EASTERN Ranges forward Lachy Dovaston was among the latest batch of state league debutants over the weekend, impressing in a lively performance for Box Hill. Meanwhile, a pair of top five prospects locked horns in the VFL, and club-tied talent broke through into the senior WAFL grade.

SANFL

League & Reserves Round 17

Norwood defender Balyn O’Brien was the latest South Australian Under 18 representative to make his SANFL League debut, turning out in the Redlegs’ one-point win over West Adelaide. The home side held on at Norwood Oval, with O’Brien laying five tackles while notching as many disposals.

Meanwhile at Woodville Oval, Eagles prospect Jack Cook offered a bright light in his side’s heavy defeat to Sturt. He booted his maiden League goal from 15 touches and six marks, while teammate and Under 18 captain Jevan Phillipou managed a single major from his 10 disposals and four marks.

Central District also had two state 18s squad members take the field, with both nabbing a goal each. Larke Medal winner Dyson Sharp (11 disposals, four clearances) and star bottom-ager Dougie Cochrane (seven disposals, five marks) played their part in a 14-point loss to Port Adelaide in Alberton.

In the Reserves grade, South Adelaide Under 18 captain Jesse Nye debuted with 14 possessions and seven marks in a 53-point loss to Centrals. Woodville-West Torrens’ Lachlan Sands also made his first senior appearance with 18 disposals, eight marks and three goals in a win over Sturt.

Among those to impress at the level was North Adelaide midfielder Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier, who gathered 30 disposals, five marks and five inside 50s as his side went down to Glenelg. In the same game, mature-age state combine invitee Latrelle Sumner-Pickett booted two goals for the Bays.

On top of O’Brien’s League breakthrough, Norwood continues to blood young talent in the twos. All-Australian ruck Sam Ainsworth bagged 3.2 from 14 disposals and six marks, while Jim Kelly notched up 23 disposals, five tackles and six inside 50s in a 35-point victory over West Adelaide.

VFL

Round 20

Eastern Ranges prospect Lachy Dovaston was up and about in his maiden VFL outing, producing four scoring shots for Box Hill. The lively forward booted 1.3 from 18 disposals and five marks as the Hawks went down to Footscray by 19 points in a top-of-the-table clash.

Dovaston earned All-Australian honours having kicked nine goals in four appearances with Vic Metro. The crafty 177cm talent had recently been rotating on-ball for the Ranges from his usual spot up forward, and was handed a state league opportunity during the Coates Talent League break.

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Another VFL debutant this week was Geelong Falcons midfielder/forward Hugo Mikunda. The creative kicker notched 15 disposals, six marks and six score involvements in Werribee’s 13-point loss to Southport. He’s a recent Vic Country representative who found top form in the Big V jumper.

A pair of top five prospects locked horns in Casey’s thrilling four-point win over Brisbane. The Lions had an opportunity to win the game after the siren, thanks to a free kick paid against top pick contender Willem Duursma. He had been excellent to that point, and the mistake didn’t prove costly.

Duursma ended up with 20 disposals, six marks and six intercept possessions in his second game for the Demons. Meanwhile, fellow top five fancy Daniel Annable again racked up the numbers with 22 possessions (13 contested), six tackles and five clearances for the Lions.

Gold Coast Academy member Kalani White took the opportunity to represent Casey once again, given his father-son ties to Melbourne, as they travelled to his home state. Lions Academy representative Tyan Prindable also took the field for Brisbane, notching 13 disposals and six tackles in the loss.

How about this assist from debutant Zac Harding! And a nice volley finish from Jackson Binns ? pic.twitter.com/x7zlCgyIHa

— Carlton Reserves (@CarltonReserves) August 10, 2025

The Suns had plenty more academy prospects turn out, with Harry Heathcote (11 disposals) making his debut in the four-goal loss to Carlton. Over-age ruck Zac Harding also made his first appearance at the level, managing 13 disposals, four marks, seven hitouts and a very handy goal assist.

Suns guns Dylan Patterson (21 disposals, seven marks, six intercepts), Beau Addinsall (19 disposals, five marks, one goal), and Zeke Uwland (17 disposals) were all impressive, along with Cooper Collins (14 disposals, seven marks) and over-ager Nelson Beikoff-Smart (25 disposals, eight marks).

Oakleigh Chargers speedster Sam Grlj returned for Richmond with 15 disposals and six intercept possessions in a comfortable win over Sandringham. The Zebras had some handy over-age contributors, with Charlie Orchard kicking three goals and Jez Rigoni having 15 touches. Top-ager Bennett Martin also debuted for the Zebras having put together a strong run of form for the Dragons.

Speaking of over-agers, Geelong Falcons product Kobe George turned out for the Cats’ reserves once again. He posted 18 disposals and four marks, while Cats NGA candidate Jesse Mellor broke through with 17 disposals, four marks and two goals in a 14-point win over Essendon.

WAFL

League & Reserves Round 18

After returning from back stress fractures last week, Koby Evans made the step up to Perth’s League side. The West Coast Next Generation Academy (NGA) member nabbed nine touches but couldn’t quite slot his maiden goal, posting two minor scores in a 29-point loss to Will York‘s Peel Thunder.

Another player who missed the National Championships with injury, Luke Carrello earned a berth for East Fremantle, adjusting well with 21 touches and six marks. In the same game, Eagles NGA prospect Tylah Williams made his second appearance as the Sharks saluted to the tune of 17 points.

Meanwhile, Sam Swadling returned for West Perth in the absence of Jacob Farrow. The midfielder notched up 21 disposals as the Falcons lost by two points to Subiaco. It was Swadling’s third League appearance after debuting in Round 14. He was recently named an Under 18 All-Australian.

State 18s captain Fred Rodriguez continues to push for a senior recall having made his debut in South Fremantle’s reserves side. He managed 11 touches and five tackles in a tight win over East Perth, while Peel’s Matthew Becker broke out with 20 disposals and 10 marks as the Thunder thumped Perth.