For AFL lists, the state leagues are rarely about the four points on the ladder; they are about the brutal physics of professional sport—the grind of rehabilitation and the desperation of players fighting to claw their way back into a senior side. This weekend’s action across the VFL, SANFL, and WAFL provided a stark contrast between the triumph of returning stars and the heartbreak of season-ending setbacks.
- Ruck Dominance: Peter Ladhams produced a statistical anomaly for Sydney, recording 40 disposals and 47 hitouts, making his case for a senior recall undeniable.
- Devastating Setback: Collingwood’s Reef McInnes has suffered a second ACL rupture, a crushing blow to the defender’s career trajectory and the Magpies’ depth.
- The “Knock on the Door”: Luke Trainor (Richmond) and Nik Cox (Essendon) used the state leagues to send clear signals to selectors that they are ready for senior minutes.
The Deep Dive: Recovery, Redemption, and the Pressure Cooker
The narrative of the weekend was defined by the “return.” For Collingwood, the return of Bobby Hill—who played managed minutes after a period away for personal reasons—was a morale boost for the club. However, that joy was eclipsed by the sight of Reef McInnes slumping to the turf. Having only returned from a right-knee ACL injury last season, a rupture of the left ACL represents a nightmare scenario for both player and club, removing a key developmental defender from the equation for another year.
In contrast, the Melbourne and Adelaide camps saw successful medical milestones. Jake Bowey’s return from a Lisfranc surgery is a critical win for the Demons’ defensive rotations, while Adelaide’s Dan Curtin proved his knee is holding up after a pre-season dislocation. These aren’t just “games”; they are stress tests for ligaments and joints before the intensity of AFL football.
Beyond the medical side, we saw the “pressure cooker” of the state leagues in full effect. At Richmond, Luke Trainor’s 28-disposal game was a calculated statement of intent after falling out of favor. Similarly, Essendon’s Nik Cox and Archie Perkins are utilizing the VFL to prove their consistency. When a player like Peter Ladhams puts up 19 clearances and 40 touches in a single outing, it ceases to be a state league performance and becomes a selection crisis for the senior coach.
The Forward Look: Who Breaks Through?
Looking ahead, the most immediate ripple effect will be felt in the selection meetings for Sydney and Richmond. Ladhams is now essentially “too good” for the VFL; expect a serious conversation regarding his role alongside Brodie Grundy. For Richmond, Trainor and Tyler Sonsie (30 disposals) have created a selection headache that may force a change in the Tigers’ senior midfield or defensive structure in the coming round.
For Collingwood, the loss of McInnes forces a pivot in their long-term defensive planning. The Pies will now need to accelerate the development of their remaining young defenders or look for a more permanent solution to plug the gap left by McInnes’ recurring injuries.
Finally, keep a close eye on the “high-upside” youth. With Jevan Phillipou kicking five goals for Sydney and Archie Ludowyke contributing for Adelaide, the gap between the state leagues and the AFL is narrowing for these young talents. If they maintain this trajectory, we are looking at a wave of debutants or recalls by mid-season.
Discover more from Archyworldys
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
