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VFL Round 19: Swans veteran dominates, son of legendary Hawk debuts
Jaiden Sciberras • August 3rd, 2025 7:24 pm
VFL's Round 19 has wrapped up, with a number of AFL listed talent putting their names in the mix for senior selection.
The Footscray Bulldogs put away the Giants in a crucial battle for a top four spot.
James Harmes continued his elite VFL form, collecting 31 disposals and five clearances, while Nick Coffield was a standout in the back half with 25 disposals, 10 marks and eight intercepts.
For the Giants, ruckman Nick Madden and youngster James Leake performed well, however it wasn’t enough, falling by 41 points and dropping out of a double chance spot.
The Box Hill Hawks nailed down their spot atop the VFL ladder, dominating against strong opposition in Southport.
Cam Mackenzie led the contest with 28 disposals, Changkouth Jiath was strong with 24 and a goal while Max Ramsden and Jasper Scaife booted three goals each.
Ned Reeves took advantage of Brayden Crossley’s absence, dominating the ruck battle and finishing with an equal game-high nine clearances from 19 disposals.
The Sydney Swans claimed a comfortable win over Essendon, booting seven goals to none in the first term en route to a 35-point win.
Midfielder Taylor Adams was dominant on the inside, stuffing the stat sheet with 32 disposals, 12 clearances, seven marks, six tackles and a goal, while Matt Roberts was also in top nick with 31 of his own. Aaron Francis kicked three goals ahead of the ball, including two in the first term.
For the Bombers, Zak Johnson managed 21 touches, while Vigo Visentini dominated the ruck contest.
The Gold Coast Suns pulled off a big win against the odds, taking down the Tigers at People First Stadium.
Leo Lombard stood up massively in the contest, playing out a 31-disposal, eight-tackle game, while veteran David Swallow lead the contest with 36 touches and eight clearances.
Ned Moyle hardly lost a ruck contest, Malcolm Rosas kicked four goals, Jed Walter booted two and potential No.1 draft pick Zeke Uwland managed 17 and a goal.
Fellow draft prospect Sam Grlj lined up for the Tigers, collecting 18 and five tackles, while Josh Gibcus continues to rack up valuable minutes.
The Brisbane Lions picked up a major four points over Coburg, leaping into fifth place with a 26-point win.
Deven Robertson was the standout for the Lions, leading his team with 30 disposals and six clearances. Top draft prospect and Brisbane academy player Dan Annable once again put on a top performance with 26 touches and seven clearances, while Ty Gallop booted three goals.
Brisbane also debuted Cooper Hodge, son of AFL Hall of Famer Luke, who managed a goal from his 10 touches.
For Coburg, Donovan Toohey, Lachlan Walker, Flynn Gentile and Jack Bytel all collected plenty of ball, however the side now sits a game out of the cut-off with three games remaining.
Collingwood claimed victory in a huge top 10 shaper, holding on late to win by 11 points against Williamstown.
Finlay Macrae accumulated 26 disposals and kicked one goal from four scoring shots, while Harry DeMattia played well once again as he pushes for an AFL debut. Billy Frampton also played a significant role in the defensive half.
Williamstown dominated the football across the day, finishing the contest at +109 disposals led by Jake Greiser (38), Joel Fitzgerald (34), Toby Triffett (31) and Finn O’Dwier (31).
Frankston have leapt into the top four following a huge come-from-behind win over Carlton.
Tom Blamires led the contest with 28 disposals for the Dolphins, while George Grey booted three goals from 22 disposals as Frankston kicked 11 second half goals to Carlton’s four to win out by four goals.
Billy Wilson collected 25 touches, Harry Charleson managed 22 and Alex Cincotta accompanied his 19 disposals with 12 tackles for the Blues.
Sandringham picked up their second win of the VFL season, leading the Kangaroos from the first minute to claim victory by 23 points.
Darcy Wilson was superb for the Zebras, racking up 33 disposals, 15 clearances and a goal from four scoring shots, leaving him in great stead for a return to the senior side.
Paddy Dow was also in good touch with 23 and eight clearances, while Mattaes Phillipou’s 22 and a goal provided valuable minutes post injury.
For the Kangaroos, Geordie Payne will certainly have his name in the mix for an AFL debut, booting six goals from his 16 disposals. Will Phillips collected 20 touches, while Matt Whitlock booted two.
Non-affiliate Performances
In a bottom-end clash, Port Melbourne put away the Northern Bullants by 44 points.
Former Essendon captain Dyson Heppell was dominant for Borough, collecting a game-high 35 disposals, nine marks, five intercepts and three tackles, while Charlie Lazarro also performed with 33 disposals.
Archi Manton booted five for Port Melbourne, while Jean-Luc Velissaris managed 33 and a goal for the Bullants.
