Adelaide

State league affiliate: Adelaide (SANFL)
This weekend: Glenelg v Adelaide - Sunday July 17, 2.10pm, Gliderol Stadium

Midfielder Cam Ellis-Yolmen put in another near faultless performance despite the Crows' 19-point loss, accumulating a game-high 32 disposals, seven clearances, seven marks and five tackles.

Fellow onballer Mitch Grigg also performed solidly and kicked three goals to go with his 28 disposals and six marks, while rookie ruckman Reilly O'Brien fought hard for his 20 hit-outs, 14 touches and two majors. 

In his second straight game back from a foot injury, former Giant Curtly Hampton generated his trademark dash off half-back and had 19 disposals and five inside 50s.

• Nine things we learned from round 17

Brisbane Lions

State league affiliate: Brisbane Lions (NEAFL)
This weekend: Brisbane Lions v Giants - Sunday July 17, 12pm, Coorparoo

On the back of his 26-possession game last week, elevated rookie Jackson Paine led the disposal count for the Lions, collecting 33 touches and nine marks in the 13-point win.

The 23-year-old reserves skipper, who has played three AFL games since being promoted to the senior list in May, led his team brilliantly and brought his teammates into the game from defence.

Midfielder Nick Robertson was also kept busy with 32 possessions and seven marks, while running defender Claye Beams had 25 touches and four marks.

Forward Michael Close led the Lions' goalkicking with two majors from his 16 disposals, 12 marks and five tackles.

Carlton

State league affiliate: Northern Blues (VFL)
This weekend: North Ballarat v Northern Blues - Saturday July 16, 1pm, Eureka Stadium

In his VFL debut, first-round draftee Harry McKay registered his first goal with his first kick after a quick snap out of congestion during the second quarter of the Blues' 31-point win.

The No.10 pick in last year's NAB AFL Draft, who has battled a back stress fracture in his maiden season, finished with two goals to go with his eight touches.

Midfielder Mark Whiley had 38 disposals and kicked two goals, while fellow ball-winner Blaine Boekhorst was also prominent with 30 touches and three goals.

Draftee midfielder David Cuningham, the No.23 selection in last year's draft, had 16 touches and emerged unscathed in his VFL return from a hip problem.

Collingwood

State league affiliate: Collingwood (VFL)
This weekend: Frankston v Collingwood - Sunday July 17, 2pm, Frankston Oval

Ruckman Jarrod Witts didn't feature from about the five-minute mark of the second quarter after hurting his hand in the Magpies' 66-point win. 

The 23-year-old, who was playing his 50th VFL game, split the webbing in his hand in round one this season and was sidelined for five weeks. 

Defenders Tyson Goldsack and Alan Toovey used their experience to transition quickly from defence to attack, while fellow backman Adam Oxley also rebounded well and chipped in with two goals.

Draftee Ben Crocker came off worse for wear in a marking contest in the forward pocket, but returned to the field soon after and kicked two goals.

Essendon

State league affiliate: Essendon (VFL)
This weekend: Essendon v Box Hill - Saturday July 16, 11am, Windy Hill

Another excellent game from Aaron Francis will see him push for senior selection after a three-point win against the Hawks.

The 18-year-old finished with 18 disposals and six marks. His ability to intercept in the air was again crucial.

Perhaps most exciting for Bombers fans is Francis' willingness to fend-off the opposition before running out of the backline, with his acceleration a strength.

The match-winning goal came in the final seconds from half-back Jason Ashby, who floated forward and put it through from about 40m out despite pressure around him.

His ability to hold Box Hill out earlier in the term with contested marks proved pivotal. He had 19 disposals.

A comeback from a torn right hamstring for Ryan Crowley went well, and he picked up 26 disposals.

Shaun Edwards was dangerous all day, starting in the forward line but working up the ground. He notched 27 disposals and slotted two last-quarter goals.

It was yet another impressive performance from James Polkinghorne as an inside midfielder, with 28 disposals. Jackson Merrett had the same amount and provided important run and carry in the second half.

Fremantle

State league affiliate: Peel Thunder (WAFL)
This weekend: East Fremantle v Peel Thunder - Saturday July 16, 2.15pm, ATOM Stadium

Ruckmen Jack Hannath and Zac Clarke collected just eight disposals each, but accumulated 21 and 32 hit-outs respectively to give their side the upper hand at the stoppages in Peel's 43-point win.

Other contenders hoping for a recall, ball-winner Matt de Boer (29 touches, 12 tackles) and axed draftee Darcy Tucker (27 touches, six tackles), performed solidly and could potentially replace injured duo Michael Barlow (shoulder) and Hayden Ballantyne (cheekbone).

Recently upgraded rookie Josh Deluca also relished the wet conditions with 23 disposals, five inside 50s and a goal playing through the middle.

Defender Alex Silvagni made a promising return from a calf injury that has kept him sidelined since round six, keeping his opponent – delisted Carlton forward Matthew Watson – scoreless and to just three kicks.

Midfielder Clancee Pearce had 21 disposals and laid six tackles in his return from a two-week absence with an ankle injury, while yet-to-debut forward Shane Yarran kicked two goals from his six disposals.

