Essendon's Thomas Bellchambers takes full advantage to impress in Dreamtime clash

Bellchambers dominated the hit-outs against first-gamer Callum Coleman-Jones, with Noah Bolta also providing support, in Essendon's loss to Richmond in the annual Dreamtime at the 'G blockbuster, winning 40, almost double of what the Tigers duo were able to manage themselves (21).

While the wet conditions played a big part in this dominance not being completely reflected on the contest, Bellchambers was also able to have an impact around the ground with 15 touches (12 contested), four marks (three contested), four clearances and 1.0.

Bellchambers has featured in all 10 of Essendon's fixtures this season, averaging 11.6 possessions, 2.7 marks and 26.9 hit-outs per game.

He is sixth in the league for total hit-outs (269) and 13^th in the league for hit-outs per game.

Ben Brown and Tarryn Thomas both did their bit on Saturday to ensure that what turned out to be Brad Scott's final game as North Melbourne coach ended with a win.

Brown, who had Jackson Trengove as his direct opponent, kicked 3.1 and had six score involvements and took six marks, which took his season tally to 25.12.

The Devonport product remains in third spot on the Coleman Medal table, with Jeremy Cameron (33.26) and Tom Hawkins (27.12) sitting above him.

North Launceston's Thomas again showed he belongs at the highest level, with his first quarter goal, which came after smothering an attempted kick out of defence from Marcus Bontempelli, exemplifying that.

Thomas, who played across half-forward, had 12 touches, four marks, one tackle, 2.1 (a career-best) and three score involvements.

Lauderdale's Hugh Greenwood rediscovered his very best form as Adelaide fell to West Coast on Saturday.

After a quiet showing the previous week against Brisbane, Greenwood was outstanding playing both in the midfield and in attack, collecting 24 possessions at 64 per cent disposal efficiency, with 17 contested, seven clearances, 13 tackles (which was an equal career best figure) and three score involvements.

Launceston's Chayce Jones had 11 possessions, laid four tackles, kicked 0.1 and had two score involvements playing in the Crows' forward line.

Fellow Launceston product Jake Kolodjashnij collected 12 touches, took four marks and laid three tackles in defence for Geelong in the Cats' win over Gold Coast.

Burnie's Lachie Weller was again one of the Suns' best, finishing with 27 possessions, two marks and three tackles from defence.

North Launceston's Jay Lockhart was quiet on Sunday in Melbourne's loss to Greater Western Sydney with eight possessions, 1.0, two assists and three score involvements.

Lauderdale's Mitch Robinson was quieter than he had been in recent weeks as the Lions fell to Fremantle after the siren, but was still more than effective.

The midfielder collected 16 possessions (12 uncontested), four marks, seven tackles, one clearance, 0.1 and three score involvements.

Ulverstone's Alex Pearce spent time on Daniel McStay for the victorious Dockers.

Pearce finished with 14 possessions (four intercepts), five marks, three tackles, one goal assist and three score involvements, with McStay kicking 2.1.

On Friday in Sydney, Brody Mihocek was impressive with hands, but not so much with his feet in Collingwood's thrilling win over Sydney.

The Burnie Dockers premiership player took a couple of tremendous grabs as he kicked 1.3, had two goal assists and six score involvements in an evening in which he also collected 12 possessions and laid a tackle, with Dane Rampe as his opponent.

At the other end of the ground, Jeremy Howe, from Dodges Ferry, spent time on Sam Reid (who kicked 6.0) and finished his night with 12 touches, four marks and two tackles.

It was quieter nights for Launceston's Jackson Thurlow (nine touches, three marks, two tackles and two score involvements from half-back) and Burnie's Robbie Fox (six touches, six tackles, 1.0 and three score involvements across half-forward) in the red and white.

Meanwhile, Grant Birchall's quest to return to duty for Hawthorn for the first time since 2017 looks to have stepped up another gear.

AFL Media late last week reported that the 31-year-old from Devonport is in the process of increasing his training loads.

He trained away from the main group at Thursday's training session, with the report saying Birchall had "completed some light kicking, as well as straight-line, change-of-direction and timed lap running at a solid pace".

Birchall has been sidelined since early in the season due to a calf injury, with knee problems keeping him out of the game since round 15, 2017.

The four-time premiership player has played 245 games in the brown and gold.

In other injury news, Glenorchy's Jimmy Webster is expected to be back in the St Kilda line-up in round 13, following the club's bye, after surgery on his right hand.

Webster had a plate that was inserted in 2017 removed after receiving a knock in the Saints' round seven loss to GWS.

Webster, 25, has played eight games this season, averaging 17 touches, 2.6 marks and 1.9 tackles .