State league affiliate: Adelaide (SANFL)
This weekend: North Adelaide v Adelaide - Saturday July 18, 2.10pm, Prospect Oval
Midfielder Cam Ellis-Yolmen responded to his demotion in the best possible way, finishing with a career-high 38 touches, 10 marks, 10 clearances and two goals in the Crows' 101-point victory – their biggest SANFL win in club history.
The 22-year-old was well complemented by Sam Kerridge (31 possessions, 10 clearances, two goals), Mitch Grigg (29 possessions, 11 marks, one goal) and omitted onballer Nathan van Berlo (23 possessions, one goal).
Utility James Podsiadly, who was named in the Crows' extended squad for its Showdown against Port Adelaide, kicked five goals from his 13 touches and seven marks.
Onballer Jarryd Lyons was also kept busy with four goals from his 17 touches and four inside 50s.
BRISBANE LIONS
State league affiliate: Brisbane Lions (NEAFL)
This weekend: Sydney University v Brisbane Lions - Sunday July 19, 12pm, Blacktown International Sportspark
Rookie Zac O'Brien amassed a game-high 36 disposals (16 kicks, 20 handballs), five marks and five tackles in the Lions' 43-point defeat.
Draftee Liam Dawson was next best with 27 touches (14 kicks, 13 handballs) and eight marks, with backman Tom Cutler also performing well with 24 touches (15 kicks, nine handballs) and seven tackles.
Omitted Lion Jordon Bourke was kept relatively quiet with one goal from his six touches (four kicks, two handballs).
CARLTON
State league affiliate: Northern Blues (VFL)
This weekend: Northern Blues v Casey Scorpions - Saturday July 18, 2pm, Ikon Park
Mark Whiley (20 possessions) was the Northern Blues' best midfielder in a disappointing 47-point loss to Casey, while tall Kristian Jaksch (15 possessions) impressed in defence before moving into attack in the final quarter and kicking two goals.
Key forward Liam Jones and Blaine Johnson each booted two goals, while Matthew Watson kicked one.
COLLINGWOOD
State league affiliate: Collingwood (VFL)
This weekend: Frankston v Collingwood - Sunday July 19, 2pm, Frankston Oval
Forward Patrick Karnezis (one goal) was named among the Magpies' best players in their 41-point win along with Sam Dwyer and Jonathon Marsh. Omitted father-son recruit Darcy Moore booted two majors after playing the previous two games in the seniors.
ESSENDON
State league affiliate: Essendon (VFL)
This weekend: Essendon v North Ballarat - Saturday July 18, 12pm, Windy Hill
Essendon's lack of ruck depth in Tom Bellchambers' injury-enforced absence was rudely exposed by North Melbourne star Todd Goldstein on Friday night, so it was opportune that Jonathan Giles played his best VFL game this year against North Ballarat. Giles dominated against the Roosters, finishing with 22 possessions and two goals to put his hand up for a senior club debut next round.
Forgotten tall Tayte Pears also impressed after moving back into defence this round following several weeks in attack. Stationed at centre half-back, Pears marshaled the Dons' defence as they secured a 22-point win.
FREMANTLE
State league affiliate: Peel Thunder (WAFL)
This weekend: Claremont v Peel Thunder - Saturday July 18, 2.15pm, Claremont Showgrounds
Freo's four omitted players from round 16 all featured in Peel's 22-point win. Midfielder Clancee Pearce did his chances of earning an immediate senior recall no harm, amassing a game-high 40 possessions (26 kicks, 14 handballs), 11 marks and booting a goal.
Fellow omitted Docker Paul Duffield had 23 possessions (15 kicks, eight handballs), Tendai Mzungu found the ball but didn't dominate the match with 17 touches (eight kicks, nine handballs), while Zac Clarke was more prominent with 17 disposals (11 kicks, six handballs), 18 hit-outs and two goals.
Youngsters Ed Langdon (31 touches) and Jacob Ballard (28 touches) joined Pearce in being named among Peel's best players.
GEELONG
State league affiliate: Geelong (VFL)
This weekend: Geelong v Footscray - Sunday July 19, 11.42am, Simonds Stadium
Midfielder Billie Smedts staked his claim for an AFL call-up despite the Cats' 26-point loss. The 23-year-old led all the key statistics, collecting 27 touches (13 contested) and six marks.
