State leagues across the country are in full swing for the 2026 season, and it's an exciting time for fans as their local teams battle it out. As an expert commentator, I'm here to give you a wrap of the action from the VFL, WAFL, and SANFL this weekend. From the thrilling clashes in the VFL to the hard-fought battles in the WAFL and SANFL, there's been some standout performances and crucial wins. Let's dive into the highlights and analyze the key moments that shaped the weekend's action.
Adelaide's Dominance
Adelaide's victory over South Adelaide was a showcase of depth and talent. Archie Ludowyke, a promising draftee, shone with five goals and 12 disposals, while Mark Keane, returning from a leg injury, contributed 17 disposals and six marks. The Crows' veteran ruck, Reilly O'Brien, had a massive day with 24 disposals, 10 marks, 43 hitouts, and a goal, demonstrating the team's ability to balance youth and experience. Chayce Jones, Billy Dowling, and Charlie Edwards were also influential, with Hugh Bond working tirelessly in the midfield. This win highlights Adelaide's depth and their ability to adapt to injuries, a crucial factor in their ongoing success.
Brisbane's Struggle
Brisbane's clash with Gold Coast was a tight affair, with the Lions losing by 17 points. Luke Beecken was the standout for Brisbane with 23 disposals, but the team struggled to find consistency. Key forward prospect Cody Curtin kicked two goals, and swingman Luke Lloyd took nine marks, but the Lions' midfield was quiet. Sam Marshall and Koby Evans had limited impact, while Irish rookie Ben Murphy had four disposals. This loss serves as a reminder that Brisbane still has work to do to find their rhythm and build cohesion, especially in the midfield.
Carlton's Resilience
Carlton's match against Essendon was a display of resilience and determination. The Blues held their ground despite a strong performance from Essendon. State league affiliate Carlton showed their mettle, with Ned Long dominating as the leading clearance winner and Harry DeMattia contributing 23 disposals and two goals. Jakob Ryan had 26 touches, and Lachlan Sullivan gathered 27 disposals with eight clearances. This game showcased Carlton's ability to hang in there and compete, even against a strong opponent.
Collingwood's Win
Collingwood's victory over Casey was a testament to their depth and midfield prowess. Ned Long was the star, with 33 disposals and 10 clearances, while Harry DeMattia had 23 disposals and two goals. Jakob Ryan and Lachlan Sullivan were also influential, with Tyan Prindable and Jai Saxena contributing from the young duo. This win highlights Collingwood's ability to rely on a deep midfield and their commitment to developing young talent.
Peel Thunder's Dominance
Peel Thunder's 62-point win over Swan Districts was a showcase of midfield dominance and individual brilliance. Jeremy Sharp, who has only played two AFL games, had a massive day with 40 disposals, two goals, three marks, and four tackles. Sean Darcy, returning from injury, had 27 hitouts, 21 disposals, and four marks. Developing forward Charlie Nicholls kicked four goals, and Toby Whan had 27 touches. This performance underscores Peel Thunder's ability to produce standout players and their commitment to developing young talent.
Geelong's Thumping Win
Geelong's 58-point thrashing of Sandringham was a display of all-round excellence. George Stevens, a midfielder, delivered a dominant performance with 25 disposals, nine clearances, and two goals. James Worpel and Jhye Clark were also excellent, with Rhys Stanley dominating in the ruck. This win highlights Geelong's ability to build momentum and dominate across the board, a key factor in their ongoing success.
Gold Coast's Return
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan's return from an ankle injury was a highlight for Gold Coast, as he kicked four goals in the VFL QClash against Brisbane. Sam Clohesy was the biggest ball-winner with 40 touches and 11 marks, while fellow 2025 Suns Academy graduates Beau Addinsall and Dylan Patterson impressed. This win marks a positive step for Gold Coast, as they look to rebuild and develop their young talent.
Box Hill's Win
Box Hill's eight-point win over Footscray was a display of midfield dominance and individual brilliance. Finn Maginness was the best of the senior-listed Hawks, with 26 disposals, seven clearances, one goal, and nine tackles. Harry Morrison was busy with 31 touches and seven marks, while Sam Butler and Henry Hustwaite dominated the midfield. This win highlights Box Hill's ability to rely on a deep midfield and their commitment to developing young talent.
Casey's Loss
Casey's 12-point loss to Collingwood was a close affair, with Max Heath and mid-season recruit Joel Fitzgerald impressing. Heath had 22 disposals, 18 hitouts, seven clearances, seven marks, and six tackles, while Fitzgerald gathered 34 disposals. This loss serves as a reminder that Casey still has work to do to find their rhythm and build cohesion, especially in the forward line.
North Melbourne's Struggle
North Melbourne's 14-point loss to Tasmania was a setback, with Robert Hansen Jnr having 25 disposals and a goal. Josh Goater and Bailey Scott also found plenty of the ball, but the Kangaroos struggled to convert opportunities. Young ruck Taylor Goad was solid, and mid-season draftee Oliver Griffin kicked a goal. This loss highlights North Melbourne's ongoing challenges and the need for consistent performances across the board.
Port Adelaide's Loss
Port Adelaide's 49-point loss to Glenelg was a tough pill to swallow, with two mid-season recruits making their mark. Jack Watkins was the leading clearance winner with 11 and 30 disposals, while Xavier Bamert and Alex van Wyk made their debut. This loss serves as a reminder that Port Adelaide still has work to do to find their rhythm and build cohesion, especially in the midfield.
Richmond's Absence
Richmond's absence from the state league action is a notable omission, as they focus on their AFL campaign. This break allows them to regroup and prepare for the upcoming challenges, with an eye on maintaining their AFL position.
St Kilda's Win
St Kilda's win over Sydney was a display of midfield dominance and individual brilliance. The Saints' midfield was the standout, with Sam Fisher and Jack Lonie contributing. This win highlights St Kilda's ability to build momentum and dominate across the board, a key factor in their ongoing success.
West Coast's Win
West Coast's win over Claremont was a showcase of midfield dominance and individual brilliance. Oliver Francou gathered 25 disposals, five marks, and four tackles, while fellow mid-season draftee Marcus Herbert had 16 touches and three marks. This win underscores West Coast's ability to produce standout players and their commitment to developing young talent.
In conclusion, the state leagues have provided some thrilling moments and crucial wins this weekend. From Adelaide's dominance to Peel Thunder's midfield prowess, and from Gold Coast's return to West Coast's young talent, there's been plenty to admire. As an expert commentator, I'm excited to see how these teams continue to develop and compete as the season progresses. The state leagues are a vital part of the AFL ecosystem, providing a platform for young talent to shine and for fans to enjoy the thrill of the game.
