Debuts, milestones and retirements highlighted the latest performances of the Hampden League’s AFL exports, with plenty of big performances recorded at the elite level last weekend.
Gary Rohan’s battle with injuries continued last Friday night, with the Geelong forward subbed out in the opening quarter against Collingwood.
Rohan had two touches before his substitution, with the Cats later confirming he will spend time on the sidelines with a moderate hamstring injury.
The following day, Ben Cunnington farewelled the AFL world with a strong display for North Melbourne.
The midfielder racked up 24 possessions (16 contested), 10 clearances and kicked two goals as the Kangaroos pushed Essendon to the brink of victory at Marvel Stadium.
Zach Merrett was tagged during the contest but still managed to have 21 touches, nine tackles and five clearances for the Bombers.
Hugh McCluggage had a dominant game for the Brisbane Lions, with his team defeating the Adelaide Crows.
McCluggage, who was celebrating his 150th game, finished with two goals from 28 touches as well as eight clearances and five tackles.
Josh Corbett was a part of Fremantle’s victory over West Coast Eagles, but the forward was subbed out of the contest in the third quarter.
Corbett had seven possessions and a tackle in the Dockers win, which was his fourth successive game since returning to the side.
Jamaine Jones made his return from an ankle injury, with the Portland export collecting 15 touches in his first match since round 10.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan couldn’t will the Western Bulldogs to victory over Hawthorn.
The star forward kicked 2.1 from 10 touches and seven marks, but the Bulldogs fell three points short of triumphing.
Rowan Marshall was once again one of St Kilda’s best performers in the Saints win over Richmond.
The Portland product stuffed the stat sheet with 23 touches, nine marks, six tackles, five inside 50s, 20 hit-outs and a goal as the Saints moved a step closer to locking away a finals berth.
Willem Drew closed out the weekend with a strong outing for Port Adelaide.
The Koroit export finished with 21 disposals, seven clearances, four tackles and four inside 50s in the Power’s easy win over GWS Giants.
The match was special for Giants debutant and former Port Fairy junior Toby McMullin despite it ending on a losing note.
He managed six touches and five tackles and was unlucky not to kick a goal, finishing with a behind.
Meanwhile, Sam Walsh’s stint on the sidelines as he recovers from a hamstring injury continued, with the Blues hopeful the midfielder will be right for the final round, while Sean Darcy’s season is over after ankle surgery in July.
