State league affiliate: Adelaide (SANFL)
This weekend: South Adelaide v Adelaide - Saturday, April 14, 2.10pm, Hickinbotham Oval
Gritty midfielder Riley Knight pushed for a spot in the senior side with 25 disposals and seven tackles in Adelaide's 20-point loss to South Adelaide at Hickinbotham Oval on Saturday afternoon.
Paul Hunter slotted two goals while former Giant Curtly Hampton finished with 10 tackles, along with 14 disposals.
The Crows trailed by six points at the main break, but the Panthers pulled away from there to post the 9.6 (60) to 6.4 (40) win.
State league affiliate: Brisbane (NEAFL)
This weekend: Brisbane v Sydney - Saturday, April 14, 12pm, Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex
Ryan Lester, a member of the Lions' leadership group, had an impressive showing in response to being dropped from the senior side, picking up 30 disposals, 11 marks and two goals in the NEAFL grand final rematch against Sydney.
Big-bodied midfielder Tom Bell had 30 disposals while finishing with a goal, while Claye Beams (29 and two) and Corey Lyons (28 and one) were also prolific.
Ryan Bastinac slotted three goals and Dan McStay finished with two.
The Lions overcame a half-time deficit to power to a 50-point win at Burpengary on Saturday, 19.10 (124) to 10.14 (74).
THINGS WE LEARNED: Heir to Dusty's throne revealed
State league affiliate: Northern Blues (VFL)
This weekend: North Melbourne v Northern Blues - Sunday, April 14, 1pm, Avalon Airport Oval
Demoted forward Jed Lamb did his chances of a return to the senior side no harm with 17 touches and three goals in the Blues' three-point loss.
Sam Kerridge gathered 22 disposals and looks a chance to play his first senior game of the season next week, especially with Carlton skipper Marc Murphy expected to miss several weeks because of a plantar fascia issue.
Harry McKay and Cameron Polson are also likely to be considered at the selection table after they each booted two goals in the 12.9 (81) to 12.12 (84) defeat.
State league affiliate: Collingwood (VFL)
This weekend: Collingwood v Port Melbourne - Saturday, April 14, 12.30pm, Olympic Park Oval
Difficult conditions made it a tough return for oft-injured midfielder Daniel Wells, who was quiet in his return from hamstring and Achilles issues, as the Pies fell to Port Melbourne by 16 points.
The 33-year-old spent the game in the midfield and up forward on a day when heavy rain made for a soaked field at the Holden Centre.
"It was just tough, especially for forwards, to get involved on a day like today. Just good to see him get through. Played 65-70 per cent. I don't know how long he will be with us but he's just got to keep building," coach Jared Rivers said.
Alex Fasolo booted a goal while Chris Mayne continued his strong form, lining up on a wing and showing hardness when required, and Flynn Appleby was excellent in defence.
Port coach Gary Ayres notched up his 700th game as a player and coach in the VFL and AFL as his side won, 9.9 (63) to 7.5 (47).
Back in business #vflmagpies pic.twitter.com/aW7ok1OxuG
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) April 14, 2018
State league affiliate: Essendon (VFL)
This weekend: Williamstown v Essendon - Saturday, April 14, 2pm, Williamstown Football Ground
Rookie-listed ruck/forward Shaun McKernan kicked three of Essendon's six goals in their 32-point away loss to Williamstown on Saturday.
Among the best for the Bombers in their 6.9 (45) to 10.17 (77) defeat were Kobe Much, a former GWS academy member, as well as Patrick Ambrose, Dylan Clarke and Jordan Ridley.
FANTASY FORM WATCH: Athletic Eagle back to his best
State league affiliate: Peel Thunder (WAFL)
This weekend: Peel Thunder v Perth - Sunday, April 15, 2.15pm, Bendigo Bank Stadium
Fremantle veteran Danyle Pearce was among the best for Peel in its six-point loss to Perth on Sunday.
Pearce, who was dropped after the Dockers' round one loss to Port Adelaide, collected 23 possessions and laid four tackles.
Fremantle rookie Taylin Duman was outstanding for the Thunder, amassing 28 disposals (20 of them kicks) and 10 marks.
