Speedy Blue makes return from injury in hefty VFL loss, Cats & Giants record big wins

Carlton was handed its second-heaviest VFL defeat of 2024 on Saturday afternoon, while the Cats and Lions were among the teams to win big.

Playing at Ikon Park prior to the AFL matchup between the Blues and Gold Coast, Carlton was handed a 50-point defeat by the Suns as midfielder Rory Atkins ran riot with 40 touches.

Gold Coast took advantage of a hefty Carlton injury list that left a depleted Blues outfit to inflict the eight-goal defeat, with Atkins well supported by Brayden Fiorini (37 disposals, six clearances) and Will Graham (25 disposals, seven tackles) in the middle.

Blues backman Lewis Young was among the biggest names on the field for Carlton and could only manage 13 possessions and five marks.

But a silver lining for the Baggers saw Jesse Motlop return for his first professional game of 2024, who has battled toe and hamstring issues to start the year.

The 20-year-old kicked a goal from five touches.

Geelong were also big winners over GWS in a curtain raiser at GMHBA Stadium, triumphing by 61 points.

Last year’s mid-season recruit Mitch Hardie continues to push for a senior debut and finished as the best afield with 36 touches and eight clearances, while Shaun Mannagh and James Willis managed three goals each for the winners.

The Giants could only muster seven majors for the day, leaving Wade Derksen (29 disposals, 10 marks) among the best AFL-listed GWS players on the field.

That victory should see Geelong remain in the VFL top four for another week, but it was the Lions recording the biggest win of the reserves competition on Saturday afternoon.

Brisbane pumped the Box Hill Hawks by over 11 goals, as Jarryd Lyons filled his boot with four majors.

The experienced midfielder pushed forward on multiple occasions in the 68-point win to hit the scoreboard and gather 21 disposals, while Deven Roberston gathered 31 possessions and whopping 14 clearances.

Meanwhile, Chad Wingard is starting to rediscover his best form. In his fourth game back from injury, Wingard picked up 12 disposals and kicked two goals.

Footscray also recorded a 12-pint win over Port Melbourne as Rory Lobb kicked two majors, while Southport beat Frankston by 48 points.