A BUNCH of club-tied talent was unleashed unto the VFL over the weekend, including a pair of debutants from the Swans Academy. Recently crowned Allies MVP Lachlan Carmichael made up half of said pair, posting 15 disposals and six tackles in his maiden state league appearance.

The running defender was one of five current academy members to turn out in Sydney’s 28-point win over Greater Western Sydney. Dasher Harry Kyle also debuted, while talls Noah Chamberlain (11 disposals, five marks) and Max King (two goals) had their moments along with utility Kaiden McNamara. All four prospects were among the list of invitees for this year’s National Draft Combine.

Meanwhile up in Queensland, top pick contender Zeke Uwland made his first appearance for the year having recovered from back stress fractures. He was employed on managed minutes as a wingman, running out the game strongly to post 13 disposals and five marks in a loss to Brisbane.

>> Player Focus: Zeke Uwland (Gold Coast)

In the same game at People First Stadium, the Suns fielded Koby Coulson (12 disposals, one goal) and Cooper Collins (11 disposals). The latter played down back alongside over-ager Nelson Beikoff-Smart (10 disposals, four tackles), while hulking tall Jonah Harris again operated as a forward and ruck.

For the Lions, top five prospect Daniel Annable impressed with plenty of midfield exposure. He racked up 28 disposals, 13 contested possessions, and a goal as his side completed a terrific come-from-behind win. Allies teammate and National Draft Combine invitee Tyan Prindable (13 disposals, four tackles, four clearances) was also among Brisbane’s on-ball rotation.

Collingwood and Geelong also had eligible players make their debuts in club colours. Pies father-son Thomas McGuane and Cats NGA member Jesse Mellor both broke through to kick their maiden VFL goals. Mellor also laid six tackles in Geelong’s controversial last gasp win over North Melbourne.

There was a sense of deja vu in the air at Casey Fields as Willem Duursma debuted for the Demons, two years removed from his brother Zane doing the same. The potential top three pick showcased his high-end traits in a 63-point win, tallying 17 disposals and 10 marks from the wing and down back.

Suns Academy member and Melbourne father-son candidate Kalani White also donned the red and blue, while Dandenong Stingray Charlie Orchard turned out for Sandringham Zebras. After breaking through with three goals last time out, the usual defender booted one from six touches. Fellow over-ager Gus Papal was another to grace the state league, debuting with seven disposals for Essendon.

There was no SANFL action aside from a Showdown this week, but a quartet of West Australian juniors made the step up to senior WAFL football. West Coast father-son prospect Charlie Banfield made his maiden appearance for the Eagles, kicking a goal from nine disposals. He was part of the initial state combine list released today.

West Perth pair Sam Swadling (23 disposals, six marks) and Jacob Farrow (22 and nine) continued their runs at League level, filling their boots in a 26-point loss to East Perth. Meanwhile, Hudson Walker earned a recall for Subiaco in the Lions’ 61-point defeat to South Fremantle. The tough midfielder-forward contributed 10 disposals and four tackles.