VETERAN Hawk Jarryd Roughead did all he could on Sunday to be seen at AFL level again, booting five goals in his first VFL match in more than seven years.

All five came before three-quarter time, including two each in the first and third terms, at a largely empty MCG that will also host Hawthorn's AFL clash with Greater Western Sydney.

The 32-year-old finished with 5.1 from 19 disposals, as well as seven marks and three tackles in a hard-fought contest with Footscray that ended in a 12.12 (84) stalemate.

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"I haven't played with any of these boys, really, so I have to fit into their system more than them fitting in with me," Roughead told Channel 7 post-game.

"The fact I was able to contribute with the boys today was obviously a positive. No one else has kicked five at the MCG this weekend, have they?"

Roughead's rare state-league appearance came after the Hawks announced on Thursday night they had dropped the 281-game club great after an underwhelming run of form.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson stopped short on Friday of guaranteeing that Roughead would play in the AFL again, saying he was hopeful he would be back at the elite level at some stage.

Roughead looked ominous from the outset, opposed to 189cm Footscray defender and former Brisbane Lion Reuben William.

Roughead twice outmarked William in the opening term – the second after ragdolling the Bulldog in a one-on-one contest – then he set up Ryan Schoenmakers for the simplest of goals later in the quarter.

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His third major followed in the second quarter, after he first found recruit Darren Minchington deep in the pocket before receiving the ball back.

Roughead's fourth goal came after an ugly build-up, including a fumble of his own, then a handball before receiving the Sherrin back from Schoenmakers.

The fifth was the simplest of the lot, with Jackson Ross' dinky kick finding him unattended just outside the goalsquare.

The 2013 Coleman medallist moved well and was active defensively, as well as appearing to give William, a Mid-Season Rookie Draft contender, pointers at one stage.

Roughead wasn't the sole AFL veteran on the field, with Western Bulldogs forward Tory Dickson also responding well to his demotion with three goals and 19 possessions.

Conor Glass (25 disposals) was among the better Hawks contributors, along with Changkuoth Jiath (19), who was particularly eye-catching in the first half.

There were plenty of positives for the Dogs, with Bailey Williams amassing a match-high 32 disposals, Lukas Webb chipping in with 24 and Laitham Vandermeer (22) doing some nice things.

Gippsland Power's Kyle Dunkley also made an impression in his VFL debut for Footscray, slotting three goals and gathering 13 disposals.

Dunkley, the son of former Swans defender Andrew and brother of current Bulldogs star Josh, is considered a leading chance to be recruited in this month's mid-season draft.