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Hey guys, seeing as it's the middle point of the season (pretty much), I have done up a Team of the Year from the first 11 rounds of 2014. Please note that the team consists of players that have featured in my own Team of the Week articles over the first 11 rounds, and their position is dependent on how I have viewed them so far this season.
The team
DEFENCE
Back Pocket
Josh Gibson (Hawthorn)
The reigning Peter Crimmins Medalist started the year on fire and even further forged his reputation as one of the best defenders in the game. Has featured in the TOTW three times, firstly in Round 3 when the Hawks tore apart Fremantle at the MCG. Gibson took control of Chris Mayne, before starring a week later against the Gold Coast with 31 disposals and 10 marks. In Round 7, Gibson was matched up on the most in-form forward in the game in Nick Riewoldt, and took him to the cleaners as the Hawks ran out winners by a massive 145 points. In torrid rain, Gibson had 30 touches and took seven marks while Riewoldt barely saw it. Gibson is ranked third in the league for one-percenters. Unfortunately for Hawthorn, Gibson tore his pectoral a week later against Sydney, and hasn't played since. Will be back later in the year.
Full Back
Jackson Trengove (Port Adelaide)
The blonde Ned Kelly lookalike has had a season to remember as his dominant Port Adelaide side sits atop the ladder at the conclusion of Round 11. Started the year in great fashion, taking Adelaide's Shaun McKernan out of the game in Round 2, but his best game came arguably against Fremantle in Round 8. Was his usual miserly self in defence for most of the afternoon before being thrown in the ruck after Brent Renouf was subbed out. Trengove competed hard against Sandilands and used his physical presence to help create pathways forward for the Power, resulting in another win. Very good spoiler and has great speed for a big guy.
Back Pocket
Nick Smith (Sydney)
The silent warrior in the Sydney machine is having another good year, regularly taking and beating the competition's best small forwards. Kept Lindsay Thomas out of it in Round 4, and finished with 18 disposals as well as a couple of great run-down tackles to halt scoring chances. Also gathered a career-high 22 possessions against Melbourne in Round 6.
Half Back
Shaun Burgoyne (Hawthorn)
The silky Hawk is having an outstanding year, averaging 24.5 touches, 4.2 marks and 4.3 marks from 10 games. Was magnificent against Essendon in Round 2, picking up 30 disposals, taking seven marks and laying five marks, while setting up a crucial goal late in the game which highlighted his extreme poise under immense pressure. Has floated through the midfield and up forward at times this year, shown in Round 7 against St Kilda when he 33 disposals and kicked two goals.
Centre Half Back
Daniel Talia (Adelaide)
The NAB Rising Star winner from 2012 has been a Team of the Week favourite in 2014, appearing three times from 10 games. The first came in Round 6 when he completely blanketed Liam Jones while gathering 16 touches and taking six marks. In Round 9 he got the job done against Travis Cloke, keeping him to just one goal while taking six marks of his own, before restricting Gold Coast's Tom Lynch to no score in Round 11. Does the little things well, and is starting to find a bit more of the ball.
Half Back
Brodie Smith (Adelaide)
The first round draft pick from 2010 has had a breakout season for the Crows, playing every game and averaging 23.7 possessions and 5.6 marks from his 10 matches. Stood up in the first game at the redeveloped Adelaide Oval, finishing with 28 disposals, taking seven marks, laying five tackles and kicking a goal, while his display at the weekend against the Gold Coast, amassing 30 touches, taking six marks and booting a long goal on the run. Loves to run and carry, ranked third in the league for running bounces. His rise in form comes at a slight annoyance for me, as I had him in my initial SuperCoach squad but traded him out just before Round 1.
