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VFL Round 18: Potential No.1 pick stars, Magpie pair return
Jaiden Sciberras • July 27th, 2025 7:23 pm
VFL's Round 18 has wrapped up, with a number of AFL listed talent putting their names in the mix for senior selection.
The Sydney Swans opened the round with a major upset, taking down the GWS Giants in the Sydney Derby curtain raiser.
Corey Warner was exceptional in the bout, collecting 28 disposals and kicking one goal, while Riley Bice and Ollie Florent also stood up in the win.
Sydney’s untried rookie Jesse Dattolli edges ever closer to his senior debut, booting another three goals from 16 touches, while GWS’ Max Gruzewski kicked five goals and Jacob Wehr excelled from the midfield.
The Brisbane Lions claimed an important four points in the Q-Clash, overcoming a five-goal deficit to knock off the Gold Coast Suns by nine points.
Academy graduate and 2025 AFL Draft prospect Daniel Annable was phenomenal in the win, collecting a team-high 28 disposals, with four tackles, four clearances and a goal.
Senior pair Tom Doedee and Keidean Coleman got through a successful contest, with both eyeing off a potential senior selection approaching the AFL finals.
David Swallow was important on the inside for the Suns, while Jed Walter (two goals) and Ben Jepson (26 disposals, one goal) responded well to their senior omissions.
The Footscray Bulldogs put the Bombers to the sword, allowing just two goals in the final three terms to win by 63 points.
Buku Khamis dominated ahead of the ball, booting five majors from six scoring shots, while James Harmes was highly effective through the midfield.
Anthony Scott continues to impress at VFL level collecting a game-high 32 disposals, while Sam Davidson (26 disposals), Michael Sellwood (24 touches, 11 intercepts, 10 marks) and Liam Jones (17 disposals, 12 marks, nine intercepts) all performed well.
Richmond claimed a huge four points over the reigning premiers, downing Werribee by 46 points to leap into the top eight.
Josh Gibcus continues to build towards an AFL return, collecting 11 disposals, nine intercepts and a goal for the Tigers, while Harry Armstrong was also strong with 11 touches and two goals.
Jack Riding impressed for Werribee, while Hudson Garoni kicked four.
Frankston clawed back from a major early deficit, managing a 12-goal to two run to claim victory over a star-studded Collingwood lineup.
Bobby Hill marked his return to football with three goals in the forward half, while Jordan De Goey managed 19 disposals in managed minutes. Finlay Macrae was a standout in the midfield, while Oscar Steene dominated the ruck battle.
Tom McGuane, son of the legendary Mick, also made his VFL debut for the Pies, booting a goal from his seven touches.
Frankston’s Tom Blamires was electric, amounting 44 disposals and six tackles for the victors.
The Casey Demons won big over Sandringham, jumping into the top 10 with a 63-point smashing.
Jack Billings played out arguably his best game of the season, amounting 36 disposals, seven tackles and two goals, while Harry Sharp kicked five.
Bailey Laurie was in good nick, while potential No.1 pick in the upcoming draft Willem Duursma collected 17 touches.
Tobie Travaglia was a standout for Sandringham, collecting 31 disposals, 12 intercepts and six marks, while Paddy Dow was also in good stead as he eyes off a potential senior return.
Geelong edged out North Melbourne in a stellar contest at Arden Street, fighting off a late Kangaroo charge to win by two points.
Toby Conway, Jhye Clark and George Stevens dominated the midfield battle, while Oliver Henry and Oliver Wiltshire booted two goals each.
George Wardlaw continues to build towards a senior return with 19 touches and five clearances, while Matt Whitlock and Geordie Payne combined for eight majors in the loss.
Non-affiliate Performances
The Southport Sharks maintain their charge for a top spot, downing Williamstown by 22 points.
Zac Foot was excellent, managing 25 disposals and three goals, while Boyd Woodcock (30 disposals, one goal) and Jacob Dawson (25 disposals, 13 clearances) helped anchor the Sharks’ win.
Brodie McLaughlin booted five for the Seagulls, while midfielder Hugo Hall-Kahan stuffed the stat sheet with 29 disposals, six clearances, five tackles and two goals.
The closing game saw the Coburg Lions claim a 15-point win over the Northern Bullants.
Former Magpie Jack Bytel was crucial in the win, while Bullant Patrick Fairlie stuffed the stat sheet with 37 disposals and 10 clearances.
