impressive for the Magpies with four goals, including his second on the run from 55m, while rookie Caolan Mooney booted three.
Carlton forward Jarrad Waite hit some form with the Northern Blues, finishing with 21 possessions, eight marks and three goals.
Small forward Jeff Garlett also stormed home in the fourth quarter, winning 14 of his 20 possessions after the final break to play a big role in Blues' win.
Jaryd Cachia (26 possessions), Nick Graham (22) and Patrick Cripps (20) were among the major ball-winners.
Elsewhere on Sunday, Western Bulldogs forward Liam Jones starred in Footscray's win over Geelong at Simonds Stadium, while Clay Smith returned from an AC joint injury.
St Kilda has been dealt a double injury blow with forwards Arryn Siposs and Beau Maister hurt in Sandringham's 29-point loss to Port Melbourne on Saturday in the VFL.
Both left the field in the second term with left shoulder injuries, and did not take any further part in the game.
Maister had kicked two goals and was one of Sandringham's best before falling awkwardly on his shoulder in a marking contest.
In good news for the Saints, defender Sam Fisher got through the match unscathed, and was named in the best players.
Fisher has been plagued by injuries for the past 12 months and hasn't played senior football since round 10 last year.
The 31-year-old has had a recurring hamstring problem this year, and returned to competitive football in the VFL a fortnight ago, only to be sidelined with back spasms.
Athletic forward Spencer White was lively in attack and showed glimpses of brilliance, while Josh Bruce, although inaccurate, was Sandringham's best player with 17 disposals, including 11 marks, and 2.4.
Midfielder Tom Curren had 26 touches and was a solid contributor.
Hawthorn ruckman Luke Lowden has put his hand up for senior selection with a standout performance for Box Hill in their three-point loss to Essendon.
Lowden kicked four goals, while fellow big man Sam Grimley kicked two.
Hawks Derick Wanganeen, Alex Woodward, Will Langford and Kyle Cheney were also named in the best players.
Ariel Steinberg was terrific for Essendon with 10 intercept marks, while Corey Dell'Olio kicked three goals.
Meanwhile Melbourne rookie-listed ruckman Max King injured his right knee in the opening term of Casey's loss to Richmond at Punt Road Oval.
The 18-year-old did not return to the field, and spent the remainder of the match on the sidelines with ice strapped to his knee.
Aidan Riley was the best of the Demons for Casey with 25 disposals, while midfielder Sam Blease was slow to start but finished strongly with 22 touches.
After strong performances in recent weeks in the VFL, small forward Jay Kennedy-Harris was tagged by the Tigers and could only manage one goal for the game in the final term.
For the Tigers, Matt McDonough was among the best with 24 touches and two goals.
Small forward Sam Lloyd (two goals) and Ben Lennon were also solid performers in the win.
North Melbourne big man Majak Daw kicked three goals and was the best Kangaroo-listed player in Werribee's win over North Ballarat.
WAFL
Fremantle forward Matt de Boer played his second WAFL game since returning from a four-week lay-off with a knee injury, impressing for the Dockers' alignment club Peel Thunder on Saturday.
The hard-nosed Docker, who played every game last season, finished with 23 possessions, six tackles and a goal to stake his claim for senior selection against Greater Western Sydney next Sunday.
The Thunder lost to West Coast's alignment club East Perth by 63 points, but the Dockers would have been pleased with the form of rookie Sam Menagola (32 possessions and seven marks) and midfielder Tom Sheridan (28 and four).
First-year Eagles midfielder Dom Sheed was influential with 25 possessions, 11 marks and two goals, while defenders Blayne Wilson (18 and nine marks) and Ash Smith (20 and two goals) were among the best players for the Royals.
SANFL
Crows midfielder Matt Crouch starred in Adelaide's six-point loss to West Adelaide on Friday night.
The 19-year-old younger brother of Brad, had 42 disposals including 23 kicks and 13 clearances in a standout performance.
Cameron Ellis-Yolmen was also a solid contributor with 27 touches and six inside 50s.
Ruckman Shaun McKernan and forward Ian Callinan each kicked one goal
NEAFL
GWS forward Jed Lamb booted six goals in the Giants' 127-point win over the Brisbane Lions' reserves, with Sam Reid (three goals), Dylan Addison (three) and Tom Boyd (two) also hitting the scoreboard.
Lamb was a clear best-on-ground, with Jacob Townsend also impressing for the Giants.
Axed Gold Coast defender Luke Russell rebounded strongly despite the Suns' reserves side going down to Southport by 135 points.
Russell along with former Hawk Tom Murphy were the few shining lights in the Suns' heavy defeat.
