Emerging defender Jacob Blight makes strong return to AFL for Richmond, McGovern brothers square off

Railways product and Richmond mid-season draftee Jacob Blight made a strong return in the AFL at the weekend despite the Tigers being comprehensibly beaten by the in-from Hawthorn on Sunday.

Blight was recalled to the senior side following a superb month at VFL level, averaging 22.5 disposals and nearly eight marks across four games.

The 22-year-old finished with 12 kicks, eight marks, four tackles and 359m gained as the Tigers went down to the Hawks 19.17 (131) to 10.8 (68) at the MCG.

With emerging forward Calsher Dear and veteran Jack Gunston for opponents, Blight saw plenty of it early, with four of his intercepts coming in the opening quarter when the Tigers were under siege by the hard-pressing Hawks, who booted nine first-quarter goals.

In WA, North Albany products and brothers Jeremy and Mitch McGovern squared off as West Coast and Carlton locked horns at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

Jeremy McGovern, who is in line for a fifth All Australian blazer, was exceptional across half-back for the Eagles, gathering 19 possessions, taking four marks, and having seven intercepts.

His younger brother had the last laugh, though, as the undermanned Blues kept their finals hopes alive with a magnificent 14.15 (99) to 4.10 (34) road win.

Fellow Albany-raised star and premiership ruckman Darcy Cameron had yet another brilliant outing, helping Collingwood to a remarkable come-from-behind victory over Brisbane on Saturday afternoon.

Cameron collected 15 disposals, took five marks, affected 30 hit-outs, and booted a crucial goal in the third quarter as the Magpies clawed their way back from 31 points down to win 11.13 (79) to 11.12 (78).

The 2023 Wellington and Reeves Albany sportsperson of the year winner has been in scintillating form, averaging 37.5 hit-outs in the last six games, and nearly 17 disposals, and has kicked four goals.