State league affiliate: Adelaide (SANFL)
This weekend: Port Adelaide v Adelaide - Friday, March 30, 2.40pm, Alberton Oval
On a dark day for Adelaide, a superb mark to Ben Davis was one of the few highlights as the Crows fell to Port Adelaide by 95 points at Alberton Oval on Saturday afternoon.
Davis hauled in this brilliant one-handed grab late in the final term.
Ben Davis from @AFC_SANFL gets a spectacular one-handed mark! #SANFL pic.twitter.com/6AuehOQXEt
— 7SANFL (@7SANFL) March 31, 2018
Rookie Jackson Edwards, son of former Adelaide champion Tyson, had 17 disposals and seven tackles while defender Kyle Cheney finished with 13 disposals and seven rebound-50s.
The Crows were kept goalless in the first quarter as Port went on to win, 19.14 (128) to 4.9 (33).
State league affiliate: Brisbane (NEAFL)
This weekend: Brisbane v Gold Coast - Saturday, March 31, 1.30pm, South Pine Sports Complex
Last year's No.15 draft pick, Zac Bailey, impressed with his work around the stoppages and willingness to take the game on, while third-year midfielder/forward Ben Keays was a livewire but struggled to capitalise on his hard work when kicking for goal, finishing with 0.4.
Utility Tom Cutler provided the Lions with plenty of run and carry and was involved in numerous scoring chains, while first-year tall Connor Ballenden showed some pleasing signs in the ruck with his contested work and second efforts.
State league affiliate: Northern Blues (VFL)
This weekend: Port Melbourne v Northern Blues - Saturday, March 31, 11am, RAMS Arena, Craigieburn
Young forward Jack Silvagni responded to his demotion with a three-goal performance in the Northern Blues' 31-point practice match loss to Port Melbourne on Saturday at RAMS Arena.
Silvagni also collected 11 disposals.
Meanwhile, key defender Sam Rowe successfully returned from a right knee reconstruction.
Nick Graham racked up 27 disposals and 10 clearances and young tall Harry McKay booted two goals.
The reigning premiers led at every change to post a 14.16 (100) to 10.9 (69) victory.
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State league affiliate: Collingwood (VFL)
This weekend: Collingwood v North Melbourne - Saturday, March 31, 6.30pm, Olympic Park Oval
Forward Kayle Kirby was taken to hospital after collapsing with an irregular heartbeat in the second term of Collingwood's practice match against North Melbourne on Saturday night.
He is in a stable condition and will also spend Sunday night in hospital.
Alex Fasolo and Jarryd Blair both kicked a goal in the opening half before being rested for the final two quarters.
Fasolo had an operation on his shoulder in December, but despite now having played three-and-a-half VFL practice matches, has yet to force his way into the senior side.
Second-year key position player Sam McLarty was named best of the AFL-listed players, despite sending a scare through the crowd when he was forced limping from the ground after a strong intercept mark.
He later returned and moved well across the ground.
State league affiliate: Essendon (VFL)
This weekend: Footscray v Essendon - Saturday, March 31, 12pm, VU Whitten Oval
Despite Essendon having 11 different goalscorers, it went down to Footscray by 10 points in its VFL practice match.
Shaun McKernan impressed while splitting his time between the ruck and defence. He also hit the scoreboard in the second quarter.
With Essendon's senior side disappointing with a loss to Fremantle, others who featured and could be a chance to play AFL next week are Jake Long, Jayden Laverde and Jackson Merrett.
State league affiliate: Peel Thunder (WAFL)
This weekend: Peel Thunder v East Fremantle - Friday, March 30, 2.15pm, Bendigo Bank Stadium
A couple of Dockers young and old won plenty of the football for Peel Thunder, with Darcy Tucker and Danyle Pearce both playing their part in the 15-point win against East Fremantle at Bendigo Bank Stadium.
Pearce picked up 32 disposals while Tucker finished with 28 and a goal.
Ruckman Sean Darcy won 36 hit-outs while Shane Kersten had 17 disposals and nine marks, on the same day Fremantle coach Ross Lyon suggested the forward will be trialled as a defender.
The Thunder overcame an 11-point deficit at the last break to come away with the win, 11.12 (78) to 9.9 (63).
State league affiliate: Geelong (VFL)
This weekend: Geelong v Werribee - Sunday, April 1, 2pm, Torquay’s Spring Creek Reserve
The big forwards for Geelong combined well in the club's first official VFL match for the season.
