Adelaide

State league affiliate: Adelaide (SANFL)
This weekend: Bye

Brisbane Lions

State league affiliate: Brisbane Lions (NEAFL)
This weekend: Sydney University v Brisbane Lions - Saturday May 14, 11am, Blacktown International Sportspark

Promoted rookie Billy Evans, the Lions' first selection in the 2014 NAB AFL Rookie Draft, gathered 24 disposals, laid seven tackles and kicked three goals in his side's 10-point loss.

Evans was well assisted by fellow midfielder Nick Robertson, who ended with 24 touches, six marks and five tackles.

In attack, key position players Eric Hipwood (16 touches) and Jonathan Freeman (14) each kicked four goals, while onballer Jarrad Jansen (18) and rookie Archie Smith (12) chipped in with two apiece.

• After the siren: Where's the pride in Queensland footy?

Carlton

State league affiliate: Northern Blues (VFL)

This weekend: Williamstown v Northern Blues - Saturday May 14, 2pm, Burbank Oval

After managing only two goals for the match against Casey last Sunday, the Blues kicked just three goals this week in their 143-point humiliation to Williamstown.

Ex-Western Bulldogs speedster Jason Tutt was named the Blues' best player courtesy of his 28 disposals on a day where there were few positives for the club for the second successive week.

Talented midfielder Blaine Boekhorst (13 touches) kicked one of the Blues' three majors for the afternoon.

• Nine things we learned from round eight

Collingwood

State league affiliate: Collingwood (VFL)
This weekend: Geelong v Collingwood - Saturday May 14, 1pm, Simonds Stadium

Out-of-form forward Travis Cloke was held goalless in the Magpies' 20-point win, with the 29-year-old's wayward kicking in front of goal again taking centre stage.

Cloke finished with just four behinds from his 12 disposals and missed a simple set shot from directly in front at the top of the goal square.

Since Cloke's axing, Magpies coach Nathan Buckley has reiterated that the key forward would need to string together consistent outings in the VFL before being considered for a senior recall.

Omitted midfielder James Aish responded to his demotion in a solid way by being named among the best players in the victory.

After the game, Magpies VFL coach Dale Tapping was particularly pleased with the 20-year-old's hunger for the contest after being dropped.

Essendon

State league affiliate: Essendon (VFL)
This weekend: Coburg v Essendon - Sunday May 15, 2pm, Piranha Park

After gathering 17 touches and kicking two goals last week, Shaun Edwards will again be a topic of conversation at the Bombers' match committee.

The 22-year-old, who is yet to feature for the Dons this season, was named among his side's best players in the upset 31-point loss.

Bombers VFL football manager Ash Brown told AFL.com.au on Sunday that Edwards had impressed over the past fortnight.

"Playing a little bit higher up the ground (on a) wing has been better for him and playing a bit deeper forward," Brown said.

"His ability to take the game on and break a few lines with the run, carry (and) bounce has been really good in the last few weeks." 

In his second successive game at VFL level since being dropped after round six, Martin Gleeson was kept busy in the Bombers' defensive half.

Brown said Gleeson "consistently repelled Coburg's attacks" after half-time and provided plenty of run through the midfield, while top-up recruit Sam Grimley led the goalkicking with three majors.

Fremantle

State league affiliate: Peel Thunder (WAFL)
This weekend: South Fremantle v Peel Thunder - Saturday May 14, 2.15pm, Fremantle Community Bank Oval

Demoted Docker Michael Barlow boosted his chances of earning an immediate recall, amassing an equal match-high 39 disposals and 12 marks in Peel's 41-point loss.

It was the 28-year-old midfielder's third appearance in the WAFL.

Barlow was joined by fellow ball-winner Matt de Boer, who generated plenty of opportunities for the Thunder with his 39 touches, eight tackles, six inside 50s and one goal.

Geelong

State league affiliate: Geelong (VFL)
This weekend: Geelong v Collingwood - Saturday May 14, 1pm, Simonds Stadium

Billie Smedts was arguably best on ground for the Cats in their 20-point loss.

The Cats don't have an official captain, but share the role among several players. Smedts was the designated skipper against the Magpies and finished with more than 30 touches, five clearances and a goal.

He played as an inside midfielder and across half-forward.

