• After the siren: This is Clarkson's biggest test
• Nine things we learned from round three
• Fantasy form watch: Dusty cleans up again

State league affiliate: Adelaide (SANFL)
This weekend: Sturt v Adelaide - Sunday, April 9, 2.10pm, Peter Motley Oval

Midfielder Brad Crouch showed no signs of the hamstring injury that has sidelined him since January, starring with a game-high 40 touches in the thrilling two-point win in wet conditions.

The 23-year-old injured his hamstring for the third time in a kicking drill after the Christmas break, and didn't feature in the JLT Community Series.

Crouch, who also laid a team-high 10 tackles, finished 13 disposals ahead of the next Crow, rookie Hugh Greenwood (27 disposals, equal team-high two goals).

Rookie Jonathon Beech (22 disposals, one goal) and yet-to-debut onballer Harrison Wigg (21 disposals) rounded out Adelaide's best, while livewire Troy Menzel (16 disposals, two goals) wasn't far off the mark.

 

State league affiliate: Brisbane Lions (NEAFL)
This weekend: NT Thunder v Brisbane Lions - Saturday, April 8, 6.30pm, TIO Stadium

Axed midfielder Ryan Bastinac returned to form by being named the Lions' best player in their 26-point win over the NT Thunder.

After picking up 25 disposals last week, midfielder Claye Beams continued his recent run by using his skills and decision-making to good effect.

Rookie Matthew Hammelmann booted three goals, while Bastinac, Beams and omitted forward Michael Close added one major each.

 

State league affiliate: Northern Blues (VFL)
This weekend: Port Melbourne v Northern Blues - Saturday, April 8, 2pm, North Port Oval

Midfielder Nick Graham asserted his influence despite the Blues' 29-point season-opening loss, amassing 37 disposals, 11 inside 50s, 10 marks and eight clearances.

Ruckman Andrew Phillips was carefully managed in his comeback from a stress reaction in his left foot, and got through the match unscathed.

The 25-year-old will spend more time with the Northern Blues to build match fitness before he can return to the senior line-up.

Draftee Zac Fisher and swingman Kristian Jaksch kicked an equal team-high two goals each, while omitted midfielder Billie Smedts had 21 touches.

 

State league affiliate: Collingwood (VFL)
This weekend: Collingwood v North Ballarat - Saturday, April 8, 12pm, Holden Centre

A five-goal display from Jamie Elliott has the forward in line for selection in the senior team next Sunday after he returned from an ankle injury in a practice match against North Ballarat on Saturday at the Holden Centre.

Elliott has not played in the AFL since 2015 after back surgery wiped out his 2016.

Silky backman Matthew Scharenberg copped a head knock in a marking contest in the second quarter and sat out the game, but VFL assistant coach Brad Gotch said there were no major concerns.

"They're so cautious these days. He didn't seem too badly off but you take the precautions in the right fashion these days and unfortunately for him, he had to retire at half-time," Gotch said.

Dropped forward Jarryd Blair played through the middle and had an influence without dominating. 

American big man Mason Cox looked good in the ruck when he was in there but played mostly forward and took his fair share of marks while Lynden Dunn impressed down back. 

Onballer Rupert Wills played his first game for the year after a quad injury hampered him in the pre-season. He sat out the first quarter but his clean hands and strength in the contest were on show. 

A crunching hip-and-shoulder left his opponent on the ground for about a minute. 

"We probably need to get some running power back into him, when you've been out for so long. He's had that thigh problem for a fair bit of the pre-season but you know he's going to be good in and around the footy and I thought he was really good at that again today," Gotch said.

Ben Crocker was lively up forward but missed a few shots in windy conditions to finish with three goals.

Collingwood led at every change on a warm day to run out comfortable winners, 19.18 (132) to 5.8 (38).

State league affiliate: Essendon (VFL)
This weekend: Richmond v Essendon - Saturday, April 8, 11am, Punt Road Oval

Recruit James Stewart booted five goals as Essendon defeated Richmond by 73 points in a practice match at Punt Road Oval.

Stewart was drafted by Greater Western Sydney in 2012 and traded to the Bombers at the end of last year for a late selection. 

He is yet to debut for the Bombers. 

Jackson Merrett also kicked five while former Swan Craig Bird's 37 disposals impressed Bombers coach Paul Corrigan.

"His contest work was really good, his ability to get to the outside and his pressure on ball was fantastic," Corrigan told the club website.

