Welcome to Team of the Week for Round 9 in the AFL.
DEFENDERS
Back Pocket - Dane Rampe (Sydney)
The trustworthy defender stood tall on Friday night when his teammate Ted Richards was forced from the field due to a head knock. Spent time on young Hawthorn forwards James Sicily and Tim O'Brien, finishing with 24 disposals at 87% efficiency, as well as eight marks and five tackles.
Dane Rampe was important for Sydney on Friday night
Full Back - Nick Haynes (Greater Western Sydney)
The first round draft pick from 2011 is playing career-best footy, and, like Rampe, also had to take on more responsibility when his teammates Tim Mohr and Matt Buntine were ruled out during the game due to injury. Haynes constantly intercepted opposition attacks, finishing with 15 touches at a deadly 93% efficiency, along with six marks and three tackles.
Back Pocket - Matthew Dea (Essendon)
The former Tiger continues to be one of Essendon's best-performed top-up player, playing an outstanding match on Sunday evening against St Kilda. Dea racked up 26 possessions at 84% efficiency, taking 15 marks along the way to go with a couple of tackles.
Matt Dea has been promising for Essendon in 2016
Half Back - Heath Shaw (Greater Western Sydney)
Speaking of outstanding matches, was this the best game anyone has ever played for the Giants? The former Magpie ran amok at Spotless Stadium on Sunday against the Western Bulldogs, amassing 38 disposals, with an incredible 36 of them being by foot, the most in a game in 35 years. His use of the ball was terrific, recording an efficiency of 97%, while he covered 1,125 metres of ground, the equivalent of running the length of the Giants' home ground over seven times. Oh, and he also hauled in 14 grabs and laid six tackles.
Heath Shaw played a blinder against the Bulldogs
Centre Half Back - Robbie Tarrant (North Melbourne)
The ex-forward has become one of the league's most dependable defenders, and he showed it again on Saturday night with another fine performance against Carlton. Tarrant took nine marks, laid three tackles and gathered 22 touches at 95% efficiency. Does he take Franklin next week?
Half Back - Jeremy Howe (Collingwood)
Put in his best performance in the black and white on Saturday, amassing 22 possessions at 81% efficiency, while taking 11 marks. Seems to have found his spot in the Collingwood backline.
Jeremy Howe is finding his feet at Collingwood
MIDFIELDERS
Wing - Billy Stretch (Melbourne)
The son of former Melbourne player Steven Stretch, young Billy put in a fine display in just his 15th game. The midfielder collected 31 disposals at an impressive 90% efficiency, took five marks, laid three tackles and kicked a goal. Just when you thought the Demons had enough promising youngsters.
Centre - Jack Ziebell (North Melbourne)
Continued his meteoric rise as one of the competition's best midfielders with another great game on Saturday night against the Blues. Gathered 22 touches, half of them contested, won six clearances, took five marks, laid four tackles and booted two majors.
Jack Ziebell is in career-best form in 2016
Wing - Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood)
The Collingwood captain was instrumental in his side's upset win over Geelong on Saturday afternoon, amassing 26 disposals at 84% efficiency, taking six marks, laying four tackles and having a big scoreboard impact with three goals.
Scott Pendlebury stood tall for Collingwood
FORWARDS
Half Forward - Tom Lynch (Adelaide)
The impressive link-up forward had a great night out against Gold Coast on Saturday, racking up 22 possessions at 86% efficiency, while taking 10 marks and slotting two goals.
Centre Half Forward - Josh Kennedy (West Coast)
Was touch and go to play on Saturday against Port Adelaide due to the impending arrival of his first child, but West Coast supporters will be feeling relieved the baby wanted to wait a little longer. The reigning Coleman Medallist was instrumental with 15 disposals, four marks, four tackles and seven goals without a miss, playing on Jack Hombsch and Tom Jonas.
Josh Kennedy was all smiles against Port Adelaide
Half Forward - Jack Gunston (Hawthorn)
Put forward a commanding performance in a losing team on Friday night against Sydney, collecting 18 touches, taking 11 marks and kicking four goals playing as a roaming forward.
Jack Gunston kicked four of Hawthorn's seven goals on Friday night
Forward Pocket - Aaron Young (Port Adelaide)
Arguably the competition's most improved player, Young has gone from bit-part player to fully entrenched in the Power's best 22. Against the Eagles, Young had 21 disposals, took six marks, laid six tackles and slotted four goals. Now has 19.7 from eight matches so far in 2016.
Full Forward - Taylor Walker (Adelaide)
Big Tex regained some much-needed good form on Saturday against the Suns, picking up 19 possessions, taking nine grabs and booting five goals matched up on Sam Day.