Luckless Cat Daniel Menzel got through unscathed in his second game back from a fourth knee reconstruction, finishing with 19 touches and three goals as he builds towards an AFL return.
Draftee Nakia Cockatoo (20 touches), youngster Jordan Cunico (20, six marks) and onballer Sam Blease (19, seven marks) were also among the leading ball winners.
GOLD COAST SUNS
State league affiliate: Gold Coast (NEAFL)
This weekend: Gold Coast v UWS Giants - Saturday July 18, 10.30am, Metricon Stadium
Harley Bennell made a strong return to the field with 37 disposals and one goal as Gold Coast was thumped by the UWS Giants by 130 points. The silky midfielder is now available for the Suns' match against Adelaide next Saturday after completing a club-imposed ban that has sidelined him for the past three rounds.
Jack Martin also made his comeback after six weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, and finished with 16 disposals. The 20-year-old will play in the NEAFL again next week to serve a one-match suspension for breaking the team's alcohol policy ahead of the round nine loss to Hawthorn.
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
State league affiliate: UWS Giants (NEAFL)
This weekend: Gold Coast v UWS Giants - Saturday July 18, 10.30am, Metricon Stadium
Key forward Jonathon Patton starred with seven goals against Gold Coast in his second game back from a knee reconstruction. The 2011 No.1 draft enjoyed good midfield service in the Giants' 130-point win but was strong in air with seven marks.
Second-year midfielder Jake Barrett also impressed against the Suns with 33 disposals.
HAWTHORN
State league affiliate: Box Hill Hawks (VFL)
This weekend: Coburg v Box Hill - Sunday July 19, 2pm, Piranha Park
Injury-prone midfielder Alex Woodward was taken off the ground on a stretcher after injuring his right knee in the first quarter of Box Hill's 100-point demolition. The 22-year-old, who has had two right knee reconstructions, looks set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines.
In better news, small forward Jed Anderson booted a game-high six goals in a best-on-ground display.
Young forward James Sicily (three goals), onballer Jonathan Simpkin (three), goalkicker Sam Grimley (two) and big man Jonathon Ceglar (two) rounded out the even contribution from the Hawks-listed players.
MELBOURNE
State league affiliate: Casey Scorpions (VFL)
This weekend: Northern Blues v Casey Scorpions - Saturday July 18, 2pm, Ikon Park
Ruckmen Mark Jamar (44 hit-outs, three goals) and Jake Spencer (two goals) easily accounted for the Blues' American rookie Alex Aurrichio in Casey's 47-point win.
Demons-listed midfielders Jordie McKenzie (28 disposals), Jack Grimes (27, one goal), Matt Jones (26, one goal) and Viv Michie (25, one goal) led the possession count, while Jayden Hunt was the focal point in attack with four goals from just nine disposals.
NORTH MELBOURNE
State league affiliates: Werribee, North Ballarat (VFL)
This weekend: Werribee v Sandringham - Saturday July 18, 2pm, Avalon Airport Oval; Essendon v North Ballarat - Saturday July 18, 12pm, Windy Hill
Robbie Nahas was the Roosters' leading goalkicker with three majors to show he had overcome the hamstring soreness that forced him to withdraw from North's round 15 clash against Geelong. The small forward also applied strong defensive pressure to be one of North Ballarat's best players, along with key defender Joel Tippett, who was unusually prolific with 25 disposals.
Brad McKenzie continued his good recent form through the midfield where his class ball use stood out, while fellow on-baller Trent Dumont was solid with 20 possessions. Lindsay Thomas (two goals) had his moments but did not do enough to demand a senior recall.
The Roosters caused a stir midway through the first quarter when they called for a headcount. When the umpires found Essendon had only the permitted 18 men on the field, the Bombers were awarded a free shot on goal, which they converted.
It was a quiet day for the North players who took part in Werribee's loss to Sandringham. Mason Wood was largely kept in check by Saints defender Cameron Shenton, while Majak Daw was held goalless for one of the few times this season.
