Mid West AFL wrap: Logan McDonald features in brutal third quarter against Carlton, Liam Ryan makes club debut

It was a rocky start for all but one of the Mid West’s AFL stars as opening round got under way, with losses the common theme among those who took the field last weekend. Sydney’s Logan McDonald was the sole player among the region’s representatives to record an opening-round win as his side downed Carlton by 63 points in the season opener on Thursday night. The first half saw scrappy, low-scoring football — typical of an opening-round bout as sides build into their seasons, but Sydney flipped the switch during the third quarter McDonald featured with a goal during that brutal quarter as Sydney kicked 12 goals in the 20.12 (132) to 10.9 (69) win over Carlton at the SCG. Blues skipper and former Ram Patrick Cripps had a quiet night out by his standards, finishing on 19 disposals, three tackles, and four clearances. St Kilda’s Liam Ryan made his club debut and had an instant impact despite a nailbiting 12-point loss against Collingwood at the MCG on Sunday evening. The former Eagle and Geraldton local has slotted into his new side well, adding flair and pace down the wing, while also pitching in on the scoreboard and clunking marks when it mattered most. Collingwood and St Kilda traded leads all game, with Ryan’s goal early in the fourth quarter bringing his side back within two goals after the Pies led at the three-quarter-time break. Down back, Chapman Valley product Jack Carroll worked hard to finish on 19 disposals, nine marks and four intercepts. Jack Martin and his Geelong teammates had a rough night out against Gold Coast at People First Stadium on Friday night, who scorched the Cats 19.11 (125) to 10.9 (69). While the Geraldton forward was unable to have any say on the scoreboard, he worked hard for his 13 disposals and two score involvements against the rising Suns. The Mid West’s Eagles and Dockers had a bye this weekend, and will prepare to hit the road and play Gold Coast and Geelong this weekend.