Forward Pocket - Jesse Hogan (Melbourne)
The big Demon would have been licking his lips heading into this clash with the struggling Lions. Finished with 20 touches, seven marks and five majors. Despite the criticism on his goalkicking and mannerisms so far in 2016, he's tracking to have a much better year compared to last season.
Jesse Hogan kicked five against the struggling Lions
FOLLOWERS
Ruckman - Todd Goldstein (North Melbourne)
Was always going to play well against a side bereft of tall options. Monstered former Gold Coast ruckman Daniel Gorringe in his first game for the Blues, amassing 19 possessions at 94% efficiency, taking five marks, winning 45 hitouts and booting three goals in the third quarter. Set up the win with nine hitouts to advantage in the first quarter.
Carlton's tall stocks were always going to struggle against Todd Goldstein
Ruck Rover - Trent Cotchin (Richmond)
Returning from a broken cheekbone sustained in Round 6, Cotchin was in everything on Saturday against Fremantle. The skipper put his head over the ball constantly, winning 10 clearances to go with his 39 disposals, 18 of them contested, and seven tackles.
Trent Cotchin was instrumental in Richmond's win
Rover - Jack Steven (St Kilda)
The exciting midfielder had the ball on a string against Essendon on Sunday at Etihad Stadium, collecting 40 touches for the night, 16 of them contested, and winning 10 clearances. Also took five marks, laid four tackles and kicked a goal in the win.
INTERCHANGE
Tom Mitchell (Sydney)
Made a mockery of the claims that you can't tag Sam Mitchell, with the Swans' midfielder forgoing his usual high-possession game style. The Hawthorn champion was restricted to just 15 disposals, his lowest total since the 2013 Grand Final (not counting a match in 2014 when he was injured early). Mitchell of the Sydney variety still helped himself to 21 possessions, six marks and five tackles.
Jack Crisp (Collingwood)
Was instrumental early to set up Collingwood's win after a barnstorming first quarter over the Cats. Finished with 24 possessions, 10 of them contested, four marks, eight tackles and a goal.
Jack Crisp helped Collingwood to a huge first quarter
Callan Ward (Greater Western Sydney)
The skipper of the most exciting team in the competition was at his bullocking best on Sunday against his former side, picking up 30 touches, 13 of them contested, winning seven clearances, taking eight marks and laying 11 tackles.
Seb Ross (St Kilda)
Nine weeks into a breakout season, Seb Ross is starting to display traits extremely similar to his cousin Jobe Watson. Against Watson's Bombers, Ross accumulated 37 disposals, a career-high, won eight clearances, took 11 marks and slotted a major in perhaps the best performance of his career to date.
Seb Ross is developing into a fine player
Coach - Nathan Buckley (Collingwood)
Under immense pressure after the opening two months of the season, Buckley has seemingly gotten the Magpies back on track after a dominant performance on the road against Brisbane and an impressive win over Geelong in just their second loss of the year. His gameplan proved too much for Chris Scott's men on Saturday.
Nathan Buckley would be feeling better after the past fortnight
ON PAPER
FB: Dane Rampe (Sydney), Nick Haynes (Greater Western Sydney), Matthew Dea (Essendon)
HB: Heath Shaw (Greater Western Sydney), Robbie Tarrant (North Melbourne), Jeremy Howe (Collingwood)
C: Billy Stretch (Melbourne), Jack Ziebell (North Melbourne), Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood)
HF: Tom Lynch (Adelaide), Josh Kennedy (West Coast), Jack Gunston (Hawthorn)
FF: Aaron Young (Port Adelaide), Taylor Walker (Adelaide), Jesse Hogan (Melbourne)
R: Todd Goldstein (North Melbourne), Trent Cotchin (Richmond), Jack Steven (St Kilda)
I/C: Tom Mitchell (Sydney), Jack Crisp (Collingwood), Callan Ward (Greater Western Sydney), Seb Ross (St Kilda)
BY TEAM
Adelaide: Lynch, Walker (2)
Brisbane: Nil (0)
Carlton: Nil (0)
Collingwood: Howe, Pendlebury, Crisp (3)
Essendon: Dea (1)
Fremantle: Nil (0)
Geelong: Nil (0)
Gold Coast: Nil (0)
Greater Western Sydney: Haynes, Shaw, Ward (3)
Hawthorn: Gunston (1)
Melbourne: Stretch, Hogan (2)
North Melbourne: Tarrant, Ziebell, Goldstein (3)
Port Adelaide: Young (1)
Richmond: Cotchin (1)
St Kilda: Steven, Ross (2)
Sydney: Rampe, Mitchell (2)
West Coast: Kennedy (1)
Western Bulldogs: Nil (0)
DEFENDERS
Back Pocket - Dane Rampe (Sydney)
The trustworthy defender stood tall on Friday night when his teammate Ted Richards was forced from the field due to a head knock. Spent time on young Hawthorn forwards James Sicily and Tim O'Brien, finishing with 24 disposals at 87% efficiency, as well as eight marks and five tackles.
