CARLTON draftee Patrick Cripps has given himself every chance of a senior debut after a best-afield performance in the VFL.
Cripps, the Blues' first pick in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft (No.13 overall), collected 34 disposals and a goal to lead the Northern Blues to a comeback win over Williamstown on Sunday.
Fellow new Blue Sam Docherty was also important with 21 touches in his first game back from quad surgery.
Meanwhile, Melbourne midfielder Jack Trengove did his chances of an instant recall little harm with a solid performance for the Casey Scorpions.
Trengove, dropped by the Demons after a thumping defeat against West Coast last weekend, collected 25 disposals and kicked a goal in his side's win over Essendon's VFL team.
Jordie McKenzie (31 touches), Mitch Clisby (28), Neville Jetta (23), Jimmy Toumpas (22) were the other notable Melbourne-listed players to impact the game.
Shaun Edwards, Leroy Jetta (three goals) and Zach Merrett (three goals) were the Bombers' best players.
He was a substitute in the opening round, but has gone back to the VFL as he develops the stamina to play at AFL level.
Tom Lee also impressed with four goals for the Zebras, the talented Saints' forward continuing to push for selection.
Hawthorn defender Ryan Schoenmakers made a satisfying comeback from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament with the Box Hill Hawks. He was the best player on the ground in the second half as the Hawks defeated Werribee by 25 points, also managing a late goal.
It was not such good news for the unlucky Alex Woodward who injured his shoulder.
Mitch Hallahan was very good for the Hawks while experienced campaigners Brad Sewell and Ben Stratton performed well.
Sam Grimley kicked three goals for Box Hill Hawks and Majak Daw, with one goal, was one of Werribee's best.
Footscray made a great start to life as a stand-alone VFL team thrashing Richmond by 117 points at the Whitten Oval. Tory Dickson and Ayce Cordy kicked five goals each and Mitch Honeychurch played well for Footscray.
Richmond rookie Anthony Miles was one of the Tigers' best in a tough day at the office.
Ben Kennedy continued to put pressure on the selectors as he gathered 28 disposals in Collingwood's 73-point win against the AIS-AFL Academy at the MCG on Friday night.
Defender Tony Armstrong won plenty of the ball and Kyle Martin managed 30 touches and 10 tackles in a solid performance.
Essendon plays Casey Scorpions (Melbourne's affiliate club) on Sunday at Windy Hill and Northern Blues (Carlton's affiliate club) play Williamstown at Visy Park.
Geelong forward Josh Walker kept his name in the selectors' minds with four goals and a best on ground performance in the Cats 47-point win over Bendigo Gold at Queen Elizabeth Oval on Friday night.
SANFL
Ever-reliable Tom Logan was Port Adelaide's best player in its loss to Norwood but he often is among the best at State League level.
Mitch Harvey – who was selection No.45 in the NAB AFL Draft – showed promise as a key forward, kicking two goals and taking five marks. He also helped out in the ruck.
Adelaide plays North Adelaide at Prospect Oval on Sunday.
WAFL
West Coast ruckman Scott Lycett turned in a strong performance for East Perth on Friday night. He kicked two goals and 22 hit outs.
Dom Sheed, who played in round one before going back to the State League, once again showed his class with 29 possessions while the experienced Sam Butler collected 32 touches.
Mark Hutchings also worked his way through his first game for the season after suffering a back injury in the pre-season. Last year's Simpson medallist played very well.
Small forward Josh Hill kicked three goals.
Subiaco was too good for Claremont, setting up a huge lead in the first half.
Peel Thunder play Swan Districts on Saturday afternoon.
NEAFL
On Saturday, Brisbane Lions recruit Jackson Paine kicked four goals in the first half against Gold Coast, setting up his team for a resounding win.
The former Collingwood forward finished with five goals and the Lions won by 89 points.
Nick Robertson, who had 2013 derailed by a shoulder injury, played well for the Lions and finished the game with 30 possessions as did Tom Cutler, who was pick No.33 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft.
The Suns' Karmichael Hunt kept battling away and gathered 19 possessions, including six clearances and a goal to be among Gold Coast's best. Tim Sumner also battled hard and kicked two goals.
The Sydney Swans reserves play the UWS Giants on Sunday.
SANFL
Ever-reliable Tom Logan was Port Adelaide's best player in its loss to Norwood but he often is among the best at State League level.
Mitch Harvey – who was selection No.45 in the NAB AFL Draft – showed promise as a key forward, kicking two goals and taking five marks. He also helped out in the ruck.
Adelaide plays North Adelaide at Prospect Oval on Sunday.
WAFL
West Coast ruckman Scott Lycett turned in a strong performance for East Perth on Friday night. He kicked two goals and 22 hit outs.
Dom Sheed, who played in round one before going back to the State League, once again showed his class with 29 possessions while the experienced Sam Butler collected 32 touches.
Mark Hutchings also worked his way through his first game for the season after suffering a back injury in the pre-season. Last year's Simpson medallist played very well.
Small forward Josh Hill kicked three goals.
Subiaco was too good for Claremont, setting up a huge lead in the first half.
Peel Thunder play Swan Districts on Saturday afternoon.
NEAFL
Young Greater Western Sydney forward Kristian Jaksch was best on ground in the UWS Giants' win over the Sydney Swans on Sunday.
Top draft pick Tom Boyd kicked one major and former Swans forward Jed Lamb was among the goalkickers as well.
Tim Membrey (two goals) and Toby Nankervis (two) were among the major goalkickers for the Swans.
The former Collingwood forward finished with five goals and the Lions won by 89 points.
Nick Robertson, who had 2013 derailed by a shoulder injury, played well for the Lions and finished the game with 30 possessions as did Tom Cutler, who was pick No.33 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft.
The Suns' Karmichael Hunt kept battling away and gathered 19 possessions, including six clearances and a goal to be among Gold Coast's best. Tim Sumner also battled hard and kicked two goals.
The Sydney Swans reserves play the UWS Giants on Sunday.
