Gallant in defeat: Mooroopna's Clayton Oliver started his finals series in fine touch, collecting 28 disposals and kicking two goals in Melbourne's loss to Sydney.
The 2022 AFL finals started with a bang at the weekend, with a host of the region’s finest football products making their mark on the biggest stage.
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And has often been the case during the past five years, Mooroopna’s Clayton Oliver led the way with a prolific performance in Melbourne’s shock 18-point qualifying final loss to Sydney on Friday night.
A dominant presence around the contest for the Demons, Oliver racked up a game-high 29 disposals, 19 contested possessions, eight tackles and eight clearances to try and combat the Swans’ red-hot on-ball brigade.
The 25-year-old was also able to push forward and have an impact, kicking two crucial goals, playing his hand in 10 score involvements and pumping the ball inside 50 on four occasions.
After conceding the first five goals of its elimination final against the Western Bulldogs, Fremantle produced a comeback for the ages on Saturday night, with a trio of Goulburn Valley exports at the forefront.
In what was his last match in front of the Dockers faithful, 375-game legend David Mundy was once again vital through the midfield, with the Seymour product gathering 20 disposals, winning six clearances and taking four marks.
Thanking the faithful: Seymour's David Mundy walks off Optus Stadium for the last time after Fremantle's stirring elimination final win over the Western Bulldogs.
Continuing his breakout season, Shepparton’s Will Brodie was prolific around the contest for the Dockers, recording 19 disposals, laying six tackles and winning five clearances.
While Moama’s Lachie Schultz was as lively as ever up forward, picking up 14 disposals, taking five marks, laying four tackles and using the ball at an impressive 79 per cent efficiency.
For the Bulldogs, Kialla’s Alex Keath was a shining light on what was an otherwise dismal night, gathering 17 disposals, nine intercept possessions and seven marks while using the ball at 76 per cent.
And Mooroopna’s Laitham Vandermeer battled hard, recording 11 disposals on the night.
Congupna’s Steele Sidebottom showcased the value of his experience, collecting 23 disposals and laying six tackles in Collingwood’s thrilling six-point qualifying final loss to Geelong.
While Euroa’s Jamie Elliott displayed his X-Factor, kicking a goal and taking six marks up forward.
In the AFLW, Shepparton United’s Keeley Skepper showed why Carlton selected her with a top 20 pick in the most recent draft, putting together an eye-catching performance in the Blues’ one-point win over Essendon.
Playing in her second AFLW game, Skepper gathered an impressive 14 disposals, took four marks and kicked a crucial goal in what Carlton fans would see as a sign of things to come for the 18-year-old.
For the Bombers, Mansfield’s Bonnie Toogood was a standout in the heartbreaking loss, recording 16 disposals and taking six marks, as the skipper continues her eye-catching start to the season.
Standing out: Grace Egan continued the impressive start to her career as a Tiger on Saturday afternoon.
While on Saturday afternoon, Shepparton’s Grace Egan put together an excellent performance in Richmond’s nine-point loss to reigning premier Adelaide.
Playing through the midfield, she picked up 16 disposals and laid four tackles as she continues to make an impact for her new colours.
