Shepparton United product and Melbourne draftee Riley Onley suited up for his VFL debut with affiliate side Casey Demons, lining up on the wing in his first full-fledged hit out since the 18-year-old joined the club.
Onley had his hands on the ball early and showed glimpses of the talent Dees fans can expect should he make the leap up to the AFL, collecting 10 disposals, a mark and a clearance against reigning premiers Footscray at Whitten Oval.
The Bulldogs were a class above Casey, however, running away in the third quarter en route to an eventual 43-point win.
Shepparton United recruit Stu Horner had a better time of it with Box Hill in the Hawks’ 36-point victory over Sydney.
Horner collected 27 disposals and 11 marks, and will be a force to contend with should he line up with the Dees in the Goulburn Valley League.
Meanwhile, Cobram-aligned Louis Pinnuck kicked off his 2026 season in style for Werribee, starring in the Tigers’ 15-point win over Gold Coast with 16 disposals, a goal, and five marks.
In the AFL, several Goulburn Valley exports were on the wrong end of some tight round two defeats.
Josh Rachele enjoyed another solid game for Adelaide with 18 disposals and two goals in Friday night’s blockbuster against the Western Bulldogs, but his efforts went in vain as the Crows went down by a goal.
Shepparton product Lachie Ash was close to best on ground against St Kilda at ENGIE Stadium on Saturday night, collecting 39 touches, nine marks and gaining 774 metres for GWS.
He too was on the wrong side of the ledger, however, as the Giants threatened to stage a comeback from 39 points down, falling short by four and slipping to 13th on the ladder.
Tongala product Harley Reid led West Coast to a rare win, showcasing his trademark contested flair and tallying 30 disposals to help the Eagles unseat North Melbourne by 17 points.
