• Nine things we learned from round eight
• Fantasy form watch: This week's pig and Presti
• After the siren: Vengeance is sweet, and a Bulldog's fall
State league affiliate: Adelaide (SANFL)
This weekend: Bye
State league affiliate: Brisbane Lions (NEAFL)
This weekend: Aspley v Brisbane Lions - Saturday May 23, 1.30pm, Graham Road
Zac O'Brien starred for the Lions' reserves, amassing 41 disposals, five marks and six tackles in a standout effort in his team's 34-point defeat.
The midfielder hasn't played at senior level since an altercation with senior coach Justin Leppitsch at NEAFL level earlier this month, but will be on the cusp of selection following the dominant display.
Ryan Harwood had 19 touches, forward Matt Hammelmann kicked three goals and first-year defender Josh McGuinness was serviceable with 15 possessions.
State league affiliate: Northern Blues (VFL)
This weekend: Northern Blues v Essendon - Saturday May 23, 2pm, Preston City Oval
The Blues had several young players perform at VFL level in the Northern Blues' eight-point loss to Essendon.
Nick Graham led the Blues for disposals with an equal team-high 23 touches, while rookie Brad Walsh (19 disposals), Blaine Boekhorst (17) and Mark Whiley (17) also competed well.
Billy Gowers, who the Blues picked in last year's rookie draft, kicked two goals.
David Ellard has been in and out of the club's senior side this season but was among the Blues' best with 17 possessions.
State league affiliate: Collingwood (VFL)
This weekend: Bye
State league affiliate: Essendon (VFL)
This weekend: Northern Blues v Essendon - Saturday May 23, 2pm, Preston City Oval
The Bombers will be pleased with the effort from Shaun McKernan, despite the mobile forward being dropped back to the VFL after only one game in the senior team.
In the club's eight-point win over the Northern Blues, the former Crow had 20 disposals, seven clearances, three tackles and was able to also hit the scoreboard with two majors.
James Gwilt and Ariel Steinberg were solid in defence again, while Jayden Laverde is inching closer to an AFL debut after showing his speed and skill at different stages.
State league affiliate: Peel Thunder (WAFL)
This weekend: Bye
State league affiliate: Geelong (VFL)
This weekend: Geelong v Port Melbourne - Saturday May 23, 12.12pm, Simonds Stadium
Rookie Michael Luxford was one of Geelong's best in its loss to Port Melbourne, finding 23 disposals to be his team's leading possession-winner.
Signed under the alternative talent rules, Luxford chose to leave a promising basketball career to join the Cats at the end of 2013. After an encouraging first year on the list he has improved again in 2015, and impressed on Saturday with his run and poise.
Defender Jake Kolodjashnij found 18 disposals in an assured display for the Cats. Forward Josh Walker kicked two goals after being omitted from the AFL line-up, while first-year player Nakia Cockatoo had some exciting flashes.
State league affiliate: Gold Coast (NEAFL)
This weekend: UWS Giants v Gold Coast - Saturday May 23, 10.30am, Spotless Stadium
No.8 draft pick Peter Wright will push for a senior debut after booting four goals in the 16-point loss to the Giants. The 203cm Victorian, who was the club's first selection at last year's draft, took six marks and had 12 disposals in a promising display near goal.
The club is taking a patient approach to Wright's first season after overcoming a knee injury during the pre-season, but the 18-year-old might soon come into AFL calculations after his strong game.
After being dropped from the Suns' AFL side, Matt Shaw collected 38 disposals and Greg Broughton had 28 touches. Suns rookie Keegan Brooksby booted three goals, while Andrew Boston gathered 34 disposals and six tackles.
State league affiliate: UWS Giants (NEAFL)
This weekend: UWS Giants v Gold Coast - Saturday May 23, 10.30am, Spotless Stadium
The Giants' impressive depth in talent was again on show during their 16-point win over the Suns' reserves. Classy midfielder Paul Ahern, who was drafted with pick No.7 last year, had perhaps his best game of the season with 29 disposals and two goals.
Jake Barrett continued his strong form with 28 touches and a goal, while Jack Steele keeps putting his hand up for an AFL debut with 23 disposals through the midfield and wing.
Tom Downie kicked three goals and ruckman Rory Lobb also floated forward to boot two. Lively youngster Jarrod Pickett, the club's first selection at last year's draft, had 17 disposals.
State league affiliate: Box Hill Hawks (VFL)
This weekend: Sandringham v Box Hill Hawks - Sunday May 24, 2pm, Trevor Barker Beach Oval
Half-forward James Sicily did his hopes of earning a senior recall no harm, bagging five goals in his team's 23-point victory.
