• Six things we learned from round nine
• Fantasy round review: The big guns deliver
WAFL
ANTHONY Morabito's much-documented quest to return to the Fremantle line-up has hit another hurdle, with the talented midfielder on report in the WAFL.
Playing for Peel Thunder on Saturday on his way back from a third knee reconstruction, Morabito was booked after making front-on contact with a South Fremantle opponent.
Morabito, 22, escaped a suspension three weeks ago after making forceful contact.
The West Australian reported a one-week suspension to Morabito could balloon to four due to fixturing in both the WAFL and AFL – less than ideal for a player craving match fitness and touch.
It would continue a long run of outs for Morabito, who a fortnight ago was set to play in the derby against West Coast – which would have been his first AFL appearance since 2010 – but he was forced to withdraw with tonsillitis.
Morabito had just 11 touches, including six inside 50s, in bottom side Peel Thunder's first win since round 10 last year, by 24 points over South Fremantle.
Former Demon Colin Sylvia regained some form and fitness with three goals, 15 touches, nine marks and six tackles.
Hayden Crozier, after being dropped by the Dockers, played like a young man with plenty to prove on his way to 27 touches and six inside 50s.
Jacob Ballard collected 25 touches while fellow rookie Sam Menegola had 18 touches and kicked a goal in a break-even midfield duel with former Dockers teammate Hayden Schloithe (20 and a goal).
Teenage draftees Michael Apeness and Brady Grey kicked two goals apiece, with Grey having five scoring shots and succeeding in a defensive role on former Eagle Ashton Hams (20 touches).
Tall forward Matt Taberner blighted his 17-disposal, eight-mark effort with three behinds, while several other Peel big men were influential – Jonathon Griffin amassed 31 hit-outs, Jack Hannath had 17 hit-outs to go with 15 touches and Kepler Bradley had 20 possessions.
Tough defender Clancee Pearce had 13 touches.
Third-placed East Perth – West Coast's affiliate in the WAFL – had a bye.
VFL
In North Ballarat's five-point win over Frankston at Eureka Stadium, North Melbourne midfielder Liam Anthony gathered 30 possessions and youngster Luke Dumont had a team-high 22 and five tackles at three-quarter-time, while American rookie Eric Wallace had plenty of hitouts.
Several Melbourne players racked up some impressive numbers for Casey Scorpions but still suffered an eight-point loss to Coburg.
Jordie McKenzie amassed 35 possessions, former Dockers midfielder Viv Michie had 34, and Michael Evans had 30 and was his team's only multiple goalscorer with two majors, both off a step, including a torpedo at a crucial time.
Meanwhile, Dean Kent had 27 touches while Sam Blease, Daniel Nicholson and Luke Tapscott each had 23 and James Strauss had 22.
Collingwood's Alex Fasolo could be in line for a recall after getting through the VFL unscathed against Bendigo Gold at Victoria Park on Saturday.
Fasolo was one of several good performers for the Magpies in their easy 115-point win, with Taylor Adams, Josh Thomas and Patrick Karnezis also impressive.
Nathan Brown also did enough to come under consideration at selection to reclaim a key defensive post and Ben Sinclair returned successfully from a hamstring injury before being put on ice just after half-time.
Paul Seedsman also returned from injury but is likely to need another couple of VFL games before being considered for selection.
Kyle Hardingham kicked two for Essendon in the Bombers’ 18-point loss to Port Melbourne. Port Melbourne dominated with 18 more scoring shots but Nick O'Brien and Corey Dell'olio battled hard.
Geelong's Josh Walker played well for the Cats but it was not enough for them to get across the line against Williamstown. After a disappointing start Geelong never really got into the game.
St Kilda's Sebastian Ross was the shining light in an otherwise disappointing day for Sandringham. Werribee kicked eight goals to one in the first quarter and it was academic from there. North Melbourne's Mason Wood was impressive kicking four goals, continuing his good form from recent weeks with the Kangaroos' mature-aged ruckman Ben Brown returning from injury for his first game with Werribee.
Brad Sewell, Alex Woodward, Jonathon Ceglar and Tim O'Brien were among the best for Box Hill Hawks against the Tigers at Punt Road. The Hawks kicked 12 goals to five after quarter-time to down Richmond by 29 points. Richmond had few four quarter players although Ivan Maric made a successful comeback and top-up player Luke Conca was lively up forward.
SANFL
Adelaide's Brent Reilly gained 22 disposals for the Crows' reserves against Norwood, after being dropped for what would have been his 200th game against Collingwood.
However Jarryd Lyons was the team's best performer in the 31-point loss to Norwood on Friday night. Andy Otten performed well too and continues to push his claims, with his ability to play at both ends of the ground.
Port Adelaide is a tough team to break into but Andrew Moore keeps presenting himself and gained another 26 disposals while Tom Logan did as he usually does and picked up 22 disposals. John Butcher kicked three goals without making a huge impression.
NEAFL
In a disastrous weekend for the Brisbane Lions at AFL and state league levels, their NEAFL side suffered a 69-point loss to NT Thunder at TIO Stadium and the club saw fit to nominate just three names among their best players – runners Rohan Bewick and Ryan Harwood, along with big man Stefan Martin.
There wasn't much cause for enthusiasm for the Gold Coast reserves either as they went down to Redland by 99 points. Rookie Leigh Osborne, Jack Hutchins, Karmichael Hunt and Jeremy Taylor were the Suns' best.
The Sydney Swans reserves thrashed Eastlake by 131 points. The Swans doubled their three-quarter time score in the final quarter. Young midfielder Tom Mitchell set a new state league possession record with an incredible 64-touch, four-goal game as he continues to push for promotion.
Ryan O'Keefe racked up 35 disposals and Gary Rohan hardly stepped out of second gear and had 18 disposals. It was not much of a test for the Swans but keeps them humming along.
