HAWTHORN skipper Luke Hodge's VFL return captured plenty of attention over the weekend, but there were a whole host of players who stood out in the state leagues across Australia.
After almost 12 months on the sidelines, Essendon midfielder Brent Prismall collected 15 disposals in his first game back in the VFL since rupturing his ACL in round 19 last year.
Playing for Bendigo on Saturday, Prismall managed to come through three quarters without bother and did not appear to be hampered in his movements.
Bombers defender Tayte Pears played a commanding role in his third game back from injury, while first round 2011 NAB AFL Draft selection Elliott Kavanagh continues to impress.
St Kilda players Raphael Clarke and Daniel Archer (three goals) were in the best in Sandringham's 11-point win over the Gold.
North Melbourne forward Aaron Edwards pushed his name into the selection spotlight with four goals, 15 marks and 27 disposals in North Ballarat's crushing 77-point win over Coburg.
Carlton forward Jarrad Waite suffered another injury setback in his bid to return after being a late withdrawal in the VFL.
The 29-year-old has not played since the Blues' loss to St Kilda in round seven- having been restricted by back and hip injuries for a large part of this year.
At least Carlton may have found the answer to the ongoing injuries to its tall players after emerging youngster Luke Mitchell starred for the Northern Blues in the VFL.
Mitchell has been limited in his playing time due to a series of shoulder injuries, but he put that behind him with four goals to put himself in line for his senior debut.
Along with Hodge, Hawthorn players Max Bailey, Chance Bateman and Bradley Hill all ran rampant for Box Hill in its 116-point win over Collingwood.
Bailey controlled the ruck with 21 hit-outs, five marks and a goal, while Bateman (21 touches) and Hill (three goals) were also instrumental in the win.
Collingwood was thoroughly outplayed, although Simon Buckley (30 disposals), Martin Clarke (28) Alan Didak (24) showed some pluck for the Pies.
In the SANFL, Adelaide's Tom Lynch was dominant with 35 possessions for Glenelg and Port Adelaide pair Ben Jacobs (29) and Steven Salopek (18 and two goals) were effective for the Port Adelaide Magpies.
In the WAFL, Fremantle youngster Lachie Neale amassed 35 disposals for Swan Districts and experienced teammate Nick Lower had 20 for Perth.
West Coast midfielder Bradd Dalziell backed up a strong performance last week to collect another 26 touches and Koby Stevens (25 and two goals) also did well. Eagles rookie Brad Dick kicked four goals for East Fremantle.
In the NEAFL, Brisbane Lions forward Jordan Lisle booted five goals and Gold Coast's Jacob Gillbee and Hayden Jolly added two apiece in their clash at Metricon Stadium.
Ben Guthrie is a reporter for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter - @AFL_BenGuthrie