Another rookie, Ryan Nyhuis, who played four senior games in 2017, gathered 23 touches, while speedy defender Ethan Hughes racked up 24.
Lloyd Meek, Shane Kersten, Sam Switkowski and Luke Strnadica all booted one goal in the 11.13 (79) to 12.13 (85) defeat.
State league affiliate: Geelong (VFL)
This weekend: Geelong v Sandringham - Sunday, April 15, 1pm, GMHBA Stadium
Utility Aaron Black will be sent for scans on Monday after a shoulder injury in Sunday's loss to Sandringham, failing to return after quarter-time. Black's injury comes at a bad time for the Cats, with Lachie Henderson and Harry Taylor sidelined, as he had been training in defence.
As the crisis takes its toll, second-year swingman Timm House (26 disposals) put his hand up for a debut playing as a key defender, while Jackson Thurlow (29 disposals) stood tall with 11 final-term disposals despite the Cats falling to a narrow two-point loss.
George Horlin-Smith (31 disposals with 19 contested) was prolific as he searches for his first AFL game of the season with Charlie Constable (24 disposals) joining him in a strong opening half.
Dropped forward James Parsons was the carryover emergency for the senior game.
State league affiliate: Gold Coast (NEAFL)
This weekend: GWS Giants v Gold Coast - Saturday, April 14, 6.30pm, Harrup Park
Michael Barlow starred for the Suns, the veteran midfielder racking up 46 touches (22 kicks, 24 handballs) while laying six tackles.
Jesse Lonergan and Jacob Dawson may be set for a senior call up following impressive performances for the Suns in their 21-point win over the Giants in their NEAFL clash in Mackay.
Rookie-listed Dawson, who was very good in the Suns' round one win over Aspley, was best on ground in the 14.9 (93) to 11.6 (72) victory.
Jacob Heron (also on the rookie list) kicked three goals, while Will Brodie, Charlie Ballard and Connor Nutting each kicked two.
Full time in our @neaflofficial match in Mackay and the SUNS are walking away with a solid win over GWS
— GC SUNS (@GoldCoastSUNS) April 14, 2018
SUNS 93 v GWS 72 pic.twitter.com/bSJU3J30Gf
State league affiliate: GWS Giants (NEAFL)
This weekend: GWS Giants v Gold Coast - Saturday, April 14, 6.30pm, Harrup Park
Exciting playmaker Lachie Tiziani kicked three goals for Greater Western Sydney and was among their best, but left the ground with a serious leg injury in the Giants' 21-point loss to the Suns in Mackay on Saturday.
Taken with pick No.54 in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft, Tiziani fell awkwardly in a tackle in the third quarter and was assisted from the field.
Matthew Flynn won plenty of ball and kicked two goals, so too did Dylan Buckley, while Lachlan Keeffe added one in an impressive four-quarter display.
The Suns won 14.9 (93) to 11.6 (72).
State league affiliate: Box Hill Hawks (VFL)
This weekend: Frankston v Box Hill Hawks - Saturday, April 14, 2pm, SkyBus Stadium
Promising young defender Ryan Burton was named among the best after his demotion to Box Hill, picking up 22 disposals and two goals in the Hawks' 39-point victory against Frankston.
Tough onballer James Cousins notched up 30 disposals, 10 tackles, eight clearances and a goal, while Teia Miles (20), Will Langford (18) and James Worpel (18) also won their fair share of the football.
The Hawks ran out comfortable winners, 14.19 (103) to 9.10 (64).
State league affiliate: Casey Demons (VFL)
This weekend: Werribee v Casey Demons - Saturday, April 14, 7pm, Avalon Airport Oval
Jayden Hunt has put his hand up for a senior recall, the dashing defender best on ground for the Demons in their 16-point win over Werribee.
Big man Cameron Pedersen kicked two goals and Harley Balic slotted one.
Joel Smith (one goal) took a brilliant mark in the first half and was solid in defence all day, Mitch King (one goal) was good in the ruck, while Timothy Smith (one goal) made an impact in the centre when given an opportunity.
Melbourne won 10.11 (71) to 8.7 (55).