Young key defender Ryan Gardner played on Travis Cloke and did a terrific job. He gave up 17kg to the key forward (according to the AFL Season Guide) but he was able to force Cloke to go up the field at times to find the ball.

Nathan Vardy played forward and struggled on a windy day, but not for a lack of effort. He didn't kick a goal but competed well and took six marks.

Jordan Murdoch's defensive efforts were solid. He was used across half-forward and on a wing but needs to work on his ball use to push into the senior team.

Josh Cowan played his third consecutive match and while he was a solid contributor, he too can improve his disposal and decision-making.

George Horlin-Smith didn't play as he was the travelling emergency for the seniors' game against Adelaide on Friday night.

Gold Coast

State league affiliate: Gold Coast (NEAFL)
This weekend: Giants v Gold Coast - Saturday May 14, 12.50pm, Spotless Stadium

The injury-ravaged Suns were forced to play one man short in the NEAFL clash after on-ballers Danny Stanley (hamstring) and Luke Russell (Achilles) were both injured in their side's 71-point loss. 

Despite the injury, Russell finished the game with a team-high 33 possessions and nine tackles, while Stanley had eight touches before his match ended prematurely.

Defender Henry Schade missed the reserves clash after receiving a late call-up to replace big man Peter Wright, who was withdrawn from the AFL squad with a corked calf.

Promoted rookie Ryan Davis, who has played five games for the Suns this season, collected 22 disposals, laid 11 tackles and kicked two goals, while omitted forward Jarrod Garlett kicked a goal from his 14 touches.

GWS

State league affiliate: Giants (NEAFL)
This weekend: Giants v Gold Coast - Saturday May 14, 12.50pm, Spotless Stadium

There were positives all round for the Giants in their 71-point victory, with Adam Tomlinson leading the way once again with 44 disposals and 13 marks.

Ruckman Tom Downie was named the next best player and kicked three goals to go with his 15 possessions, while on-ballers Matthew Kennedy (37 disposals, 11 marks) and Jake Barrett (34 disposals, one goal) were also prominent in the win.

Key position player James Stewart led the goalkicking with five majors from his 20 disposals and five marks.

Hawthorn

State league affiliate: Box Hill (VFL)
This weekend: Werribee v Box Hill - Sunday May 15, 11.40am, Avalon Airport Oval

Former Demon Jack Fitzpatrick worked tirelessly in the first half, but his day ended prematurely with concussion in the Hawks' two-point loss.

The 24-year-old hobbled off the ground late in the third quarter after receiving a knock to his head and didn't reappear after failing a concussion test.

Youngster Teia Miles appeared to register a match-winning goal from a set shot in the dying stages of the match, but the goal umpire deemed his kick a point.

Miles ended with an inaccurate 1.4 but still played an important role with 28 disposals and 10 marks, joined by Dallas Willsmore (23 touches) and Kieran Lovell (22).

Melbourne

State league affiliate: Casey Scorpions (VFL)
This weekend: Sandringham v Casey Scorpions - Saturday May 14, 2pm, Trevor Barker Beach Oval

Alex Neal-Bullen racked up 39 disposals and kicked a goal as the Scorpions beat Sandringham by 31 points.

Ben Newton (30 disposals), Lynden Dunn (28), Dean Terlich (27) and Jack Trengove (26 disposals and a goal) were similarly prolific.

Exciting young forward Sam Weideman slotted two goals, as did Chris Dawes and Liam Hulett.

It was Dawes' second consecutive match since his return from a strain to his left calf.

Angus Brayshaw was concussed early in the first quarter and took no further part in the game. 

It was his first game back since being concussed a fortnight ago by a ball being accidentally kicked into his head.

North Melbourne

State league affiliate: Werribee (VFL)
This weekend: Werribee v Box Hill - Sunday May 15, 11.40am, Avalon Airport Oval

Midfielder Trent Dumont and forward Aaron Black starred in their side's thrilling two-point win.

Dumont displayed his usual contested ball-winning ability through the midfield with 31 disposals, while Black had 12 touches and kicked four goals, including the match-winner.

Young ruckman Braydon Preuss played the best game of his short career, taking strong contested marks and impressing with some quality tap work.

