Birchall’s high standards off half-back were on show for the crowd of 16,792 to see, collecting 31 disposals at 83 per cent disposal efficiency, with seven marks, three inside 50s and six score involvements.

The 204-game player, who has three premiership medallions in his keeping, has now played 33 matches in his home state, singing the club song 27 times.

He averages 23 touches a game in Launceston, but has gone past the 30 possession-mark in both his matches here this year.

His career-best outing (37 touches) also took place here, against Sunday’s opponent in 2013.

While the Dockers weren’t able to do the job on Sunday, there were some positives for Ulverstone’s Alex Pearce in their backline.

Pearce’s two main opponents Jack Gunston and Ryan Schoenmakers both failed to kick a goal on him, with the 20-year-old finishing with nine possessions and three marks.

Launceston’s Kade Kolodjashnij continued his red-hot form with a career-best 30 disposal effort in Gold Coast’s loss to the Western Bulldogs.

Kolodjashnij went at a disposal efficiency rate of 76.7, took 10 marks and had three score involvements, and is averaging 22 touches a game this year, three up from his career average.

Hobart’s Aaron Hall was again strong with 2.0 from 17 touches with two marks and two tackles, but suffered a groin injury.

Launceston’s Jesse Lonergan had the defensive job on Tory Dickson (who kicked 1.0) and finished with 10 touches and laid four tackles.

Jackson Thurlow, another former Launceston player, had a quiet night for Geelong in their loss to North Melbourne, collecting just 12 touches and five score involvements playing on Taylor Garner.

Devonport’s Ben Brown was held goal-less from 11 possessions in his return to the team by Harry Taylor.

On Friday night, Jack Riewoldt continued his outstanding form, kicking 3.1 (out of a total score of 10.11) as Richmond defeated Carlton.

Riewoldt’s two majors in the third term were vitally important, and allowed the Tigers to get some breathing space, and he finished with six score involvements for the game.

He finished with 15 disposals and took 10 marks, with Michael Jamison once again his opponent.

At the MCG on Saturday, Wynyard’s Colin Garland played on Patrick Ambrose and Cale Hooker in Melbourne’s loss to Essendon, and finished with 13 touches, six marks and four tackles.

Dodges Ferry’s Jeremy Howe played in both attack and defence, kicking 1.1 from 14 touches.

Burnie’s Maverick Weller laid eight tackles, collected 22 touches and kicked 1.0 in St Kilda’s loss to Greater Western Sydney.

Glenorchy’s Jimmy Webster played on Rhys Palmer, and finished with 20 touches, four marks and four tackles.