A Hawthorn star’s finals bid got another big boost on Saturday.

Plus, a handful of Lions put their hands up for a September recall, an All-Australian midfielder made a contract statement, and the son of Richmond’s coach turned heads.

Read on for a wrap of the AFL implications from this weekend’s state league finals action.

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WEDDLE TICKS OFF VFL RETURN

Box Hill lost its qualifying final against Southport by 21 points on Saturday, but the key takeaway for Hawthorn fans will be that speedy utility Josh Weddle got through unscathed on managed minutes.

Weddle recorded 12 disposals, four marks and two tackles in his limited time on ground.

The 21-year-old hasn’t played an AFL match since Round 16 due to a back stress fracture, but he’s progressively proving his fitness in a bid to be selected for next Saturday’s elimination final against GWS.

Fringe AFL-listed Hawks Sam Butler and Henry Hustwaite combined for 65 disposals, 15 tackles and 20 clearances against the Sharks, while Cam Mackenzie totalled 20 possessions and nine clearances. Max Ramsden slotted four goals.

Dons make it three-on-the-trot | 01:43

FRINGE LIONS IMPRESS IN ELIMINATION TRIUMPH

Veteran ruck Oscar McInerney did his chances of a finals recall no harm in Brisbane’s 20-point VFL elimination final win over Richmond, totalling 26 disposals, 11 clearances and a goal to go with 14 hitouts.

Fellow fringe Lion Conor McKenna was impactful as a forward-half weapon, booting four goals from 16 disposals.

Meanwhile, out-of-favour midfielder Deven Robertson was also among the major ball-winners, accruing 31 possessions with a goal and five clearances.

As for Daniel Annable, the tantalising Academy product was busy with 24 disposals and six tackles. He was also lively around the sticks but couldn’t finish his work, managing three behinds.

James Tunstill recorded 24 possessions and six clearances as he aims to retain his spot in Chris Fagan’s side. But with Jarrod Berry set to return, you’d sense he’s in some danger.

TRELOAR’S STATEMENT AMID CONTRACT UNCERTAINTY

All-Australian midfielder Adam Treloar, fighting tooth and nail for another AFL contract, made a statement in Footscray’s whopping 80-point qualifying final win over Frankston.

The 32-year-old amassed a game-high 35 disposals to go with 11 clearances and eight tackles in a clear sign he’s still at the level.

Artie Jones was also impressive for the Dogs, booting 3.2 from 22 touches and seven marks.

Draftee Cooper Hynes also had 24 possessions and six clearances, as the Dogs cemented a home preliminary final berth.

Port set highest points in AFLW history | 02:03

SON OF TIGERS COACH GOES WILD IN DEMONS WIN

The big story from Casey’s 76-point elimination final win over Williamstown was Noah Yze — son of Richmond senior coach, Adem — kicking seven goals in just his sixth VFL outing of the year.

Yze’s seven majors came from just 12 disposals and four marks, making the very most of his opportunities around the sticks.

The 19-year-old was overlooked last November in his draft-eligible season and was again passed over after nominating for this year’s midseason intake. He signed to play with Casey this year and has split his time with Oakleigh Chargers in the Talent League.

AFL-listed Bailey Laurie led all ball-winners with 29 disposals, while Blake Howes added 27 possessions and 12 marks.

However, the Demons’ progression to semi-final weekend was marred by Charlie Spargo’s dislocated shoulder.

It’s the latest in a line of recent injury blows to Spargo, whose 2024 campaign was cruelled by an Achilles injury.

It comes as the 2021 Melbourne premiership player is reportedly attracting interest from North Melbourne ahead of the October player movement window.

EYES ON ADELAIDE

The SANFL Crows play a final on late Sunday afternoon, with the likes of Jordon Butts, Brayden Cook, Lachie Murphy, Chayce Jones and Lachie Sholl named to play against Glenelg at Adelaide Oval.