Youngster Daniel Nielson (knee) – in his first VFL game with the seniors – and backman Joel Tippett (back) took encouraging steps forward after being sidelined for much of the early rounds through injury.

Port Adelaide

State league affiliate: Port Adelaide (SANFL)
This weekend: Eagles v Port Adelaide - Saturday May 14, 1.40pm, Maughan Thiem Hyundai Oval

After being omitted from the Power's squad a fortnight ago, midfielder-forward Sam Gray regained his touch with 27 disposals, 10 tackles and six clearances in the Magpies' 39-point loss.

Utility Sam Colquhoun also worked hard with a team-high 32 possessions, while young forward Jesse Palmer ended with 25 touches to round out Port's major ball-winners.

Richmond

State league affiliate: Richmond (VFL)
This weekend: Richmond v North Ballarat - Saturday May 14, 4.30pm, Punt Road Oval

Midfielder Reece Conca made a successful return from a hamstring injury and contributed to the Tigers' 79-point win with 22 possessions, seven tackles and six clearances.

Former GWS midfielder Jacob Townsend (25 disposals, 12 tackles, one goal), rookie Adam Marcon (26 disposals) and tall forward Liam McBean (four goals) also featured heavily.

Ruckman Ivan Maric, who was axed after round six, was named among the Tigers' best after dominating the ruck duels and kicking a goal.

St Kilda

State league affiliate: Sandringham (VFL)
This weekend: Sandringham v Casey Scorpions - Saturday May 14, 2pm, Trevor Barker Beach Oval

Tom Lee collected 25 disposals in a best-on-ground effort as Sandringham lost by  31 points to the Casey Scorpions.

He played at full-back on Sam Weideman, who kicked two goals. 

Paddy McCartin slotted two goals but was otherwise quiet, while Cam Shenton booted three for the second straight week.

Daniel McKenzie (24 disposals, one goal) and Nathan Wright (23 disposals) both provided excellent run off half-back.

Tom Curren notched up 22 disposals in another good game.

Hugh Goddard struggled in defence and Darren Minchington was similarly subdued, compared to the usually high standard he sets at the Zebras.

Meanwhile, recruit Nathan Freeman finished with 10 touches and three tackles in a little under three quarters playing in Sandringham's development team. 

The 20-year-old featured in each of the four quarters in carefully managed game time.

It was Freeman's first game since overcoming multiple hamstring setbacks.

Sydney Swans

State league affiliate: Sydney Swans (NEAFL)
This weekend: Canberra Demons v Sydney Swans - Saturday May 14, 12pm, Manuka Oval

Big man Toby Nankervis used his 199cm frame to bag six goals from his 18 possessions and 10 marks in the Swans' 142-point win.

Nankervis was joined among the Swans' best by yet-to-debut rookies Nic Newman (team-high 30 disposals, two goals) and Jordan Foote (24 disposals, one goal).

West Coast

State league affiliate: East Perth (WAFL)
This weekend: East Perth v Swan Districts - Saturday May 14, 2.15pm, Medibank Stadium

Axed speedster Lewis Jetta did what was required of him after his less than impressive season to date with the Eagles.

Starting on the wing, the former Sydney Swan accumulated 29 possessions, eight inside 50s and six marks in an encouraging display in his team's one-sided 91-point win.

However, it remains unclear whether Jetta did enough to earn an immediate recall.

Backman Jackson Nelson took the honours for the Eagles-listed players, ending with 29 disposals – courtesy of a blistering opening-quarter performance that saw him collect 11 touches – six tackles and a goal.

In attack, midfielder Brant Colledge (13 touches) and big man Jonathan Giles (10) added three goals apiece, while onballer Kane Lucas gathered a game-high 34 disposals and kicked a goal.

Western Bulldogs

State league affiliate: Footscray (VFL)
This weekend: Port Melbourne v Footscray - Saturday May 14, 2pm, North Port Oval

Coming off the back of his 23-possession game last weekend, midfielder Lin Jong continued to mount a case for a senior recall by taking out best-on-ground honours in his side's 19-point win.

The 22-year-old gathered 27 disposals, laid eight tackles and contributed on the scoreboard with two majors.

Jong was well complemented by midfielder Mitch Honeychurch (25 disposals, eight tackles), youngster Declan Hamilton (24) and draftee Josh Dunkley (21, two goals).