MIDFIELD
Wing
Steele Sidebottom (Collingwood)
Has taken his game to a new level in 2014, averaging 24.5 disposals, 5.3 marks and 3.9 tackles a game. Has featured in TOWT three times, firstly in Round 5 with a masterclass against North Melbourne, collecting 34 possessions matched up on Daniel Wells, before being highly instrumental in the come-from-behind win over Essendon on ANZAC Day, kicking three goals along with 26 touches and five marks. Another big game against West Coast in Round 10 was soured a week later when he was rubbed out for three weeks after recklessly bumping St Kilda's Maverick Weller.
Centre
Dom Tyson (Melbourne)
The number three draft pick didn't really live up to the hype at Greater Western Sydney thanks to injury and form, but following a controversial trade to Melbourne, he has hit the ground running and is performing at an extremely high level. Hasn't missed a game yet and is averaging 24.2 disposals, 6.5 marks and has kicked 9.2. A purple patch in form led to a spot in the TOTW three weeks running between Rounds 7 and 9. Was huge in the win over Adelaide at Adelaide Oval, gathering 29 disposals, taking six marks and kicking an incredibly classy goal late in the game to help steer his side to victory. A week later, he backed it up against the Bulldogs with 27 touches, six marks and two goals, before firing against Richmond in another inspiring win, amassing 23 possessions, nine marks and kicking two crucial goals. Admittedly, needs to tidy up his disposal, but everyone wearing red and blue would be extremely happy with this trade.
Wing
Robbie Gray (Port Adelaide)
He has taken a while to get to the 100 game mark, but Robbie Gray has arrived at the milestone in career-best form. Is averaging 23 disposals a game along with 4.8 marks and has kicked 17.12. Started the season in fantastic fashion with four goals against Carlton, and was brilliant against West Coast in Round 5 with two goals from 24 touches, eight marks and four tackles. His past month has been superb, which included back-to-back games of 30 touches, a career-high.
FORWARD
Half Forward
Brent Harvey (North Melbourne)
Has shown that age is no barrier, playing out a remarkable season so far with a 26 disposal, 3.4 tackle average and 12.9 to his name. Showed his class in the bleak encounter against the Western Bulldogs in Round 2 with three second-half goals and 25 possessions, before repeating the dose a week later against Port Adelaide. In a tense game where the lead shifted many times, Harvey was brilliant. Had 23 touches and kicked three goals, with two coming in the last quarter, one to put North in front, and one to seal the win from outside 50. Featured in TOTW again in Round 6 against the Dockers, where he amassed 29 disposals and laid five tackles while facing up to Ryan Crowley, before putting on a masterclass against Brisbane in Round 9, picking up 39 touches, taking seven marks and kicking two goals. Can only think of one game this year where he hasn't had an impact in some way, shape or form.
Centre Half Forward
Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda)
Has turned back the clock with an awesome start to 2014, averaging 16.7 disposals and 8.5 marks from 10 games and has 27.7 to his name. Started the year on fire, collecting 23 possessions, took 12 marks and kicked three goals, before bettering that performance in Round 2 against GWS. At Etihad, Riewoldt had 24 touches, took a massive 14 marks and kicked five majors, leading some to suggest that the 31 year old was in career-best form. Led his side to an inspirational win over Essendon in Round 5, taking 10 marks and kicking five goals, before starring in Round 8 against Carlton on a Monday night, amassing 17 possessions, taking seven marks and kicking four goals. Strong chance to win his first Coleman Medal, but would take a big effort in the second-half of the year.
Half Forward
Luke Breust (Hawthorn)
The goalsneak from New South Wales has taken his game to another level in 2014, averaging 17.5 touches, four marks and kicking an incredibly accurate 29.4 to be second in the Coleman Medal. Is the best player in the game in terms of goal assists, he started the year with five majors and 22 disposals against Brisbane. Performed very well against the Dockers in Round 3, amassing 24 possessions, laying four tackles and kicking three goals, before completely dominating against St Kilda in Round 7 with 29 touches (a career-high), five marks, six tackles and four goals in the 145 point win. At 184cm, could he win the Coleman Medal? On current form, there's no reason why he can't.
