Welcome to the Team of the Week for Round 4 in the AFL.
The team
Back Pocket
Robbie Tarrant (North Melbourne)
One of the genuine feel-good stories of the AFL. Since his first year with North Melbourne in 2008, Tarrant has played 41 of a possible 163 games, battling shoulder and leg injuries for most of his career. However, after making a name for himself as a tall forward, Tarrant spent the off-season training to be the Kangaroos’ answer to opposition power forwards. In his second match of the year, Tarrant quelled Geelong star Tom Hawkins, keeping him to just one major. In an impressive performance, Tarrant took nine marks and amassed 23 possessions. Big match-up looms next week.
Full Back
Alipate Carlile (Port Adelaide)
Fresh off a haul of seven, Jarryd Roughead was always going to find the Port Adelaide defence a much harder task at the Adelaide Oval. In one of his poorer games for some time, Roughead was held goalless, with Alipate Carlile doing the job to great effect.
Alipate Carlile kept gun Jarryd Roughead quiet
Back Pocket
Robert Murphy (Western Bulldogs)
The leader of the rejuvenated Bulldogs, Bob Murphy played another excellent game on Sunday night against the previously-undefeated Adelaide Crows. Murphy used his trademark run and gun from defence to generate plenty of drive for his team, picking up 25 disposals, including 19 handball receives, highlighting how much his teammates trust him with ball in hand.
Half Back
Sam Butler (West Coast)
Often much-maligned by his supporters, the only remaining Eagle from the 2006 Grand Final triumph was sublime on Sunday against Brisbane at the Gabba, picking up 28 touches, taking 12 marks, laying three tackles and slotting an uncustomary two goals. To top it all off, he used the ball extremely well, going at 96% efficiency.
Centre Half Back
Michael Talia (Western Bulldogs)
Talia’s confidence would not have been sky-high heading into his clash with the Adelaide Crows at Etihad Stadium. After conceding seven majors to Jarryd Roughead in Round 3, Talia appeared at long-odds to get the job done on in-form Crows’ skipper Taylor Walker. However, in a stunning upset, Talia was brilliant, taking 13 grabs and amassing 23 disposals, keeping Walker to just nine touches and one major.
Michael Talia was superb against in-form Adelaide forward Taylor Walker
Half Back
Sam Wright (North Melbourne)
Took another step in his growth as a rebounding defender with a polished display against Geelong on Sunday. Despite the often-manic pressure when taking the ball from the back half, Wright used his 32 possessions at 81% efficiency. Also took nine marks, spending some time on dangerous tall Josh Walker, who didn’t kick a goal.
Middle
Wing
Paul Seedsman (Collingwood)
Joins a growing list of unsung players to stand up on the ANZAC Day stage. Like Mark McGough and Andrew Lovett before him, Seedsman came from the clouds to win best on ground honours against the Bombers, collecting 31 disposals, taking six marks, laying four tackles and booting a goal. Gains so much distance.
ANZAC Day Medallist Paul Seedsman
Centre
Nathan Jones (Melbourne)
With his club needing to make a stand on the national stage, Nathan Jones stood up and led from the front as he has done so many times before. Threw his body around, amassing 24 possessions, 14 of which were contested, laying six tackles and snapping an opportunistic goal.
Wing
Nat Fyfe (Fremantle)
The plaudits continue to grow for this wonderful player. Stood tall in a heated match with the Sydney Swans, picking up 27 disposals, taking five marks, laying six tackles and booting a goal. A specky in the final minutes was the highlight of a professional performance.
Forward
Half Forward
Isaac Smith (Hawthorn)
Hard to pick a Hawk that was fully engaged in the contest for the full four quarters on Saturday night, but Isaac Smith was close to it. Used his pace well to amass 29 touches, take eight marks, lay eight tackles and slot two goals.
Centre Half Forward
Cameron McCarthy (Greater Western Sydney)
Hard to think of another name when you try and define ‘breakout player’. In just his fifth game, McCarthy proved a dominant force up forward for the Giants, taking six marks from 18 touches, and kicking a career-high 5.2. Only Josh Kennedy has kicked more goals than McCarthy so far in 2015.
