First-round draftee Sanders goes big as Dogs, Hawks and Sharks pick up VFL wins

Round 7 of the 2024 VFL season is complete with three games taking place on Sunday.

The day’s first game was held at People First Stadium with Gold Coast meeting Southport in a local derby where the reigning premiers were no match for the Sharks, going down 58-105.

Former Sun Brayden Crossley dominated in the ruck with 54 hitouts while experienced VFL stars Boyd Woodcock (30 disposals) and Ben Jepson (36 disposals) filled up the stat sheet.

As for the Suns, Connor Budarick (31 disposals), Rory Atkins (26 disposals and Will Graham (one goal, 22 disposals) put some pressure on selectors.

Attention then turned to Punt Road Oval where Richmond faced Footscray.

Much like the previous night’s AFL game between the same clubs, it was the Bulldogs who got the win 85-116.

Rory Lobb was everywhere for Footscray with four goals, 22 disposals and nine marks while Ryley Sanders (one goal, 42 disposals) and Caleb Daniel (25 disposals) had a heap of it as they look to push back into the AFL side.

For the Tigers, Kane McAuliffe (two goals, 25 disposals) and Samson Ryan (one goal, 43 hitouts) continued their great state-league form while Tom McCarthy showed signs in just his second VFL game with 19 disposals.

The other game that also started in the afternoon took place in Wonthaggi with Box Hill beating Sandringham 87-82.

Former Magpie Callum Brown was big again with 28 disposals while Josh Ward also helped himself to 27 touches. Changkouth Jiath also impressed with 9 marks and 22 touches as he looks to return from injury.

For the Zebras, Mattaes Phillipou responded well to his AFL axing with 20 disposals while Anthony Caminiti kicked three majors but could have had a huge day as he finished with eight scoring shots.

Other Round 7 winners included Casey, Port Melbourne, Frankston, Sydney, Williamstown and the Northern Bullants.