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Sport Nation
VFL Round 9: Bomber and Tiger return, Hawks run riot
Jaiden Sciberras • May 25th, 2025 6:49 pm
VFL's Round 9 has wrapped up, with a number of AFL listed talent putting their names in the mix for senior selection.
The Footscray Bulldogs got the job done over the Cats, led by young defender Jedd Busslinger.
The 21-year-old collected 26 disposals, 13 intercept possessions and six marks in the back half, leading the Dogs to a 23-point win on Friday afternoon.
Geelong’s Ted Clohesy once again performed well despite the loss, securing 23 disposals (17 contested), nine tackles and six clearances, while the returning Cam Guthrie managed 11 touches and a goal.
The Box Hill Hawks claimed victory over the Brisbane Lions, with a number of AFL-listed Hawks putting on a show in the contest.
22-year-old Sam Butler was electric from the midfield, collecting an impressive 42 disposals, eight clearances, five tackles and a goal, while Henry Hustwaite’s 35, 18 contested and 11 clearances will have him back in the mix for senior selection.
Richmond VFL claimed a strong win over Essendon VFL, failing to go behind for the entirety of the contest despite strong returning talent for the Bombers.
The Bombers will be pleased with the successful return of Darcy Parish, managing 20 disposals, seven tackles and seven clearances in his first game in 2025. Dylan Shiel collected 22 after being dropped from the senior side, while Zak Johnson (27 disposals) and Elijah Tsatas (33 disposals, eight clearances) again impressing.
For the Tigers it was Tyler Sonsie putting his name in the mix, with 37 disposals, eight tackles, six intercepts and a goal to dominate the game.
Dion Prestia was also impressive in his return to football with 20 disposals, 12 contested possessions and a goal, while Mykelti Lefau booted two as he returns to full fitness.
The Sandringham Dragons and Gold Coast Suns played out a 72-all draw, their second draw in consecutive clashes.
St Kilda recruit Jack Carroll and youngster Hugo Garcia led from the front, stuffing the stat sheet to combine for 55 disposals, 18 tackles, 15 clearances, 11 inside 50’s and three goals from the midfield.
Carroll booted this goal from outside 50 to tie the game after the siren to complete the late comeback for the Dragons.
Alex Davies stood out for the Suns with 27 disposals and nine tackles, while draftee Leo Lombard was strong with 22 touches and five score involvements in his second game this year.
The Casey Demons claimed a major 71-point win over the Northern Bullants, with Jacob Van Rooyen (19 disposals, 13 marks, two goals) and Matthew Jefferson (13 disposals, five goals) dominating from the front half.
Carlton’s Alex Cincotta collected 20 disposals and 10 tackles in his first full outing of the season, while Billy Wilson’s 22 and Harry Lemmey’s two goals carry on the pair’s good form, keeping them in contention for an AFL debut in the coming weeks.
Orazio Fantasia also returned from injury in Carlton’s 38-point loss to Williamstown, kicking a goal from his eight disposals.
North Melbourne dominated the Magpies to close the round, with Will Phillips leading from the front.
Phillips collected 35 disposals, eight clearances and six tackles from the midfield, while father-son recruit Cooper Harvey booted five goals from his 19 disposals as the Kangaroos claimed the clash by 72 points.
Collingwood's Harry DeMattia (31 disposals, eight tackles) and Jakob Ryan (26 disposals) were strong for Collingwood despite the loss. Tom Mitchell continues to gather solid minutes, managing 17 disposals and seven tackles as he works towards his AFL return.
Other standout performers included Sydney's Ben Paton (37 disposals, seven tackles), Casey's Jack Billings (31 disposals, one goal), Box Hill's Seamus Mitchell (36 disposals, one goal) and GWS' Jack Ough (22 disposals, 12 tackles, one goal).
Mid-Season Draft Watch:
Mitch Hardie (CAS): 33 disposals, four clearances
Riley Bonner (CAS): 34 disposals, six inside 50's
Flynn Gentile (COB): 32 disposals, five tackles, eight inside 50's, six score involvements
Brayden Crossley (SOU): 17 disposals, 54 hit outs, nine score involvements, one goal
Josh Green (POR): 16 disposals, five clearances
Massimo Raso (RIC): 14 disposals, four tackles, five score involvements
Ben Edwards (SYD): 36 disposals, eight clearances
Luke Parks (WIL): 12 disposals, six intercepts
DNP:
Lachie Gollant (WIL) - Suspension
Tom McCarthy (RIC) - Managed
Dom Brew (WER) - bye