Cam McCarthy (l) booted a career-high five on Saturday
Half Forward
Tom Bell (Carlton)
Showed his potential with a strong performance against St Kilda in New Zealand on Saturday. Bell was dynamic in both the midfield and in front of goal, picking up 16 disposals, taking two marks, laying six tackles, and booting four second-half majors.
Forward Pocket
Jake Stringer (Western Bulldogs)
Leading the Dogs’ demolition on Sunday evening against the Crows was robust forward Jake Stringer. In a scary display, Stringer had the better of Kyle Hartigan, gathering 15 touches, taking four marks, laying three tackles and slotting six goals. Even more impressive is the fact he did this in just three quarters of footy, due to being subbed because of a sore hamstring. Missed two easy chances in the third quarter which would’ve made his day even more remarkable.
Jake Stringer booted six goals on Sunday
Full Forward
Jay Schulz (Port Adelaide)
In a breathtaking quarter of footy, Port Adelaide showed the competition how lethal they can be, kicking eight goals to one to kick off proceedings against the reigning premiers on Saturday night. The man doing most of that damage was key forward Jay Schulz, who slotted three for the quarter. Finished with a bag of five, no doubt helped by the loss of Brian Lake early in the game to injury.
Forward Pocket
Jeremy Cameron (Greater Western Sydney)
Was originally going to be a decision between McCarthy and Cameron for a spot in the forward line, but both deserve a position. Cameron’s day out in Canberra could have been even more sensational if not for some inaccuracy in front of goal, kicking a total of 4.6. Had plenty of the ball too, amassing 21 possessions and taking seven marks on Steven May. Wowed the crowd with a remarkable scissor kick at goal, which almost snuck in.
Followers
Ruck
Todd Goldstein (North Melbourne)
Continued his stellar form in 2015 with a dominant display down in Geelong against the Cats. Capitalised on Geelong’s lack of a genuine ruckman, winning 42 hitouts to give his midfield plenty of first-use. It didn’t stop there. 21 disposals (14 contested), six tackles, eight clearances and a goal capped off a golden day for big Goldy.
Ruck Rover
Patrick Cripps (Carlton)
We’ve all been waiting for the breakout performance from Patrick Cripps, and it came in Wellington on Saturday afternoon against St Kilda. With 33 disposals, 23 of which were contested, four marks, 11 tackles and a goal, Cripps delivered on the hype surrounding his style of play that has likened him to the great Greg Williams.
Rover
Travis Boak (Port Adelaide)
The barometer of the Port Adelaide outfit, captain Travis Boak worked back to some of his best form on Saturday night, and it coincided with an impressive, albeit shaky win over the reigning premiers Hawthorn. Battling a tight tag from young gun Will Langford, Boak amassed 30 possessions at an impressive 90% efficiency, took two marks and laid five tackles. Worthy recipient of the Peter Badcoe VC Medal.
Power skipper Travis Boak won the Peter Badcoe VC Medal
Interchange
Liam Picken (Western Bulldogs)
A veteran of a young Bulldogs’ outfit, Picken was hugely important in setting up their fast start against the Crows on Sunday. An explosive first quarter was only the beginning of a successful day for Picken, who finished with 29 touches at 79% efficiency, seven marks, four tackles and a goal. Just one of many players that is standing up under Luke Beveridge.
Dylan Shiel (Greater Western Sydney)
On his way to becoming a Team of the Week Hall of Fame member after another sensational performance on Saturday against the Suns. Led from the front yet again with 39 touches, three marks, five tackles and a goal. Going to be interesting to see who the umpires give the three votes to from this match.
Dylan Shiel has made a wonderful start to the 2015 season
Marley Williams (Collingwood)
Another young Magpie that stood up on the biggest day of the home and away season, collecting 22 touches, taking two marks and laying three tackles. Used the ball extremely well, and kept the dangerous Paul Chapman quiet until he left the field due to injury in the third quarter.
