Young Pies impress as AFL names push for recalls with Round 18 VFL performances

Round 18 of the 2024 VFL season is complete with four games taking place across Sunday.

The day’s first game was held at Punt Road Oval with Collingwood beating Richmond 64-53 ahead of the AFL clash between the sides.

Collingwood had some really strong performances from some youngsters including Ed Allan - who had two goals and 30 disposals, Charlie Dean (26 disposals, 15 marks) and Fin Macrae (29 disposals).

For the Tigers, Tyler Sonsie had 26 disposals and Kane McAuliffe had 20 touches to go with a goal. Potential No. 1 pick Jagga Smith also suited up for Richmond again, picking up 27 touches in his second VFL game.

Attention then turned to Box Hill with the Hawks beating Williamstown 90-68.

Harry Morrison was the main Hawk who pushed for an AFL recall with a huge performance, finishing with three goals and 32 touches. Jai Serong stood out with 28 disposals.

At Windy Hill, Essendon met Sandringham after the AFL sides met on Saturday with the Bombers prevailing 67-62 in a back-and-forth encounter.

For the Dons, Elijah Tsatas had plenty of it with 32 disposals and seven clearances, while Nick Hind (26 disposals) and Will Setterfield (23 disposals, 12 tackles) also impressed.

Arie Schoenmaker (27 disposals) and Paddy Dow (21 disposals) tried hard all day for the Zebras in defeat.

The round wrapped up at Piranha Park with 18th-placed Coburg going down to Frankston 41-69 with the Dolphins’ win helping them remain in touch with the top eight.

Other standout VFL performers that are on AFL lists include Casey’s Tom Sparrow - who responded to his AFL axing with 31 disposals in the win over GWS, Gold Coast’s Alex Sexton - who kicked five goals to go with 21 disposals in a win over Brisbane and Sydney’s Peter Ladhams who kicked three majors to go with 18 disposals and 24 hitouts in their win over Southport.