ST KILDA midfielder Jack Steele has answered his dumping to the VFL with a 41-possession performance in Sandringham's win over Footscray on Saturday afternoon.
The hard nut was in everything on a sun-drenched Trevor Barker Beach Oval, racking up the ball at will and setting up several goals.
Draftee Hunter Clark was also dropped for the Saints' clash with Adelaide on Saturday night, but he too was instrumental, displaying his undoubted class with 28 possessions.
Second-year forward Josh Battle had an entertaining battle with Bulldog key defender Lewis Young, finishing with three goals.
Young tall defenders Darragh Joyce and Oscar Clavarino were also amongst the Saints-listed players to stand out for the Zebras.
A sickening collision in the second quarter saw fourth-year utility Daniel McKenzie taken from the ground on a stretcher and taken to hospital as a precaution.
The 21-year-old has been cleared of serious injury but was suffering from a severe headache.
For the Bulldogs, former No.1 draft pick Tom Boyd had a quiet first half before showing much more intent as the game wore on.
Switching between the ruck and the forward line, the 22-year-old lifted his work-rate by constantly throwing his huge frame around the contest and giving the midfielders first use at stoppages.
Forward Patrick Lipinski looks ready to step up to AFL level after a four-goal performance that was full of class, while goalsneak Fergus Greene was also handy with two majors.
Premiership defender Shane Biggs had another prosperous afternoon in his second week back at state league level, collecting a team-high 26 disposals.
Midfielder Lukas Webb accumulated 11 disposals to half-time before being rested as the senior team's matchday emergency for Sunday's clash with Essendon at Etihad Stadium.