Wylie Buzza, rookie Stewart Crameri and Aaron Black each kicked two goals in the Cats' four-point win over Werribee.
Werribee kicked the first four goals of the last quarter to take the lead, before late goals to Buzza (who played primarily forward after rucking last week) and VFL player Luke Kiel in the last five minutes of the match got the Cats over the line.
Small forward Gryan Miers, who featured in Geelong's pre-season games, also kicked two goals.
Midfielders Jordan Cunico (with a team-high 32 disposals) and Scott Selwood were named best of the AFL-listed players.
Selwood has had a delayed start to 2018 after undergoing an ankle arthroscopy in late January but played the vast majority of game time in his second match back.
Draftee and midfielder Charlie Constable, who was very close to selection in round one, had 31 disposals.
State league affiliate: Gold Coast (NEAFL)
This weekend: Brisbane v Gold Coast - Saturday, March 31, 1.30pm, South Pine Sports Complex
Second-year midfielder Will Brodie was outstanding in a run-with role on Tom Bell, spending the opening three quarters on the experienced Lion and curbing his influence significantly.
Ruckman Tom Nicholls continued his push for a senior recall with a strong performance in the Suns' 25-point win, while midfielders Charlie Ballard and Jesse Lonergan, rookie Mackenzie Willis and veteran Matt Rosa were also among the Suns' best players.
Former Crow Harrison Wigg also played his first game since crossing from West Lakes at the end of last season, making an encouraging return from ankle surgery.
State league affiliate: GWS (NEAFL)
This weekend: GWS Giants v Sydney - Saturday, March 31, 10.30am, Tom Wills Oval
Young injury-plagued midfielder Jacob Hopper is a chance to return for the Giants next week after playing well in his return from a groin injury.
Ryan Griffen, who managed the first three games last year before being sidelined with a serious ankle injury, played three quarters in the Giants' practice match against Sydney before being rested.
He has been dealing with a reoccurrence of the same ankle injury early this year and is expected to need another few weeks before he is able to play at AFL level.
State league affiliate: Box Hill Hawks (VFL)
This weekend: Richmond v Box Hill Hawks - Friday, March 30, 12.30pm, Swinburne Centre, Richmond
Midfielder Jonathan O'Rourke collected 31 disposals in Box Hill's 23-point loss to Richmond on Friday at the Swinburne Centre.
Versatile Hawk Brendan Whitecross notched up 28 disposals while Kieran Lovell (26) and David Mirra (23) also won their fair share of the football.
Tall forward Mitch Lewis booted three goals.
State league affiliate: Casey Demons (VFL)
This weekend: Frankston v Casey Demons - Friday, March 30, 12pm, Skybus Stadium, Frankston
Angus Brayshaw and Mitch Hannan pressed their claims for senior selection in Casey's 111-point demolition of Frankston in a practice match at Casey Fields last Friday.
Both thrived through the middle of the ground, and Hannan drifted forward to boot two goals in the opening quarter.
"(Hannan) played with a high intensity and bought into how we play at Casey," coach Jade Rawlings told melbournefc.com.au.
"We thought his involvement towards the game was very positive."
Speedster Dean Kent booted four goals while tall forward Sam Weideman slotted three, while also spending time in the ruck.
In defence, Sam Frost impressed with his ability to intercept and rebound.
"I think Sam Frost has played a consistent level in all his games at Casey so far," Rawlings said.
"His attitude is great and he takes a real leadership role in the backline, so he's a real asset when he's playing for us."
The Demons conceded just one goal in the second half as they won, 21.18 (144) to 5.3 (33).
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State league affiliate: North Melbourne (VFL)
This weekend: Collingwood v North Melbourne - Saturday, March 31, 6.30pm, Olympic Park Oval
Big man Majak Daw was named a clear best-on-ground in North Melbourne's 47-point win in a practice match against Collingwood.
Kangaroos' VFL coach David Loader said Daw, playing in defence, was "fantastic".
"His game has gone to another level down back and tonight was really encouraging for everyone to see," Loader told nmfc.com.au.
"His athleticism and closing speed will hold him in good stead, but it was the way in which he attacked the contest and the man tonight that was most pleasing."
Rebounding defender Sam Wright, who has not played an AFL match since round 11, 2016 due to injuries, played a half in his first game since recovering from foot and ankle problems.
