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Coleman Medallist returns, talented Tiger debuts in VFL Round 3 action
Jaiden Sciberras • April 6th, 2025 6:14 pm
Another round of VFL action has come and gone, with a number of AFL listed talent throwing their names in the mix for senior selection.
Round 3 was headlined by the return of Harry McKay, suiting up for Carlton VFL for his first run-out since taking personal leave. Despite Carlton’s 56-point loss at the hands of Southport, McKay kicked two majors from seven marks in the contest, while returning teammate Elijah Hollands collected 18 touches and three clearances.
North Melbourne saw the first of George Wardlaw in 2025, collecting 20 touches and six clearances in his return from a high-grade hamstring as North Melbourne took down the Swans by 49 points.
Also returning to football was the highly touted pick seven Josh Smillie, taking to the field for the first time since his pre-season hamstring injury. In limited minutes, the 195cm midfielder managed 10 disposals and two clearances in Richmond’s 22-point win over the Brisbane Lions.
Stealing the headlines from the contest was Brisbane key forward/ruckman Henry Smith. The 22-year-old - who is yet to make his AFL debut - had a ridiculous 30 disposals, 33 hitouts, three goals, seven clearances, and four tackles, marking one of the strongest performances of the VFL calendar thus far.
The Giants reserves were stacked with dominant performances as they cruised to a 151-43 victory over Sandringham. Leading the line was 20-year-old forward Nathan Wardius, booting a whopping eight majors from his 22 disposals and 12 marks. Max Gruzewski kicked a further four goals, while Jack Ough, Toby McMullin, Cody Angove and Harry Rowston each tallied 30+ disposals.
The Suns also cruised to a major result as Brayden Fiorini (43 disposals, 11 clearances), Alex Sexton (26 disposals, five goals) and James Tsitas (34 disposals, eight tackles) impressed in their 125-point win over the Northern Bullants.
Last year’s JJ Liston Trophy winner Dom Brew once again threw his name in the mix for potential mid-season recruitment, tallying a stunning 16 tackles to go with 32 disposals and 14 clearances in Werribee’s four-point loss to the Bulldogs.
Other strong performances across the league include the Bulldogs’ Jedd Busslinger (25 disposals, 10 marks), Geelong’s Jhye Clark (32 disposals, eight clearances), Demon Tom Fullarton (five goals), Kangaroo Will Phillips (24 disposals, seven clearances) and Magpie Lachlan Sullivan (28 disposals, eight clearances).
