Big Cat puts hand up to replace injured Hawkins with quality VFL performance

Round 13 of the 2024 VFL season is complete with three games taking place across Sunday.

The day’s first game took place at Coburg’s Piranha Park with the Lions defeating the Northern Bullants 72-59.

The win pushes Coburg above Essendon into 17th, while the Bullants remain in 20th with just two wins to their name this year.

The action then headed to Casey Fields with Melbourne going down to North Melbourne 77-83.

This game was littered with AFL names and No. 2 draft pick Colby McKercher stood out for the winners with 29 disposals.

He was supported by Charlie Lazzara (31 disposals) and Jaidyn Stephenson (25 disposals), while pick No. 23 from last year’s Draft Riley Hardeman had a goal and 21 disposals of his own.

For the Demons, young forward Matthew Jefferson booted four goals while Andy Moniz-Wakefield had plenty of it with 35 touches.

The final game of the round took place at Port Melbourne’s ETU Stadium as the Borough fought off a Geelong side that had a big last quarter 88 -86.

Son of Essendon great and former Bomber Tom Hird was a standout for the home side with a goal and 22 disposals.

For the Cats, Shannon Neale showed he’s ready to step up with Tom Hawkins injured as he kicked three goals to go with 18 disposals, while Mitch Knevitt (24 disposals) and Toby Conway (37 hitouts, 20 disposals) were big as they hope to return to the seniors.

Other Round 13 winners included Gold Coast, Brisbane, GWS, Southport and Werribee.