Q3 - Sam Wright tries to convince the GPS guy to let him back on... but wasn’t successful. He’s done for the day and unscathed #BeAShinboner pic.twitter.com/uiPxQAbja2
— North Melbourne VFL (@NorthVFL) March 31, 2018
Young forward/ruck Nick Larkey, who played two senior games last year in his debut season, backed up last week's seven-goal haul with another four against the Magpies.
State league affiliate: Port Adelaide Magpies (SANFL)
This weekend: Port Adelaide v Adelaide - Friday, March 30, 2.40pm, Alberton Oval
Mature-aged rookie Lindsay Thomas booted six goals in Port Adelaide's season opening 95-point thrashing of Adelaide at Alberton Oval on Saturday afternoon.
Thomas finished with 6.4 and won 18 disposals.
Long-kicking defender Trent McKenzie collected 25 disposals while onballer Joe Atley had 24 and a goal.
The Magpies booted five goals in the first half before kicking away, 19.14 (128) to 4.9 (33).
First Goal to @PAFC for Round 1 of the #SANFL pic.twitter.com/EqN2DIB16K
— 7SANFL (@7SANFL) March 31, 2018
State league affiliate: Richmond (VFL)
This weekend: Richmond v Box Hill Hawks - Friday, March 30, 12.30pm, Swinburne Centre, Richmond
Midfielder Dion Prestia made an impressive comeback from a hamstring injury in Richmond's 23-point win against Hawthorn in a VFL practice match at the Swinburne Centre last Friday.
Prestia finished with 19 disposals, eight tackles and five clearances in limited minutes, playing the first three quarters, and could be an option for the senior side next week as Josh Caddy considers accepting a one-match ban on offer for striking Adelaide's David Mackay.
Onballer Anthony Miles picked up 25 disposals, 11 contested possessions and a goal, while half-back Connor Menadue won the same amount of the football.
Draftee Jack Higgins put himself in contention for a small forward role with 22 disposals, five tackles and a goal.
Defender Nathan Drummond (knee reconstruction) and ruckman Shaun Hampson (back) also made their returns from long-term injury and emerged unscathed.
State league affiliate: Sandringham (VFL)
This weekend: Coburg v Sandringham - Friday, March 30, 12pm, Piranha Park, Coburg
Tough forward Mav Weller collected 25 disposals and booted five goals in Sandringham's 53-point win against Coburg at Piranha Park on Friday.
Onballer Luke Dunstan was prolific with 36 disposals and a goal while backmen Bailey Rice (24) and Brandon White (22) were also among the major ball-winners.
Josh Battle and Jack Lonie slotted three goals apiece while rookies Rowan Marshall and Doulton Langlands each finished with two.
State league affiliate: Sydney (NEAFL)
This weekend: GWS Giants v Sydney - Saturday, March 31, 10.30am, Tom Wills Oval
State league affiliate: East Perth (SANFL)
This weekend: Subiaco v East Perth - Friday, March 30, 4.15pm, Leederville Oval
On a disappointing day for East Perth, draftee Jarrod Brander was one of the few bright spots as the Royals went down to Subiaco by 118 points in the season opener at Leederville Oval.
Brander, who was selected at No.13 last year and stands 195cm, had 12 disposals, took seven marks and booted a goal.
His aerial work gave the Lions trouble at times.
Mark Hutchings worked hard to collect 29 disposals while ruckman Fraser McInnes finished with 21 disposals, 36 hit-outs and two goals.
Subiaco kicked off its season in brilliant fashion, winning 29.14 (188) to 10.10 (70).
State league affiliate: Footscray (VFL)
This weekend: Footscray v Essendon - Saturday, March 31, 12pm, VU Whitten Oval
Hard nut Mitch Wallis responded to his non-selection in the senior side with a 29-disposal, four-goal effort in a VFL practice match 10-point win against Essendon at Whitten Oval on Saturday.
Sharpshooter Tory Dickson also impressed, booting four goals in the first half before sitting out the rest of the clash, in case he is called up as an emergency on Sunday for Luke Beveridge's side.
Meanwhile, high-priced recruit Tom Boyd struggled both in the ruck and up forward and finished goalless.
Josh Schache was left out of the side after pulling up sore from Thursday's training session.
Premiership backman Shane Biggs notched up 30 disposals but didn't always hit the target while Lewis Young had 24 touches as the Dogs won 14.7 (91) to 11.15 (81).