PORT ADELAIDE
State league affiliate: Port Adelaide (SANFL)
This weekend: Eagles v Port Adelaide - Saturday July 18, 2.10pm, Maughan Thiem Hyundai Oval
Onballer Sam Gray took the honours for the Power-listed players with 34 disposals, 11 tackles, eight clearances and six inside 50s in the Magpies' 41-point win.
The 23-year-old was joined by big man Jarrad Redden with 30 hit-outs, 19 touches and two goals in a game-defining performance in the ruck.
Midfielder Kane Mitchell (one goal) and utility Sam Colquhoun (two goals) ended with 31 possessions apiece in a solid display, while omitted onballer Karl Amon had 19 touches (11 kicks, eight handballs) and kicked a goal.
RICHMOND
State league affiliate: Richmond (VFL)
This weekend: Richmond v Port Melbourne - Sunday July 19, 1pm, Punt Road Oval
Midfielder Matt Dea had a field day with 35 possessions and 12 marks in the Tigers' eight-point win, with tall forward Liam McBean equally impressive with five goals.
Onballers Chris Knights (28 touches) and Matt Arnot (26) were prominent through the midfield, while forward Sam Lloyd was also a solid contributor with 19 touches and two goals.
Midfielder Reece Conca played a half in his return from a hamstring injury. Richmond coach Tim Clarke told AFL.com.au Conca "was terrific with his movement around the ground" and would play more game time next week before being available for AFL selection.
Youngster Corey Ellis, who was also in line to return from injury, didn't get through the club's main training session on Thursday and was rested.
ST KILDA
State league affiliate: Sandringham (VFL)
This weekend: Werribee v Sandringham - Saturday July 18, 2pm, Avalon Airport Oval
Darren Minchington was one of the Zebras' best performers in their 12-point win over Werribee, with his stoppage work outstanding in heavy conditions.
Fellow midfielder Josh Saunders was also lively with 25 possessions, while Brodie Murdoch and Ahmed Saad kicked vital goals as Sandringham came from behind in the final quarter and each finished with two majors for the game.
Luke Delaney was a rock in defence while Cameron Shenton kept emerging North forward Mason Wood quiet.
SYDNEY SWANS
State league affiliate: Sydney Swans (NEAFL)
This weekend: Sydney Swans v Redland - Saturday July 18, 3.40pm, ANZ Stadium
Midfielder Isaac Heeney booted two goals in the Swans' 55-point victory and was named among his side's best in his third game back from a knee injury.
Omitted youngster Daniel Robinson also stood out and will come into consideration for an AFL call-up, while Ben McGlynn (one goal) was managed carefully in his comeback from persistent hamstring and calf complaints.
WEST COAST EAGLES
State league affiliate: East Perth (WAFL)
This weekend: East Perth v Perth - Saturday July 18, 2.15pm, Medibank Stadium
Draftee Liam Duggan, the No.11 pick in last year’s NAB AFL Draft, injured his right knee in the first quarter of East Perth’s 20-point win. The 18-year-old sustained the injury in a marking contest after colliding with his opponent and will now have scans to determine the extent.
A West Coast spokesperson told AFL.com.au the club would be in a position to provide an update on Duggan's injury on Monday afternoon. Young backman Tom Barrass was solid in defence with 13 touches (12 kicks, one handball) and nine marks, and is in line to make his AFL debut after Jeremy McGovern succumbed to a hamstring injury, while ex-Blue Kane Lucas collected 30 disposals (15 kicks, 15 handballs).
WESTERN BULLDOGS
State league affiliate: Footscray (VFL)
This weekend: Geelong v Footscray - Sunday July 19, 11.42am, Simonds Stadium
Coming off the back of his 24 touches last week, defender Shane Biggs continued his recent run with a team-high 26 disposals in the Bulldogs' 26-point win.
Footscray withstood a Geelong challenge in the third quarter, with defender Michael Talia (23 touches), backman Sam Darley (22), onballer Lin Jong (20) and draftee Lukas Webb (20) all contributing to the victory.
In attack, rookie Daniel Pierce booted four goals, while Jong, Brett Goodes and Nathan Hrovat added one goal apiece.
All times are local