Dane Rampe was important for Sydney on Friday night
Full Back - Nick Haynes (Greater Western Sydney)
The first round draft pick from 2011 is playing career-best footy, and, like Rampe, also had to take on more responsibility when his teammates Tim Mohr and Matt Buntine were ruled out during the game due to injury. Haynes constantly intercepted opposition attacks, finishing with 15 touches at a deadly 93% efficiency, along with six marks and three tackles.
Back Pocket - Matthew Dea (Essendon)
The former Tiger continues to be one of Essendon's best-performed top-up player, playing an outstanding match on Sunday evening against St Kilda. Dea racked up 26 possessions at 84% efficiency, taking 15 marks along the way to go with a couple of tackles.
Matt Dea has been promising for Essendon in 2016
Half Back - Heath Shaw (Greater Western Sydney)
Speaking of outstanding matches, was this the best game anyone has ever played for the Giants? The former Magpie ran amok at Spotless Stadium on Sunday against the Western Bulldogs, amassing 38 disposals, with an incredible 36 of them being by foot, the most in a game in 35 years. His use of the ball was terrific, recording an efficiency of 97%, while he covered 1,125 metres of ground, the equivalent of running the length of the Giants' home ground over seven times. Oh, and he also hauled in 14 grabs and laid six tackles.
Heath Shaw played a blinder against the Bulldogs
Centre Half Back - Robbie Tarrant (North Melbourne)
The ex-forward has become one of the league's most dependable defenders, and he showed it again on Saturday night with another fine performance against Carlton. Tarrant took nine marks, laid three tackles and gathered 22 touches at 95% efficiency. Does he take Franklin next week?
Half Back - Jeremy Howe (Collingwood)
Put in his best performance in the black and white on Saturday, amassing 22 possessions at 81% efficiency, while taking 11 marks. Seems to have found his spot in the Collingwood backline.
Jeremy Howe is finding his feet at Collingwood
MIDFIELDERS
Wing - Billy Stretch (Melbourne)
The son of former Melbourne player Steven Stretch, young Billy put in a fine display in just his 15th game. The midfielder collected 31 disposals at an impressive 90% efficiency, took five marks, laid three tackles and kicked a goal. Just when you thought the Demons had enough promising youngsters.
Centre - Jack Ziebell (North Melbourne)
Continued his meteoric rise as one of the competition's best midfielders with another great game on Saturday night against the Blues. Gathered 22 touches, half of them contested, won six clearances, took five marks, laid four tackles and booted two majors.
Jack Ziebell is in career-best form in 2016
Wing - Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood)
The Collingwood captain was instrumental in his side's upset win over Geelong on Saturday afternoon, amassing 26 disposals at 84% efficiency, taking six marks, laying four tackles and having a big scoreboard impact with three goals.
Scott Pendlebury stood tall for Collingwood
FORWARDS
Half Forward - Tom Lynch (Adelaide)
The impressive link-up forward had a great night out against Gold Coast on Saturday, racking up 22 possessions at 86% efficiency, while taking 10 marks and slotting two goals.
Centre Half Forward - Josh Kennedy (West Coast)
Was touch and go to play on Saturday against Port Adelaide due to the impending arrival of his first child, but West Coast supporters will be feeling relieved the baby wanted to wait a little longer. The reigning Coleman Medallist was instrumental with 15 disposals, four marks, four tackles and seven goals without a miss, playing on Jack Hombsch and Tom Jonas.
Josh Kennedy was all smiles against Port Adelaide
Half Forward - Jack Gunston (Hawthorn)
Put forward a commanding performance in a losing team on Friday night against Sydney, collecting 18 touches, taking 11 marks and kicking four goals playing as a roaming forward.
Jack Gunston kicked four of Hawthorn's seven goals on Friday night
Forward Pocket - Aaron Young (Port Adelaide)
Arguably the competition's most improved player, Young has gone from bit-part player to fully entrenched in the Power's best 22. Against the Eagles, Young had 21 disposals, took six marks, laid six tackles and slotted four goals. Now has 19.7 from eight matches so far in 2016.
Full Forward - Taylor Walker (Adelaide)
Big Tex regained some much-needed good form on Saturday against the Suns, picking up 19 possessions, taking nine grabs and booting five goals matched up on Sam Day.
