IT was a weekend of big performances for a number of former Hampden league players on the big stage, as the AFL celebrated Sir Douglas Nicholls Indigenous Round last weekend.
Koroit export Willem Drew played a key role in Port Adelaide’s narrow victory over Melbourne.
The Power made a spirited comeback in the final term to triumph, with Drew recording 22 possessions and laying 10 tackles.
Fremantle big man Sean Darcy once again starred for the Dockers as they prevailed over Geelong at Optus Stadium.
Darcy was the dominant ruckman throughout the contest as he notched up 43 hit-outs, eight possessions and seven score involvements.
Hugh McCluggage produced one of his best games of the year to help Brisbane Lions defeat the Gold Coast Suns.
The South Warrnambool product kicked a goal from 30 possessions and laid seven tackles in a complete display at the GABBA.
Essendon skipper Zach Merrett produced one of his best performances of the season to help the Bombers break a 13 match drought against Richmond.
Merrett was crowned the Yiooken Medal winner after a 39 touch performance, with the midfielder also adding five clearances.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan failed to hit the scoreboard but he was still involved in the Western Bulldogs win over Adelaide.
Ugle-Hagan had 13 disposals and five score involvements in the Dogs triumph at Mars Stadium.
Sam Walsh was prolific with 29 touches for Carlton but the Blues were contained by Collingwood at the MCG.
Walsh also laid five tackles and was involved in seven of the Blues scores throughout the loss.
St Kilda tall Rowan Marshall was once again at his best as the Saints defeated GWS Giants.
Marshall enjoyed a 24 touch outing, and also had plenty of influence at the stoppages as he finished with 30 hit-outs and six clearances.
West Coast’s Jamaine Jones finished with a goal from 12 possessions in the Eagles big defeat to Hawthorn. Meanwhile, Ben Cunnington is in line for a senior recall after starring for North Melbourne’s VFL side with 32 possessions and 17 clearances, while Geelong’s Gary Rohan and Fremantle’s Josh Cortbett did not feature across the weekend.
