At VFL level, Werribee strengthened its grip on second place in the Smithy's VFL ladder on Sunday, defeating Port Melbourne by 38 points to move six points clear inside the top two with four rounds remaining.

There were plenty of standout performances across local football over the weekend, highlighted by Caidan Gardiner's return in his first game for more than three months, Josh Kellett making a successful comeback from injury in an incredible last-quarter fightback, and Luke Preece starring in another thrilling comeback victory for Drysdale.

Read how the 16 Werribee-listed players performed in this week's edition of the Weekly Local Player Report.

Geelong Football Netball League:

Liam Kershaw - St Joseph's
Kershaw was named in St Joseph's best players after helping his side to an eight-point win over Newtown & Chilwell. Spending time in the ruck for the first time in his career while also playing his customary role across half back, he collected 21 disposals, 10 contested possessions, four marks and four tackles. His attack on the contest, clean ball use and willingness to embrace the new role were standout features in another strong all-round performance.

Ollie Bridgewater - Bell Park
Bridgewater was named best on ground in Bell Park's 10-point win over Colac, producing his best game since returning from injury. The ruckman made a huge impact forward early, kicking three first-quarter goals before finishing with 11 disposals, 18 hitouts, nine score involvements and three goals. He then spent more time in the ruck during the second half, where his timing and influence continued to improve.

Eli Pearce - Bell Park
Pearce played an important role alongside Bridgewater in Bell Park's victory over Colac. Used as a key forward, second ruck and through the midfield, he gathered 17 disposals, 11 contested possessions, eight score involvements and kicked a goal. His athleticism around the ground created problems for the opposition as Bell Park secured another valuable win.

Caidan Gardiner - Grovedale
Gardiner made a successful return in his first game since April 18 as Grovedale went down to South Barwon. Playing just his third senior match of the season after a lengthy injury layoff, the ruckman collected 11 disposals, 29 hitouts, eight clearances and a goal while finishing with 115 ranking points. He worked his way into the contest as the game progressed and was rewarded with selection in Grovedale's best players.

Bellarine Football Netball League:

Luke Preece - Drysdale
Preece was named in Drysdale's best players after another outstanding performance in the Hawks' remarkable nine-point comeback win over Barwon Heads. Trailing by 20 points at three quarter time, Drysdale stormed home with Preece leading the way, collecting 35 disposals, 14 marks and 12 intercept possessions while providing outstanding leadership and composure behind the ball. It was another dominant display from the in-form defender.

Tom Webster - Newcomb
After his career-best six-goal haul last week, Webster again lined up in attack as Newcomb went down to Queenscliff. The versatile tall finished with 11 disposals, six marks, including five inside 50, and seven score involvements while continuing to provide a strong aerial target in the forward line.

Hampden Football Netball League:

Archie Taylor - Cobden
Taylor starred as Cobden defeated Hamilton by 39 points, putting together another exceptional midfield display. The midfielder amassed 34 disposals, five clearances, six tackles, six inside 50s and a goal while repeatedly breaking the game open with his run and carry. His relentless pressure and ability to impact both offensively and defensively capped another outstanding performance.

Myles McCluggage - South Warrnambool
McCluggage played a starring role in South Warrnambool's six-point upset win over Koroit. Finishing with 27 disposals, six tackles and five clearances, he thrived with greater midfield support before also rotating across half back to help drive the ball forward. His work rate and attitude were key factors in knocking off one of the competition's top sides.

Goulburn Valley Football League:

Bior Malual - Seymour
Malual helped Seymour edge Mansfield by four points in a thrilling contest to move a game clear in third place on the ladder. He made a flying start before suffering a corked quad early in the second quarter but battled on to finish with 18 disposals at 89% efficiency, six marks and a goal while continuing to play his role despite the setback.

Western Football Netball League:

Emerson Jeka - Altona
Jeka started strongly in Altona's 12-point loss to Spotswood, collecting 20 disposals and seven marks while helping organise the Vikings' defensive structure. Unfortunately, his afternoon was cut short after suffering a hamstring injury, although he still managed to provide solid drive from the back half before leaving the ground.

Josh Kellett - Werribee Districts
Kellett made a successful return from injury as Werribee Districts produced an incredible comeback to defeat Hoppers Crossing by seven points after trailing by 29 points midway through the final quarter. Playing across half back, he gathered 23 disposals and six intercept possessions while using the ball well and helping launch several attacking chains. It was an encouraging return as he continues to build towards full match fitness.

Rani Pavlidis - Werribee Districts
Pavlidis played his role in Werribee Districts' thrilling comeback victory despite a quieter afternoon by his recent standards. The young forward finished with a goal, three score involvements and four tackles, while using the ball at 100% efficiency and also restricting his direct opponent's influence.

Harry Maguire - Hoppers Crossing
Maguire made a successful return in his first game in more than a month despite Hoppers Crossing falling just short against Werribee Districts. The key forward kicked two goals from four contested marks and finished with three score involvements, providing a strong aerial target inside 50 throughout the afternoon.

Essendon District Football League:

Tom Cappellari - Essendon Doutta Stars
Cappellari continued his consistent season as Essendon Doutta Stars defeated Hillside by 14 points. He gathered 25 disposals, eight marks, six inside 50s, eight intercept possessions and eight score involvements while once again making an important contribution around the ground in another strong team performance.

Victorian Amateur Football Association:

Mitch Lloyd - Uni Blues
Lloyd played his role in Uni Blues' 39-point victory over Old Xaverians. The defender gathered 14 disposals and competed strongly in the back half, once again providing a reliable presence as Uni Blues recorded another impressive win.

Ovens & Murray Football Netball League:

Foster Gardiner - North Albury
Gardiner was a bright light in a disappointing day for North Albury, despite the side suffering a 64-point loss to Wangaratta Rovers. The midfielder finished with 15 disposals and seven tackles, continuing to compete strongly around the contest and apply plenty of defensive pressure throughout the afternoon.