Forward Pocket - Jesse Hogan (Melbourne)
The big Demon would have been licking his lips heading into this clash with the struggling Lions. Finished with 20 touches, seven marks and five majors. Despite the criticism on his goalkicking and mannerisms so far in 2016, he's tracking to have a much better year compared to last season.
Jesse Hogan kicked five against the struggling Lions
FOLLOWERS
Ruckman - Todd Goldstein (North Melbourne)
Was always going to play well against a side bereft of tall options. Monstered former Gold Coast ruckman Daniel Gorringe in his first game for the Blues, amassing 19 possessions at 94% efficiency, taking five marks, winning 45 hitouts and booting three goals in the third quarter. Set up the win with nine hitouts to advantage in the first quarter.
Carlton's tall stocks were always going to struggle against Todd Goldstein
Ruck Rover - Trent Cotchin (Richmond)
Returning from a broken cheekbone sustained in Round 6, Cotchin was in everything on Saturday against Fremantle. The skipper put his head over the ball constantly, winning 10 clearances to go with his 39 disposals, 18 of them contested, and seven tackles.
Trent Cotchin was instrumental in Richmond's win
Rover - Jack Steven (St Kilda)
The exciting midfielder had the ball on a string against Essendon on Sunday at Etihad Stadium, collecting 40 touches for the night, 16 of them contested, and winning 10 clearances. Also took five marks, laid four tackles and kicked a goal in the win.
INTERCHANGE
Tom Mitchell (Sydney)
Made a mockery of the claims that you can't tag Sam Mitchell, with the Swans' midfielder forgoing his usual high-possession game style. The Hawthorn champion was restricted to just 15 disposals, his lowest total since the 2013 Grand Final (not counting a match in 2014 when he was injured early). Mitchell of the Sydney variety still helped himself to 21 possessions, six marks and five tackles.
Jack Crisp (Collingwood)
Was instrumental early to set up Collingwood's win after a barnstorming first quarter over the Cats. Finished with 24 possessions, 10 of them contested, four marks, eight tackles and a goal.
Jack Crisp helped Collingwood to a huge first quarter
Callan Ward (Greater Western Sydney)
The skipper of the most exciting team in the competition was at his bullocking best on Sunday against his former side, picking up 30 touches, 13 of them contested, winning seven clearances, taking eight marks and laying 11 tackles.
Seb Ross (St Kilda)
Nine weeks into a breakout season, Seb Ross is starting to display traits extremely similar to his cousin Jobe Watson. Against Watson's Bombers, Ross accumulated 37 disposals, a career-high, won eight clearances, took 11 marks and slotted a major in perhaps the best performance of his career to date.
Seb Ross is developing into a fine player
Coach - Nathan Buckley (Collingwood)
Under immense pressure after the opening two months of the season, Buckley has seemingly gotten the Magpies back on track after a dominant performance on the road against Brisbane and an impressive win over Geelong in just their second loss of the year. His gameplan proved too much for Chris Scott's men on Saturday.
Nathan Buckley would be feeling better after the past fortnight
ON PAPER
FB: Dane Rampe (Sydney), Nick Haynes (Greater Western Sydney), Matthew Dea (Essendon)
HB: Heath Shaw (Greater Western Sydney), Robbie Tarrant (North Melbourne), Jeremy Howe (Collingwood)
C: Billy Stretch (Melbourne), Jack Ziebell (North Melbourne), Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood)
HF: Tom Lynch (Adelaide), Josh Kennedy (West Coast), Jack Gunston (Hawthorn)
FF: Aaron Young (Port Adelaide), Taylor Walker (Adelaide), Jesse Hogan (Melbourne)
R: Todd Goldstein (North Melbourne), Trent Cotchin (Richmond), Jack Steven (St Kilda)
I/C: Tom Mitchell (Sydney), Jack Crisp (Collingwood), Callan Ward (Greater Western Sydney), Seb Ross (St Kilda)
BY TEAM
Adelaide: Lynch, Walker (2)
Brisbane: Nil (0)
Carlton: Nil (0)
Collingwood: Howe, Pendlebury, Crisp (3)
Essendon: Dea (1)
Fremantle: Nil (0)
Geelong: Nil (0)
Gold Coast: Nil (0)
Greater Western Sydney: Haynes, Shaw, Ward (3)
Hawthorn: Gunston (1)
Melbourne: Stretch, Hogan (2)
North Melbourne: Tarrant, Ziebell, Goldstein (3)
Port Adelaide: Young (1)
Richmond: Cotchin (1)
St Kilda: Steven, Ross (2)
Sydney: Rampe, Mitchell (2)
West Coast: Kennedy (1)
Western Bulldogs: Nil (0)
