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Sport Nation
VFL Round 12: Dees father-son debuts, Flying Viking shines
Jaiden Sciberras • June 15th, 2025 6:55 pm
VFL's Round 12 has wrapped up, with a number of AFL listed talent putting their names in the mix for senior selection.
Led by midfielder Riley Garcia, the Footscray Bulldogs claimed a 17-point win over Frankston to leap into the top four.
Garcia shone in the clash, collecting 39 disposals (21 contested), 11 clearances, seven score involvements and six intercept possessions in what was a dominant performance.
Jedd Busslinger was also strong with 26 disposals, while mid-season draftee Michael Sellwood managed 20 touches and a team-high 11 intercept possessions from the back half.
Despite finishing +24 in the inside 50 count, Geelong just scraped home against a plucky Werribee side, with two late goals sealing a two-point victory.
Young cat George Stevens was excellent in the contest, leading the game with 29 disposals, 11 clearances and seven tackles.
Fellow young midfielders in Jhye Clark, Mitch Knevitt and Ted Clohesy were also top performers, while Ollie Henry booted two goals.
Although dominated by the Southport Sharks, a range of young Saints put on top performances to raise their stocks in the eyes of the senior team.
2024 first round pick Alix Tauru put on a top showing for Sandringham, taking 12 marks and 10 intercepts in the defensive half, putting his athleticism and willingness to compete on show.
Darcy Wilson was also a standout in the midfield, while Hugh Boxshall and Hugo Garcia rounded out a solid display within the engine room.
Despite North Melbourne’s 23-point loss to Port Melbourne, a combined six goals for Finnbar Maley and Zane Duursma will leave them on good stead for a potential return to senior football.
Box Hill’s 38-point win over Coburg was led by a top midfield duo of Finn Maginness and Cam Mackenzie, with the pair combining for 59 disposals, 28 contested possessions, 18 clearances, 11 score involvements and nine tackles.
Sam Frost booted three goals in the forward half, while Ned Reeves was dominant in the ruck as the Hawks soar to the top of the VFL ladder.
The Casey Demons have carried on their good form, beating the Bombers by 29 points to secure their fourth straight victory.
Bailey Laurie (26 disposals, eight tackles, seven clearances, one goal) was the Demons’ best, as Kalani White, son of legendary Demon Jeff White and 2025 AFL draft prospect bagged two goals in his VFL debut.
Mid-season draftee Liam McMahon kicked four for Essendon as he eyes off a long-awaited AFL debut, while Dylan Shiel was strong with 27 and two goals.
The Brisbane Lions pulled off a shock win, booting eight final term goals to nail down a huge 85-point smashing over the Giants.
20-year-old prospect Will McLachlan booted six goals to lead the way, while Deven Robertson stuffed the stat sheet with 36 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 10 score involvements, nine tackles and eight clearances.
Lions’ ruckman Oscar McInerney made his return to football after being managed for over a month, comfortably winning the ruck battle with 45 hitouts, 17 disposals, 10 score involvements and seven clearances.
For GWS, forward Max Gruzewski was the pick of the bunch with 21 disposals, 10 marks and three goals, while Toby McMullin racked up 30 touches.
The Blues closed the round with a fill-up against the winless Bullants, walking away with a massive 86-point win.
Jordan Boyd was once again a standout with 30 disposals, while Billy Wilson (27 disposals and five intercepts) and Ben Camporeale (24 disposals and 10 score involvements) leave themselves with a chance at a potential AFL debut.
Mark Pittonet dominated the ruck battle, while mid-season draftee Flynn Young booted two goals and key forward prospect Harry Lemmey booted four.
