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VFL
FEARS promising Western Bulldogs midfielder Clay Smith has suffered another serious knee injury have soured Footscray’s 53-point win over Essendon.
Smith, who underwent an ACL reconstruction last season, re-injured his right knee in the second half at the Whitten Oval on Sunday.
Smith was in good touch against Essendon with 12 disposals, five tackles and two goals to half-time.
In a big positive for the Dogs, young forward Liam Jones bagged six goals and dominated in the air.
Brett Goodes (25 disposals), Shaun Higgins (21) and Tom Young (21) were prolific.
Jake Melksham, Leroy Jetta and Kyle Hardingham were among Essendon's better contributors.
North Melbourne's struggles on Friday night may open the door for multiple changes at the selection table and Aaron Mullett's performance in the VFL on Saturday has him at the front of the queue to earn a senior recall.
Mullett, who was dropped following the Roos' 59-point win over St Kilda in round 17, starred with 30 disposals and two goals for North Ballarat on Saturday.
Liam Anthony (28 disposals) and Brad McKenzie (23 disposals) are also likely to be in the selection frame following the Roosters' easy 79-point win over Bendigo Gold.
Carlton-listed midfielders Patrick Cripps (25 disposals) and Kane Lucas (25) featured prominently for the Northern Blues, despite a 29-point loss to Werribee.
Blaine Johnson also kicked two goals for the Blues, while Robbie Warnock (18 disposals) also did his bit.
Kangaroos-listed forward Mason Wood booted three goals in the Tigers' win.
A host of Melbourne players have placed themselves in the selection mix after dominant efforts for the Casey Scorpions on Saturday.
Max Gawn continued his strong run of form, following his VFL-record 80 hit-outs last week, with 22 disposals, 45 hit-outs and four goals.
Daniel Nicholson (40 disposals), Matt Jones (33), James Strauss (33), Mitch Clisby (25), Viv Michie (23) and Christian Salem (22) were all prolific for the Scorpions.
The Scorpions, though, went down to Frankston by six points at Casey Fields on Saturday.
WAFL
Hayden Crozier could form part of the answer to Fremantle’s goal-kicking woes after he booted two majors in Peel Thunder's four-goal loss to East Fremantle on Saturday.
The mid-sized forward was among the Thunders' best and gathered 25 disposals and took eight marks.
Midfielder Tom Sheridan put his hand up for a recall with 34 possessions and seven inside 50s.
Injury-prone key forward Scott Gumbleton returned from a week on the sidelines due to a back injury and kicked one goal from eight touches.
West Coast’s affiliate East Perth had the bye.
NEAFL
Developing key position James Stewart impressed for GWS' reserves in a 45-point win over Sydney University on Saturday.
Stewart booted two goals and was named his side’s best, while Jed Lamb slotted four majors.
Promising defender Mark Whiley, Jacob Townsend and Sam Frost also featured prominently.
Gold Coast, the Sydney Swans and the Brisbane Lions all have the bye this weekend.
SANFL
Adelaide's reserves side plays against the Port Adelaide Magpies, the Power's SANFL affiliate, after the bye week on July 26.
