MARCUS Bontempelli has put his case forward for an immediate recall to senior level with a four-goal haul in the VFL.
The club's No.4 draft pick in 2013 was dropped out of the Dogs' senior side after being the substitute in last week's loss to Essendon.
He showed he is a class above for Footscray in the VFL with four goals and a best-afield display, roaming through the midfield and half-forward and setting up many opportunities for teammates in the Footscray Bulldogs' 40-point win.
Three of his goals came in the opening five minutes of the game.
The Bulldogs had a number of other players press for senior selection, with midfield pair Koby Stevens and Clay Smith booting three goals each and rookie Jack Redpath showing encouraging signs in attack with four majors.
Melbourne hard nut Jordie McKenzie had 32 possessions for the Casey Scorpions in their 16-point win over the Northern Blues.
McKenzie was a standout in the win, along with Sam Blease (30 disposals), Aidan Riley (27 and seven tackles) and Viv Michie (23).
Carlton midfielder Nick Graham was prolific for the Northern Blues, gathering 32 disposals.
Upgraded rookie Jaryd Cachia had 31 touches, while first-year midfielder Patrick Cripps, who hasn't played in the senior side since round five, found 22 possessions.
There are only three games in the VFL this weekend due to a number of affiliate clubs having the bye round in the AFL.
Casey's Sam Blease tries to break through a tackle against the Northern Blues. Picture: AFL Media
NEAFL
Brisbane Lions midfielder Claye Beams made his return to football for the club's reserves side on Saturday.
Beams, who broke a bone in his foot during the NAB Challenge, was named as one of his side's best players. Others to impress included James Polkinghorne (three goals) and Rohan Bewick (two goals).
The Sydney Swans had a number of key contributors in their 75-point thrashing of the Greater Western Sydney NEAFL side.
Second-year forward Tim Membrey kicked four goals and had a presence, but the pacy Matt Dick was best afield.
2013 draftees Toby Nankervis and Zak Jones were also among the Swans' best, while veteran Lewis Roberts-Thompson kicked two goals.
Ruckman Rory Lobb gave his all for the Giants, along with exciting wingman Liam Sumner.
WAFL
West Coast squad members Sam Butler (28 disposals and two goals), Patrick McGinnity (32 touches and two goals) and Brant Colledge (26 disposals) have put their hands up for a return to the AFL by dominating in the midfield in East Perth's 80-point win over Claremont.
Fremantle's affiliate, Peel Thunder, takes on West Perth on Sunday afternoon.
SANFL
Adelaide's reserves suffered a 37-point loss to West Adelaide but a number of the Crows' senior-list players were impressive.
Jarryd Lyons battled hard in the middle of the ground, amassing 26 disposals and eight clearances.
Youngster Riley Knight chipped in with 24 touches and a goal, while Rory Atkins gathered 20 disposals and sent the ball inside 50 on four occasions.
Luke Thompson was a stand-out contributor in the backline and ruckman Angus Graham finished with 32 hit-outs.
Port Adelaide's SANFL team plays Sturt at Alberton Oval on Sunday afternoon.
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