Substitute
Trent Dumont (North Melbourne)
Making your debut is a daunting prospect. Even more so at Kardinia Park, perhaps the toughest opposition ground to play at in the AFL. Especially so from the sub vest in the last quarter with your team holding onto a slender lead. However, with enthusiasm akin to a puppy discovering its tail for the very first time, Dumont took it all in his stride. With his first three possessions, he set up a goal to Ben Brown, before calmly slotting an unconventional checkside from 25m directly in front. With the use of the green vest causing much debate in recent weeks, Dumont showed the worth of having fresh legs late in a match.
Debutant Trent Dumont made maximum impact from the substitute vest
On paper
FB: Robbie Tarrant (North Melbourne), Alipate Carlile (Port Adelaide), Robert Murphy (Western Bulldogs)
HB: Sam Butler (West Coast), Michael Talia (Western Bulldogs), Sam Wright (North Melbourne)
C: Paul Seedsman (Collingwood), Nathan Jones (Melbourne), Nathan Fyfe (Fremantle)
HF: Isaac Smith (Hawthorn), Cameron McCarthy (Greater Western Sydney), Tom Bell (Carlton)
FF: Jake Stringer (Western Bulldogs), Jay Schulz (Port Adelaide), Jeremy Cameron (Greater Western Sydney)
R: Todd Goldstein (North Melbourne), Patrick Cripps (Carlton), Travis Boak (Port Adelaide)
I/C: Liam Picken (Western Bulldogs), Dylan Shiel (Greater Western Sydney), Marley Williams (Collingwood)
SUB: Trent Dumont (North Melbourne)
By team
Adelaide: Nil (0)
Brisbane: Nil (0)
Carlton: Bell, Cripps (2)
Collingwood: Seedsman, Williams (2)
Essendon: Nil (0)
Fremantle: Fyfe (1)
Geelong: Nil (0)
Gold Coast: Nil (0)
Greater Western Sydney: McCarthy, Cameron, Shiel (3)
Hawthorn: Smith (1)
Melbourne: Jones (1)
North Melbourne: Tarrant, Wright, Goldstein, Dumont (4)
Port Adelaide: Carlile, Schulz, Boak (3)
Richmond: Nil (0)
St Kilda: Nil (0)
Sydney: Nil (0)
West Coast: Butler (1)
Western Bulldogs: Murphy, Talia, Stringer, Picken (4)
The team
Back Pocket
Robbie Tarrant (North Melbourne)
One of the genuine feel-good stories of the AFL. Since his first year with North Melbourne in 2008, Tarrant has played 41 of a possible 163 games, battling shoulder and leg injuries for most of his career. However, after making a name for himself as a tall forward, Tarrant spent the off-season training to be the Kangaroos’ answer to opposition power forwards. In his second match of the year, Tarrant quelled Geelong star Tom Hawkins, keeping him to just one major. In an impressive performance, Tarrant took nine marks and amassed 23 possessions. Big match-up looms next week.
Full Back
Alipate Carlile (Port Adelaide)
Fresh off a haul of seven, Jarryd Roughead was always going to find the Port Adelaide defence a much harder task at the Adelaide Oval. In one of his poorer games for some time, Roughead was held goalless, with Alipate Carlile doing the job to great effect.
Alipate Carlile kept gun Jarryd Roughead quiet
Back Pocket
Robert Murphy (Western Bulldogs)
The leader of the rejuvenated Bulldogs, Bob Murphy played another excellent game on Sunday night against the previously-undefeated Adelaide Crows. Murphy used his trademark run and gun from defence to generate plenty of drive for his team, picking up 25 disposals, including 19 handball receives, highlighting how much his teammates trust him with ball in hand.
Half Back
Sam Butler (West Coast)
Often much-maligned by his supporters, the only remaining Eagle from the 2006 Grand Final triumph was sublime on Sunday against Brisbane at the Gabba, picking up 28 touches, taking 12 marks, laying three tackles and slotting an uncustomary two goals. To top it all off, he used the ball extremely well, going at 96% efficiency.
Centre Half Back
Michael Talia (Western Bulldogs)
Talia’s confidence would not have been sky-high heading into his clash with the Adelaide Crows at Etihad Stadium. After conceding seven majors to Jarryd Roughead in Round 3, Talia appeared at long-odds to get the job done on in-form Crows’ skipper Taylor Walker. However, in a stunning upset, Talia was brilliant, taking 13 grabs and amassing 23 disposals, keeping Walker to just nine touches and one major.