Geelong

State league affiliate: Geelong (VFL)
This weekend: Geelong v Werribee - Saturday July 16, 12pm, Simonds Stadium

A brilliant 48-disposal performance from Sam Menegola helped the Cats to a 111-point victory against Werribee.

He also notched up 11 clearances, nine inside-50s, six tackles and two goals. His ability to out-work his direct opponent was a highlight.

He and Darcy Lang were a class above everyone else, in terms of winning the ball and then using it efficiently. Both set the scene in the first quarter with blistering starts.

Lang finished with 34 disposals, 11 clearances and four goals.

A role higher up the ground for Mitch Clark meant he slotted just the one goal, but he also laid five tackles in an impressive effort.

Former West Coast vice-captain Scott Selwood spent his time on a wing and off half-back. He had 26 disposals.

In only his second game back from an ankle reconstruction, Selwood showed signs of rust but the Cats are taking no rush with him. He will likely spend more time inside the contest as the weeks progress.

His ankles aren't giving him any concern, and the Geelong hierarchy has been pleased with his change of speed and direction.

George Horlin-Smith booted two goals and won nine clearances.

A solid patch of form continued for Nathan Vardy, who spent his time deep in attack, further up the ground and also in the ruck.

The injury-plagued Cameron Delaney was concussed just after half-time. The plan had been for him to play about three-quarters of the contest after surgery on both knees in January. With an eight-day break awaiting the Cats, Delaney has not yet been ruled out for next week's match versus Essendon.

Gold Coast

State league affiliate: Gold Coast (NEAFL)
This weekend: Sydney Swans v Gold Coast - Saturday July 16, 12pm, Blacktown International SportsPark

Tightness was the reason Jaeger O'Meara was forced to watch on in the second half as the Suns lost by 124 points.

He collected 18 disposals and slotted a goal before going off hurt.

Academy prospects Brad Scheer (27 disposals and a goal) and Jack Bowes (24 disposals and a goal) were the two most-prolific ball-winners for the Suns. 

Last year's No.20 NAB AFL Draft pick Brayden Fiorini returned from a ruptured lateral collateral ligament in his right knee to notch 14 disposals.

It was his first game since April.

GWS

State league affiliate: Giants (NEAFL)
This weekend: Brisbane Lions v Giants - Sunday July 17, 12pm, Coorparoo

Midfielder Jake Barrett gathered a game-high 34 disposals, eight tackles and seven marks in the Giants' 13-point loss.

Fellow onballer Matthew Kennedy, who made his AFL debut against Essendon in round 13, showed his class through the middle and played with confidence for 33 touches and 10 tackles.

The pair were a long way ahead of the next Giant, ruckman Tom Downie, who had 16 disposals and kicked a goal.

Draftee ruck/forward Matthew Flynn, the No.41 pick in last year's NAB AFL Draft, kicked a game-high four majors from 13 possessions and six marks.

Hawthorn

State league affiliate: Box Hill (VFL)
This weekend: Essendon v Box Hill - Saturday July 16, 11am, Windy Hill

Midfielder Will Langford put in an attention-grabbing display in his return from a punctured lung, finishing with 29 touches and two goals in his side's three-point loss.

The 24-year-old kicked a nice running goal from outside 50 in the final quarter to put the Hawks in front by eight points, but later missed an opportunity to score and ice the game – his only blemish in an otherwise impressive hit-out.

Draftee Blake Hardwick, the No.44 pick in last year's NAB AFL Draft, kicked two goals and was the pick of the Hawks' forwards after providing a good lead-up and marking option.

Hardwick was followed closely by fellow goalkicker Tim O'Brien, who registered a team-high three majors.

Melbourne

State league affiliate: Casey Scorpions (VFL)
This weekend: Footscray v Casey Scorpions - Sunday July 17, 11.40am, Whitten Oval

Midfielder Alex Neal-Bullen burst out of the blocks with 12 disposals to quarter-time, before ending with a game-high 37 touches and a goal in Casey's agonising one-point loss.

Defender Lynden Dunn and youngster Clayton Oliver collected 25 disposals apiece, while Tomas Bugg had 22 touches in his VFL debut and registered a third-quarter goal by roving a ruck contest and snapping with his left foot.

Midfielder Viv Michie also kicked a goal in the third quarter on a tight angle that curled magnificently in the breeze from outside 50.

Casey was kept goalless in the final term, as the Bulldogs stormed home with the wind advantage.

North Melbourne

State league affiliate: Werribee (VFL)
This weekend: Geelong v Werribee - Saturday July 16, 12pm, Simonds Stadium

Draftee Declan Mountford, the No.60 selection in last year's NAB AFL Draft, was one of the few positives to come from the heavy 111-point loss.

The 19-year-old lined up on Geelong midfielder George Horlin-Smith and limited his influence on the match to be named Werribee's best-performed player.

Kangaroos development manager Ben Dyer was encouraged by Mountford's performance despite the one-sided affair.

"He actually had to come off Horlin-Smith to cover other Geelong players at times, so he sacrificed his game a little bit to help others," Dyer told the club's website.