State league affiliate: North Melbourne (VFL)
This weekend: North Melbourne v Northern Blues - Sunday, April 14, 1pm, Avalon Airport Oval
Experienced defender Sam Wright is pressing for his first senior game of 2018.
The 27-year-old, who has played 116 games at the top level, was a solid four-quarter contributor, as North Melbourne booted eight of the last 10 goals to score a thrilling three-point win.
Rookie Cameron Zurhaar also impressed in the 12.12 (84) to 12.9 (81) win.
Big man Tristan Xerri (two goals) was busy, both in the ruck and up forward.
Midfielder Declan Mountford kicked two majors, including the go-ahead goal 22 minutes into the final term, while Nick Larkey and Gordon Narrier also slotted two goals.
Sing it loud! ⚪️ #BeAShinboner pic.twitter.com/rnP34PElm7
— North Melbourne VFL (@NorthVFL) April 15, 2018
State league affiliate: Port Adelaide (SANFL)
This weekend: Port Adelaide v Woodville-West Torrens - Saturday, April 14, 2.10pm, Alberton Oval
Running defender Jasper Pittard amassed 28 disposals and seven rebound-50s in his comeback from a hamstring injury at Alberton Oval on Saturday afternoon.
A dour draw saw Lindsay Thomas lead all-comers with two goals, but it was his late miss against Woodville-West Torrens that will be remembered.
The former Roo's shot from about 40m registered as a behind to level the scores.
We have a DRAW!!!
— Port Adelaide FC (@PAFC) April 14, 2018
Full time at Alberton and a low scoring match in trying conditions ends all square. #weareportadelaide pic.twitter.com/olsE1WDhSg
Will Snelling collected 25 disposals, eight tackles and a goal.
Remarkably, the wasteful Eagles didn't kick their first goal until the final term and almost won before the Magpies came back and scores finished level, 4.4 (28) to 2.16 (28).
State league affiliate: Richmond (VFL)
This weekend: Bye
State league affiliate: Sandringham (VFL)
This weekend: Geelong v Sandringham - Sunday, April 15, 1pm, GMHBA Stadium
David Armitage was best afield in Sandringham's 9.10 (64) to 9.8 (62) win at Geelong.
The Saints veteran, who was omitted after St Kilda was on the receiving end of consecutive thrashings by North Melbourne and Adelaide, picked up 31 possessions (18 contested) and laid four tackles.
Bailey Rice and Logan Austin both collected 20 disposals, Billy Longer was solid in the ruck and kicked a goal, and Maverick Weller gathered 14 touches and kicked a goal.
Emerging forward Josh Battle booted a goal, but had just the eight touches (all after half-time).
State league affiliate: Sydney (NEAFL)
This weekend: Brisbane v Sydney - Saturday, April 14, 12pm, Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex
Irishman Colin O'Riordan followed up on an impressive round one performance by being his side's most prolific ball-winner, collecting 23 disposals as Sydney lost to Brisbane by 50 points.
Darcy Cameron and Ben Ronke each snagged two goals, with Ronke also laying 10 tackles, while Robbie Fox and Harry Marsh had 22 disposals apiece.
The Swans led at the main break but couldn’t hold on as Brisbane booted 12 second-half goals at Burpengary, 19.10 (124) to 10.14 (74).
State league affiliate: East Perth (WAFL)
This weekend: Bye
State league affiliate: Footscray (VFL)
This weekend: Footscray v Coburg - Saturday, April 14, 12pm, VU Whitten Oval
A recall for key forward Tom Boyd may be close after he bagged five goals in Footscray's dominant 81-point win against Coburg at the Whitten Oval on Saturday afternoon.
Boyd slotted all his goals in the second half after heavy rain marred the opening two quarters and grew in confidence as the game wore on.
However, it wasn't all good news for the Dogs, with fellow tall Josh Schache finishing the game with ice on his left ankle, while rookie Brad Lynch appeared to suffer a hamstring injury.
Ruckman Jordan Roughead returned from concussion and was dangerous in the air while lining up in attack.
Backman Lewis Young and midfielder Lukas Webb were among the best players as the Dogs finished comprehensive victors.