Bullocking young tall Aaron Francis kicked a goal.

State league affiliate: Peel Thunder (WAFL)
This weekend: Subiaco v Peel Thunder - Saturday, April 8, 12.05pm, Leederville Oval

Of the five omitted Dockers to line up for Peel, midfielder Darcy Tucker, defender Cameron Sutcliffe and ruckman Jonathon Griffin returned to form despite Peel's 15-point loss.

Tucker (30 disposals, 10 marks) and Sutcliffe (28 disposals) provided drive from half-back, while Griffin (22 hit-outs, 15 disposals, one goal) also worked hard.

Midfielder Nick Suban (20 disposals) and defender Zac Dawson (11 disposals) rounded out the axed Dockers to take the field for the Thunder.

Defender Sam Collins took five intercept marks and made each of his 14 possessions count, while forward Matt Taberner was also impressive with four goals from his 17 touches and 10 marks.

 

State league affiliate: Geelong (VFL)
This weekend: Bye

 

State league affiliate: Gold Coast (NEAFL)
This weekend: Redland v Gold Coast - Sunday, April 9, 1.30pm, Tidbold Park

Wingman Matt Shaw was the Suns' major ball-winner in the 92-point win with 32 disposals and six marks.

Midfielder Jesse Lonergan made an impact with his 31 touches alongside fellow onballer Mitch Hallahan, who had 30 disposals and registered two goals.

Small forward Darcy MacPherson (21 disposals) and rookie Keegan Brooksby (23 disposals) shared the spoils in attack with four goals apiece.

Omitted pair Callum Ah Chee and Jack Leslie had 20 and 10 disposals respectively, with Ah Chee booting two goals.

State league affiliate: GWS Giants (NEAFL)
This weekend: GWS Giants v Sydney Uni - Saturday, April 8, 4.30pm, Blacktown International Sportspark

Key forward Jonathon Patton returned from a hip complaint he picked up in round one, kicking two goals from his 12 disposals in the Giants' 43-point loss.

Midfielder Matthew Kennedy was the major ball-winner with a game-high 36 touches and six tackles, while former Geelong ruckman Dawson Simpson (13 disposals, seven tackles, one goal) also put in a strong performance.

Young defender Harrison Himmelberg and draftee Harry Perryman rounded out the Giants' leaders, finishing with 30 possessions and 11 tackles each.

Academy product Zach Sproule led the goalkicking with five majors from his 12 touches, with Kennedy and Perryman adding a goal apiece. 

State league affiliate: Box Hill Hawks (VFL)
This weekend: Coburg v Box Hill Hawks - Saturday, April 8, 1.30pm, Piranha Park 

An all-round game from dumped Hawthorn tall James Sicily saw him push his claim for senior selection in Box Hill's draw with Coburg in a practice match on Saturday at Piranha Park.

Sicily, 22, was dropped after the round one loss to Essendon, but picked up 28 disposals and slotted three goals for the Hawks.

He played at both ends of the ground and his marking and clean disposal was a highlight.

Daniel Howe collected 30 disposals while Dallas Willsmore had 26 and a goal.

Kade Stewart, who was dropped from the side that lost to Adelaide last Saturday, slotted two goals.

Box Hill trailed by 23 points going into the final term but managed to tie it up with the wind at its backs, 10.11 (71) to 10.11 (71).

State league affiliate: Casey Demons (VFL)
This weekend: Casey Demons v Werribee - Saturday, April 8, 2pm, Casey Fields

Ruckman Jake Spencer seems the most logical replacement for the injured Max Gawn, who sustained a right hamstring injury against Geelong.

Spencer lined up in Casey's final pre-season practice game and had 30 hit-outs, 12 touches and kicked a goal in the 31-point win.

Casey coach Justin Plapp told AFL.com.au on Sunday that Spencer dominated the hit-outs and "was able to mark the ball really well around the ground".

Plapp said defender Sam Frost looked a lot more comfortable in his second game back from a toe injury, as he continues to build match fitness.

The Casey coach added omitted midfielder Angus Brayshaw (25 disposals) was clean by hand at ground level and "showed signs of what we need him to be doing contest to contest".

 

State league affiliate: Werribee (VFL)
This weekend: Casey Demons v Werribee - Saturday, April 8, 2pm, Casey Fields

Midfielder Jed Anderson featured in the inside midfield in his fourth consecutive game since overcoming a shoulder injury.