Michael Talia was superb against in-form Adelaide forward Taylor Walker
Half Back
Sam Wright (North Melbourne)
Took another step in his growth as a rebounding defender with a polished display against Geelong on Sunday. Despite the often-manic pressure when taking the ball from the back half, Wright used his 32 possessions at 81% efficiency. Also took nine marks, spending some time on dangerous tall Josh Walker, who didn’t kick a goal.
Middle
Wing
Paul Seedsman (Collingwood)
Joins a growing list of unsung players to stand up on the ANZAC Day stage. Like Mark McGough and Andrew Lovett before him, Seedsman came from the clouds to win best on ground honours against the Bombers, collecting 31 disposals, taking six marks, laying four tackles and booting a goal. Gains so much distance.
ANZAC Day Medallist Paul Seedsman
Centre
Nathan Jones (Melbourne)
With his club needing to make a stand on the national stage, Nathan Jones stood up and led from the front as he has done so many times before. Threw his body around, amassing 24 possessions, 14 of which were contested, laying six tackles and snapping an opportunistic goal.
Wing
Nat Fyfe (Fremantle)
The plaudits continue to grow for this wonderful player. Stood tall in a heated match with the Sydney Swans, picking up 27 disposals, taking five marks, laying six tackles and booting a goal. A specky in the final minutes was the highlight of a professional performance.
Forward
Half Forward
Isaac Smith (Hawthorn)
Hard to pick a Hawk that was fully engaged in the contest for the full four quarters on Saturday night, but Isaac Smith was close to it. Used his pace well to amass 29 touches, take eight marks, lay eight tackles and slot two goals.
Centre Half Forward
Cameron McCarthy (Greater Western Sydney)
Hard to think of another name when you try and define ‘breakout player’. In just his fifth game, McCarthy proved a dominant force up forward for the Giants, taking six marks from 18 touches, and kicking a career-high 5.2. Only Josh Kennedy has kicked more goals than McCarthy so far in 2015.
Cam McCarthy (l) booted a career-high five on Saturday
Half Forward
Tom Bell (Carlton)
Showed his potential with a strong performance against St Kilda in New Zealand on Saturday. Bell was dynamic in both the midfield and in front of goal, picking up 16 disposals, taking two marks, laying six tackles, and booting four second-half majors.
Forward Pocket
Jake Stringer (Western Bulldogs)
Leading the Dogs’ demolition on Sunday evening against the Crows was robust forward Jake Stringer. In a scary display, Stringer had the better of Kyle Hartigan, gathering 15 touches, taking four marks, laying three tackles and slotting six goals. Even more impressive is the fact he did this in just three quarters of footy, due to being subbed because of a sore hamstring. Missed two easy chances in the third quarter which would’ve made his day even more remarkable.
Jake Stringer booted six goals on Sunday
Full Forward
Jay Schulz (Port Adelaide)
In a breathtaking quarter of footy, Port Adelaide showed the competition how lethal they can be, kicking eight goals to one to kick off proceedings against the reigning premiers on Saturday night. The man doing most of that damage was key forward Jay Schulz, who slotted three for the quarter. Finished with a bag of five, no doubt helped by the loss of Brian Lake early in the game to injury.
Forward Pocket
Jeremy Cameron (Greater Western Sydney)
Was originally going to be a decision between McCarthy and Cameron for a spot in the forward line, but both deserve a position. Cameron’s day out in Canberra could have been even more sensational if not for some inaccuracy in front of goal, kicking a total of 4.6. Had plenty of the ball too, amassing 21 possessions and taking seven marks on Steven May. Wowed the crowd with a remarkable scissor kick at goal, which almost snuck in.
Followers
Ruck
Todd Goldstein (North Melbourne)
Continued his stellar form in 2015 with a dominant display down in Geelong against the Cats. Capitalised on Geelong’s lack of a genuine ruckman, winning 42 hitouts to give his midfield plenty of first-use. It didn’t stop there. 21 disposals (14 contested), six tackles, eight clearances and a goal capped off a golden day for big Goldy.