"I thought he spread pretty well and won enough of his own ball, too."

Second-year defender Ed Vickers-Willis continued to show good signs in a backline that was under constant pressure, while backman Joel Tippett (18 touches) used his 197cm frame to win the one-on-one battles.

• The run home: Door ajar for Saints, Power as Roos lose their bounce

Port Adelaide

State league affiliate: Port Adelaide (SANFL)
This weekend: Port Adelaide v Eagles - Sunday July 17, 2.10pm, Alberton Oval

The Power's ruck stocks have received a boost, with ruckman Matthew Lobbe emerging unscathed in his return to competitive action in the Magpies' 41-point win.

The 27-year-old had not played at any level since rupturing the posterior cruciate ligament in his knee in the SANFL at the start of May.

Youngster Sam Colquhoun was kept busy with a team-high 31 disposals and was ably assisted by wingman Jared Polec and former Demon Jimmy Toumpas with 24 touches apiece.

Polec also chimed in with two goals, while forgotten forward John Butcher registered three majors.

Richmond

State league affiliate: Richmond (VFL)
This weekend: Bye

• After the siren: Is Martin marching towards a Brownlow?

St Kilda

State league affiliate: Sandringham (VFL)
This weekend: Sandringham v Port Melbourne - Sunday July 17, 2pm, Trevor Barker Beach Oval

Luckless recruit Nathan Freeman emerged unscathed in his comeback from a recurrence of a hamstring injury, collecting 11 disposals in the 22-point loss.

The 21-year-old, who is yet to make his AFL debut since being first recruited by Collingwood with pick No.10 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft, featured on a wing and played out close to the whole game.

Freeman played in separate VFL development league matches in April and mid-May, but experienced a setback to his troublesome hamstring following both appearances.

Young midfielder/forward Eli Templeton didn't stop running for his 33 possessions, while fellow livewire Jack Lonie had 23 touches and booted two goals.

Sydney Swans

State league affiliate: Sydney Swans (NEAFL)
This weekend: Sydney Swans v Gold Coast - Saturday July 16, 12pm, Blacktown International SportsPark

An eight-goal haul to Xavier Richards was the highlight in the Swans' 124-point win.

He also had 25 disposals and 13 marks.

Isaac Heeney put his hand up for a return to the senior team after a 29-disposal and two-goal effort.

Swans coach Rhyce Shaw was effusive in his praise of Brandon Jack, who racked up 34 disposals despite being tagged for the entire contest.

"I can't speak highly enough of Brandon this year, especially in my first year coaching. It's been outstanding working with such a professional guy," Shaw told AFL.com.au.

Jack hasn't added to his 27 career AFL games this season, but has impressed in a role largely playing as an inside midfielder.

The 22-year-old has spent a little more time in the forward line over the past month without much reward on the scoreboard. However, Shaw said he's unconcerned, since Jack has consistently had a major impact.

Zak Jones injured an ankle for the Swans on Thursday, and if he isn't fit for the match against Carlton on Saturday, Shaw nominated Jack, rookie Nic Newman (32 disposals), recently upgraded rookie Jordan Foote (31 disposals) and Harry Cunningham (24 disposals and eight tackles) as possible inclusions.

Toby Nankervis was excellent with 19 disposals, three goals, 10 clearances, five tackles and at least 30 hit-outs.

His effort came after Tom Derickx suffered a concussion in the second quarter.

West Coast

State league affiliate: East Perth (WAFL)
This weekend: East Perth v West Perth - Saturday July 16, 1.40pm, Medibank Stadium

Ruckman Jonathan Giles took out best-on-ground honours in his team's 13-point win in wet conditions, accumulating 30 hit-outs, 14 disposals and kicking three goals.

Defenders Eric Mackenzie and Jackson Nelson, who were named in the Eagles' original 25-man squad for the clash against Carlton, collected 20 and 17 possessions respectively as they vie for a call-up.

Midfielders Liam Duggan (11 touches, one goal) and Dom Sheed (10 touches) were kept relatively quiet.

Western Bulldogs

State league affiliate: Footscray (VFL)
This weekend: Footscray v Casey Scorpions - Sunday July 17, 11.40am, Whitten Oval

Forward Bailey Dale provided the Bulldogs with a spark in their come-from-behind one-point win and was rewarded for some superb roving, finishing with 28 disposals, six marks and four goals.

The 19-year-old, who has played four games at the elite level so far this season, could've even added another goal to his tally but kicked into the man standing on the mark in the first half.

Midfielder Mitch Honeychurch continued his good form since being omitted after round 13, gathering a team-high 31 touches and laying eight tackles.

Honeychurch received a knock to his right thumb in the last quarter, but returned to the field soon after receiving medical treatment.

Ruckman Will Minson snapped a left-foot goal in the second term and ended with two majors, while Cat-turned-Dog Joel Hamling kept his side alive in the final quarter by kicking a goal from a contested grab.

The Bulldogs stormed home with the favourable breeze in the last term, kicking four goals to nil and registering the last four behinds to win.