IT was a week of match-ups between the Hampden League’s AFL exports, with numerous players going head-to-head for their respective sides in round 8 last weekend.
At Marvel Stadium on Friday night, Hugh McCluggage’s Brisbane Lions got the better of Sam Walsh’s Carlton, with both players enjoying strong games.
McCluggage collected 27 possessions and laid four tackles, while Walsh was productive with 28 disposals, eight tackles and nine clearances.
The following day, Jamaine Jones’ strong form continued for West Coast despite the Eagles loss to Richmond.
The winger recorded 30 touches on the wide expanses of the MCG and rebounded the ball from defensive 50 on eight occasions in one of his better performances this season.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan finished with 1.1 from nine touches in the Bulldogs hard fought win over GWS Giants in Canberra, while Sean Darcy was again influential from Fremantle, finishing with 38 hit-outs and 11 touches in the Dockers triumph over Hawthorn.
On Sunday, Willem Drew’s Port Adelaide squared off with Zach Merrett’s Essendon, with the Power getting the chocolates in Adelaide.
Merrett was superb for the Bombers, kicking a goal from 28 touches and laying 10 tackles, while Drew also had a strong influence for Port, with the midfielder collecting 22 disposals alongside four clearances and eight tackles.
Rowan Marshall’s St Kilda had the better of Ben Cunnington’s North Melbourne in the final match of the weekend.
Marshall did not finish the game after pikcing up an injury but he still managed 21 touches and 14 hit-outs for the Saints, while Cunnington was subbed out after a quiet game.
Geelong’s Gary Rohan missed his side’s win over with injury, while Fremantle’s Josh Corbett featured for Peel Thunder in the WAFL.
