State of Play hosts Joe Pignataro and Gemma Bastiani look at some of big items ahead of Round 7 in the Smithy’s VFL.
King of the sea vs King of the jungle
After comfortable beating Brisbane in Round 6, Coburg’s confidence is sky-high. Southport, meanwhile, got back on the winners last weekend, beating reigning premiers Footscray in the Grand Final rematch. They Sharks are yet to drop a game at home this season and have an almost full-strength line up to pick from. The Lions are yet to beat the Sharks since their inclusion in the VFL, however, the losing margin has reduced significantly in that time. 106, 40, 11 and last year, just three points. Going on that trajectory, the 'Burgers will fancy their chances of causing an upset.
Sandy v Saints, friends become enemies
After ending their alignment at the end of the 2025 season, Sandringham and St Kilda will meet for the first time when they clash for the inaugural Trevor Barker Cup. Sandringham’s 2005 premiership hero and Norm Goss medallist Daniel Ward goes up against former Zebras coach Brendon Goddard in the coaches box. Ward has spent the opening six rounds building out a youthful, exuberant list while Goddard is working his magic to mix a VFL group into an AFL alignment. For history buffs, the last time these sides met was the 2000 qualifying final, with Sandringham winning by a point. The rusted-on Zebra fans will be hopeful it’s a case of history repeating.
Power from the middle
Geelong is sitting atop the ladder after a strong start to the season, and much of its winning ways are stemming from the source. Rhys Stanley and George Stevens have become a dangerous ruck-rover pair, propelling the Cats effectively out of the middle. Stevens is averaging 7.8 clearances per game and Stanley 28 hitouts, meaning the Cats are winning it around the contest, and controlling games from there. It will be a huge challenge for Collingwood on Saturday, when they host the Cats at Victoria Park.
Can the Giants pile on the pain?
With its injury list reducing at the top level, the GWS Giants’ VFL fortunes have greatly benefited with the addition of Max Gruzewski and Jake Riccardi. Alongside VFL-listed players like Harvey Hooper, Louie Montgomery, Sam McMeeken, and Ryan Hebron, the Giants know how to score, and score heavily. Last week they piled on 10 second-half goals to claim a 56-point victory over Gold Coast, and this week, coming up against Essendon who famously fade in second halves, the Giants will no doubt be looking to do just the same.
Top of the table
Coburg's Mitch Podhasjki is leading the race for this year's Frosty Miller Medal after an impressive first six rounds. With 23 goals to his name already, the star forward has kicked majors in every game so far this season, including a haul of five against Brisbane last week. Following closely is last year's winner Brodie McLaughlin, who has booted 18 from five games, including seven against Port Melbourne in Round 4. Podhajski has the opportunity to extend his lead this weekend against Southport, while McLaughlin will have to watch from afar as Box Hill have a bye.
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