GWS Giants forward Jake Riccardi has marked a spectacular return to form with eight goals in the VFL, as the Giants cruised home to a 49-point victory over Aspley.
The 21-year-old, who burst onto the scene midway through 2020 with eight goals in his first three matches, has struggled at senior level this season.
Spending more time behind the ball, Riccardi could only record two goals from his six games this season and ultimately axed after the Giants’ disastrous loss to Brisbane in Round 11.
However, Riccardi’s response on Saturday was nothing short of brilliant, kicking the first two majors of the game in his eight-goal haul. He also finished with 23 disposals and a whopping 14 marks to be a clear best on ground and could have had an even bigger day had he kicked straighter than his tally of four behinds.
Fellow AFL-listed Giant Tanner Bruhn was also impressive, with two goals in his 24 disposals.
In other VFL news, the Swans and Suns played out a thriller with Gold Coast youngster Joel Jeffrey kicking the winning goal on the final siren see his team prevail by three points.
Brayden Fiorini, like Riccardi, also proved he was too good for the VFL level as the midfielder racked up 44 disposals, eight marks and a goal.
He’s yet to make an AFL appearance this year after playing five games last season and every game in 2019.