Omitted Hawks Jonathan Simpkin and Angus Litherland responded well and were named among the best players alongside Daniel Howe and young defender Kurt Heatherley.
Rookie Sam Grimley booted three goals, including one early in the final term to extend the Hawks' lead.
SICILY!!!! Another GOAL! Three in a row! He is dominating this quarter! BHH 45 S 30 #ourtime #PJVFL
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) May 24, 2015
State league affiliate: Casey Scorpions (VFL)
This weekend: Casey Scorpions v Richmond - Saturday May 23, 6pm, Casey Fields
Midfielder Viv Michie responded well to his demotion from the seniors, collecting a team-high 25 disposals in Casey's runaway 44-point win.
On-baller Jordie McKenzie was prominent in the first half and finished the match with 23 touches.
Big man Max Gawn provided a strong presence in the ruck and up forward with 20 disposals and three goals, including two last-quarter majors.
Max Gawn straightens up and kicks home his third! Scorps can't be stopped in this final term #StingEm
— Casey Scorpions (@CaseyScorpions) May 23, 2015
State league affiliates: Werribee, North Ballarat (VFL)
This weekend: Werribee v Frankston - Sunday May 24, 2pm, Avalon Airport Oval; Footscray v North Ballarat - Sunday May 24, 11am, Whitten Oval
The Roos' big men performed strongly for Werribee, with Daniel Currie booting five goals from 19 disposals and Majak Daw adding three goals from his 19 touches.
Rookie Will Fordham continued his good run with 29 disposals and 10 marks in the Tigers' 77-point win, while defender Scott McMahon had 14 touches and chipped in with two goals.
Backman Aaron Mullett continued to build towards an AFL return after overcoming a left shoulder injury, gathering 17 touches in North Ballarat's heavy 146-point loss.
Fellow defender Max Warren had 19 touches in a defence that was under plenty of pressure, while forward Aaron Black had 12 disposals and booted a goal.
Majak Daw, Daniel Currie and Scott McMahon kick goals as Werribee 9.4.58 lead Frankston 3.1.19 5 minutes into the second quarter
— Werribee FC (@WerribeeFC) May 24, 2015
State league affiliate: Port Adelaide (SANFL)
This weekend: Bye
State league affiliate: Richmond (VFL)
This weekend: Casey Scorpions v Richmond - Saturday May 23, 6pm, Casey Fields
Rookie-listed rebounding defender Jason Castagna led the way for the Tigers, accumulating 25 possessions across half-back in his side's 44-point defeat.
Defender Matt Dea (21 touches), half-forward Ben Lennon (19 touches, one goal) and youngster Matt McDonough (18 touches) all played their roles.
Rookie Jayden Short and forward Nathan Gordon registered two goals apiece, while omitted tall Liam McBean added one goal.
State league affiliate: Sandringham (VFL)
This weekend: Sandringham v Box Hill Hawks - Sunday May 24, 2pm, Trevor Barker Beach Oval
Midfielder Seb Ross made a successful return from a hamstring injury he sustained in the NAB Challenge, collecting 27 disposals in an encouraging display.
Paddy McCartin, the Saints' No.1 pick in last year's draft, registered three goals in the Zebras' 23-point loss.
On-baller Josh Saunders had 23 touches, while tall forward Spencer White contributed with two goals.
@Lee_Skinner23 thanks mate, good to be back!
— Sebastian Ross (@sebjross) May 24, 2015
State league affiliate: Sydney Swans (NEAFL)
This weekend: Bye
State league affiliate: East Perth (WAFL)
This weekend: Bye
State league affiliate: Footscray (VFL)
This weekend: Footscray v North Ballarat - Sunday May 24, 11am, Whitten Oval
Ruckman Will Minson will face the VFL Tribunal on Tuesday night after being charged with making contact with an umpire in the Dogs' 146-point demolition of North Ballarat.
Draftee Lukas Webb, the Dogs' No.27 selection in last year's draft, was the major ball winner with 33 possessions and three goals.
Midfielder Nathan Hrovat (30 touches, two goals) was also kept busy in the one-sided contest along with on-baller Jack Macrae (29 touches, one goal), defender Sam Darley (23) and draftee Declan Hamilton (22).
In attack, Jack Redpath and draftee Toby McLean kicked four apiece, while Jarrad Grant added three.
[VIDEO] Vision of Will Minson's report earlier today for @FootscrayVFL. pic.twitter.com/YDziEFCXRe
— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) May 24, 2015All times are local
