Western Bulldogs star Tom Boyd took a major step in his return to the AFL with a pivotal four-goal performance in the VFL on Sunday.
Boyd hasn't featured at AFL level since round 13 when he was granted indefinite leave by the club to deal with clinical depression.
The 22-year-old was one of the Bulldogs' best performers in last year's drought-breaking AFL grand final win but struggled to recapture that form this season.
In his third game back at VFL level, Boyd showed glimpses of his best as the Dogs defeated Essendon in a five-point elimination final thriller at North Port Oval.
"It's just good to be back out playing footy," Boyd told the Seven Network.
The Bulldogs' AFL side finished a disappointing 10th this season, but set up a sudden-death VFL semi-final against Port Melbourne with the win.
Boyd's fourth goal - from just inside 50 on an acute angle against a strong wind in the fourth quarter - was vital.
He finished with 13 disposals at 100 per cent efficiency and took four marks.
The loss ended the Bombers' VFL campaign but Matt Dea, who was rated his side's best player, and Shaun McKernan, who kicked three goals, pushed their claims for inclusion in Essendon's AFL elimination final team to face Sydney at the SCG on Saturday.
In the other VFL game on Sunday, Box Hill defeated Port Melbourne by 13 points to advance to a preliminary final.
On Saturday, Sam Lloyd was among Richmond's best players as the Tigers advanced to a semi-final against Casey with an elimination final win over Collingwood.
The Tigers trailed by a point in time-on of the last term, but Lloyd put his side back in front with a match-winning goal from one of his 33 disposals.
A fortnight ago, the 27-year-old had 50 disposals and kicked four in Richmond's VFL win over Sandringham.
Lloyd was last seen in the Tigers' seniors in round 19, totalling eight AFL matches this year.
Anthony Miles was another to press his claims, tallying 35 touches and a goal.
In Saturday's other VFL final, Williamstown defeated Casey by 35 points to go through to a preliminary final.
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