A Werribee spokesman told AFL.com.au on Sunday that Anderson "got high game time".

However, the practice match was called off in the opening minutes of the final quarter because of storm activity, denying Anderson more valuable on-field minutes.

Draftee forward Nick Larkey kicked three goals, taking his tally over the past three weeks to 10 majors, while rookie Cameron Zurhaar was close to North's best.

"(Zurhaar) was really lively and created a lot of opportunities," the Tigers' official said.

 

State league affiliate: Port Adelaide (SANFL)
This weekend: Glenelg v Port Adelaide - Saturday, April 8, 7.10pm, Gliderol Stadium

Returning defender Jasper Pittard collected 16 disposals in his first game back from a hamstring injury against Glenelg at Gliderol Stadium.

Pittard, who was the only Power player to make the All Australian squad of 40 last year, was solid defensively across half-back.

The 26-year-old hurt his left hamstring in the JLT Community Series against Richmond.

Big-bodied midfielder Brendon Ah Chee was Port's standout. He picked up 30 disposals and booted three goals, with his work in stoppage situations impressive.

Exciting draftee Todd Marshall had 15 disposals and kicked two goals in a promising display in attack. At 198cm, Marshall looms as a key forward for the future.

Tough onballer Joe Atley had 23 disposals and 11 tackles and worked hard, and a couple of decision-making errors were a minor blemish on an otherwise sound game.

Glenelg held on to win after a six-goal first quarter, 15.12 (102) to 13.7 (85). 

State league affiliate: Richmond (VFL)
This weekend: Richmond v Essendon - Saturday, April 8, 11am, Punt Road Oval

Midfielder Anthony Miles' efforts didn't go unnoticed in the Tigers' final practice game, with his 21 disposals (13 contested) and one goal a highlight despite the heavy 73-point loss.

Forward Sam Lloyd led the possession count for Richmond with 26 touches, while midfielder Connor Menadue (21 disposals, one goal) also found plenty of the ball.

In his second straight game since overcoming a right knee injury, defender Steven Morris began brightly with 10 of his 18 possessions coming in the first quarter. 

State league affiliate: Sandringham (VFL)
This weekend: Williamstown v Sandringham - Sunday, April 9, 1pm, Burbank Oval 

Youngster Jack Sinclair featured in the second half after being an emergency for the AFL clash against the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium.

"He got in his car and went to Williamstown, and in that half he performed really solidly," Sandringham coach Lindsay Gilbee told AFL.com.au on Sunday.

Former Western Bulldog Koby Stevens found a fair amount of the ball in the wet conditions, gathering about 30 touches in his side's 11-point loss.

The Zebras' coach was full of praise for defender Bailey Rice, the son of former Saints and Carlton footballer Dean.

"I thought Bailey was an excellent player for us … his ball use was clean and in the conditions, he was excellent," Gilbee said.

 

State league affiliate: Sydney (NEAFL)
This weekend: Sydney v Southport - Saturday, April 8, 1.30pm, Blacktown International Sportspark 

A six-goal haul from rookie Toby Pink was the highlight for Sydney in its 102-point win against Southport on Saturday at Blacktown International Sportspark. 

Pink, drafted last year, presented well versus the Sharks. The 18-year-old also had 17 disposals and eight marks.

Harry Cunningham, who was dropped after round two, responded well with 25 disposals and two goals playing mainly through the midfield but also spending time up forward.

One to have impressed over the past month was Shaun Edwards. The former Giant and Bomber picked up 23 disposals, eight tackles and a goal on a wing and also as an inside midfielder.

Rookie Sam Fisher played as an onballer and racked up 34 disposals and a goal. His balance and cleanness were assets for the Swans.

Lewis Melican put his hand up for senior selection while omitted defender Jeremy Laidler had 22 disposals.

Sydney ran out comfortable winners, 20.9 (129) to 3.9 (27).

State league affiliate: East Perth (WAFL)
This weekend: East Perth v Claremont - Friday, April 7, 7.10pm, Leederville Oval

Midfielder Dom Sheed put the disappointment of being axed behind him, amassing a game-high 37 disposals, eight tackles, seven inside 50s and kicking a goal in East Perth's 36-point loss.

Defender Eric Mackenzie (21 possessions) remained composed down back by taking several intercept marks, while draftee Daniel Venables (13 possessions, two goals) continued to impress in his second WAFL appearance. 

State league affiliate: Footscray (VFL)
This weekend: Bye