News From The Reserves

- First off, in the VFL, plenty of axed Richmond stars were in action for Coburg Tigers as they lost to Port Melbourne by 45 points.

Popular DT defender Joel Bowden was one of the Tigers' best with 27 disposals and 8 marks down back, while Jordan McMahon collected 27 touches and those performances will push their case for an AFL recall. It wasn't a great game though for $294k mid Mark Coughlan, while ruckman Troy Simmonds didn't play because of a groin injury.

Williamstown thrashed Geelong by 61 points with Bulldogs defender Tom Williams getting through the game despite some back soreness and he'll be a chance for an AFL recall at Whitten Oval next weekend. Bad news for Dogs fans was that young ruckman Ayce Cordy sustained a nasty neck injury, while defender Tim Callan will be monitored during the week after concussion.

For the Cats, forward Matthew Stokes responded to the seniors axe with a best ground performance for the losers collecting 43 possessions and booting 2 goals. Key forward Tom Lonergan was also named in Geelong's best.

The Box Hill Hawks defeated Sandringham Zebras by 26 points this weekend too, with Hawthorn-listed midfielder Josh Kennedy the best for the victors with 30 possessions. Brendan Whitecross also kicked two goals for the Hawks.

For Sandringham, of their St Kilda brigade, Raphael Clarke pushed his AFL case with 21 disposals and 5 marks in midfield. Ben McEvoy claimed 33 hitouts in the ruck and Leigh Fisher racked up 22 disposals down back. Also defender Sean Dempster got through the game unscathed after a long injury layoff and will be in contention for the seniors next weekend.

Bad news for the Saints though, was that Fisher ended up injured with a hamstring problem along with young midfielder David Armitage who had a shoulder problem.

- In the SANFL, Central Districts beat North Adelaide, but there was bad news for Crows fans with forward Nick Gill ending the game on crutches and confirmed out for 5-6 weeks with an ankle problem.

For North, Crows-listed $86k midfielder Tony Armstrong had a good afternoon off half-back with 21 touches, while Phil Davis did well too with 20 disposals.

Woodville-West Torrens Eagles beat South Adelaide by 21 points this weekend too, with more Crows impressing. Robert Shirley racked up 24 stats, Jared Petrenko did well with 15 touches, while Shaun McKernan was amongst the best again for the Panthers and must be close to an AFL game after nearly 30 hitouts in the ruck. Port's Matt Broadbent was good for the Eagles too, collecting 19 possessions in a solid game full of hard chases and tackling. Bad news for Adelaide, is Jarrhan Jacky did his hamstring during the game.

Port Adelaide rallied themselves to defeat Norwood at Alberton on Friday by 27 points. Port Power forward Nathan Krakouer was dangerous with 18 possessions and 8 marks and he booted 2 goals for the Magpies. For Norwood, Port's Nick Lower was okay with 21 disposals.

- In the WAFL, Subiaco went top of the ladder after beating South Fremantle by 28 points. For Souths, Daniel Gilmore must be close to an AFL recall after 15 kicks, 20 handballs, 4 marks and 5 tackles in midfield. Another Freo-listed player, Ryan Murphy, was well held.

Claremont surprised East Fremantle this weekend too, with a good win in bad conditions. Bad news for Eagles fans though is Brent Staker was injured during the match and it's been confirmed as a finger problem and will see him out for 3-5 weeks.

- In the Canberra AFL, Sydney's reserves were thumped by Belconnen by 109 points. Luke Ablett was the Swans' best with 40 touches, while much-hyped youngster Patrick Veszpremi did well with 4 goals. Mike Pyke was good in the ruck before injuring his calf late, while defender Nick Malceski was named in the best too.

- In the QAFL, the Lions reserves weren't in action this weekend.