Ruck Rover
Patrick Cripps (Carlton)
We’ve all been waiting for the breakout performance from Patrick Cripps, and it came in Wellington on Saturday afternoon against St Kilda. With 33 disposals, 23 of which were contested, four marks, 11 tackles and a goal, Cripps delivered on the hype surrounding his style of play that has likened him to the great Greg Williams.
Rover
Travis Boak (Port Adelaide)
The barometer of the Port Adelaide outfit, captain Travis Boak worked back to some of his best form on Saturday night, and it coincided with an impressive, albeit shaky win over the reigning premiers Hawthorn. Battling a tight tag from young gun Will Langford, Boak amassed 30 possessions at an impressive 90% efficiency, took two marks and laid five tackles. Worthy recipient of the Peter Badcoe VC Medal.
Power skipper Travis Boak won the Peter Badcoe VC Medal
Interchange
Liam Picken (Western Bulldogs)
A veteran of a young Bulldogs’ outfit, Picken was hugely important in setting up their fast start against the Crows on Sunday. An explosive first quarter was only the beginning of a successful day for Picken, who finished with 29 touches at 79% efficiency, seven marks, four tackles and a goal. Just one of many players that is standing up under Luke Beveridge.
Dylan Shiel (Greater Western Sydney)
On his way to becoming a Team of the Week Hall of Fame member after another sensational performance on Saturday against the Suns. Led from the front yet again with 39 touches, three marks, five tackles and a goal. Going to be interesting to see who the umpires give the three votes to from this match.
Dylan Shiel has made a wonderful start to the 2015 season
Marley Williams (Collingwood)
Another young Magpie that stood up on the biggest day of the home and away season, collecting 22 touches, taking two marks and laying three tackles. Used the ball extremely well, and kept the dangerous Paul Chapman quiet until he left the field due to injury in the third quarter.
Substitute
Trent Dumont (North Melbourne)
Making your debut is a daunting prospect. Even more so at Kardinia Park, perhaps the toughest opposition ground to play at in the AFL. Especially so from the sub vest in the last quarter with your team holding onto a slender lead. However, with enthusiasm akin to a puppy discovering its tail for the very first time, Dumont took it all in his stride. With his first three possessions, he set up a goal to Ben Brown, before calmly slotting an unconventional checkside from 25m directly in front. With the use of the green vest causing much debate in recent weeks, Dumont showed the worth of having fresh legs late in a match.
Debutant Trent Dumont made maximum impact from the substitute vest
On paper
FB: Robbie Tarrant (North Melbourne), Alipate Carlile (Port Adelaide), Robert Murphy (Western Bulldogs)
HB: Sam Butler (West Coast), Michael Talia (Western Bulldogs), Sam Wright (North Melbourne)
C: Paul Seedsman (Collingwood), Nathan Jones (Melbourne), Nathan Fyfe (Fremantle)
HF: Isaac Smith (Hawthorn), Cameron McCarthy (Greater Western Sydney), Tom Bell (Carlton)
FF: Jake Stringer (Western Bulldogs), Jay Schulz (Port Adelaide), Jeremy Cameron (Greater Western Sydney)
R: Todd Goldstein (North Melbourne), Patrick Cripps (Carlton), Travis Boak (Port Adelaide)
I/C: Liam Picken (Western Bulldogs), Dylan Shiel (Greater Western Sydney), Marley Williams (Collingwood)
SUB: Trent Dumont (North Melbourne)
By team
Adelaide: Nil (0)
Brisbane: Nil (0)
Carlton: Bell, Cripps (2)
Collingwood: Seedsman, Williams (2)
Essendon: Nil (0)
Fremantle: Fyfe (1)
Geelong: Nil (0)
Gold Coast: Nil (0)
Greater Western Sydney: McCarthy, Cameron, Shiel (3)
Hawthorn: Smith (1)
Melbourne: Jones (1)
North Melbourne: Tarrant, Wright, Goldstein, Dumont (4)
Port Adelaide: Carlile, Schulz, Boak (3)
Richmond: Nil (0)
St Kilda: Nil (0)
Sydney: Nil (0)
West Coast: Butler (1)
Western Bulldogs: Murphy, Talia, Stringer, Picken (4)