Forward Pocket
Devon Smith (Greater Western Sydney)
A TOTW favourite, Smith has had a fantastic year for the Giants, kicking 16.7 from nine games and averaging 19.2 disposals, 4.1 marks and 4.3 tackles. Was huge in Round 2 against St Kilda, winning 22 touches, taking five marks and producing five goals, and starred against Port Adelaide in Round 7, collecting 27 possessions, taking nine marks, laying five tackles and kicking three goals. His most recent game could be his best-ever in his 47 matches at the top level, picking up 26 disposals, three marks, 10 tackles and four goals as the Giants nearly upset Hawthorn at the MCG. This guy will be an absolute star.
Full Forward
Tom Hawkins (Geelong)
His back issue hampers him no more, with the big Cat having a fantastic year in front of goals. Started the year quietly with just 3.3 from the first two games, but has hit real form since then. Was the star on Easter Monday against Hawthorn, gathering 16 disposals, taking 10 marks and slotting 5.3. Monstered the North Melbourne defence in Round 10 with 17 possessions, seven marks and 4.3. Has kicked three bags of three as well. Has 28.19 to his name, making him one of the most potent forwards in the game.
Forward Pocket
Jamie Elliott (Collingwood)
Made serious inroads last year as a small forward and has continued on in 2014, with 23.6 to his name after 10 games and an average of 16.2 touches, 6.1 marks and 2.9 tackles. Took a big mark in Round 3 against Geelong as well as kicking five goals from nine marks and 15 disposals, and was huge against North Melbourne with a career-high 24 possessions, nine marks, four tackles and two goals. He notched another career-best with 11 marks in Round 7 against Carlton, also taking four marks and kicking three goals from 20 disposals. His latest haul of four against St Kilda puts him in contention as one of the best small forwards in the game.
FOLLOWERS
Ruckman
Aaron Sandilands (Fremantle)
The rumours in the pre-season that big Sandi would return to his best turned out to be true, with the big Docker averaging 13.4 possessions, 3.5 marks, 2.8 tackles and 40.9 hitouts from 10 games. Notched a career-high 58 hitouts in Round 2 against the Gold Coast, and was huge against West Coast in Round 7, picking up 21 disposals, taking six marks and winning 38 hitouts. Criticism from Leigh Matthews about Sandilands' worth to the Fremantle team was unwarranted.
Ruck Rover
Josh Kennedy (Sydney) [VICE CAPTAIN]
There are few things more dependable than the sun rising every single day, but seeing Josh Kennedy in the thick of it and extracting the ball comes to mind. The Swan is averaging 31.7 disposals, a league-high, along with 3.4 marks and 5.8 tackles. Was huge in Round 5 against Fremantle, amassing 38 possessions, taking four marks and kicking a goal, while his class was too obvious in Round 7 at the Gabba against Brisbane, collecting 34 disposals and kicking two goals. However, Rounds 8 and 9 have seen Kennedy produce what could be viewed as the best games of his career. Against the Hawks, he had it 36 times and laid 11 tackles, while against Essendon, he had 39 touches, took six marks, laid five tackles and kicked a goal. Probably one of few that are a chance of stealing the Brownlow Medal off G Ablett.
Rover
Gary Ablett (Gold Coast) [CAPTAIN]
The best player in the game by an absolute street has unbelievably taken his game to another level in 2014, averaging 31.4 disposals and 5.6 tackles from 10 games and has 20.3 to his name. Remarkably, he has taken only 16 marks for the season, indicating how hard he works to receive the ball and how dependable he is in the congestion. Started the year with a lazy 41 possessions, four marks and two goals over Richmond, before annihilating Brisbane in Round 3 with 35 disposals, 10 tackles and three majors. Showed in consecutive games in Rounds 7 and 9 how deadly he is in front of goal, with four majors against North Melbourne, including three in a matchwinning final quarter, and four against St Kilda to go with 37 touches. It's a testament to this bloke that I sometimes don't consider him to keep some fresh faces in the team each week, yet he's still appeared the equal-most amount of times. Could poll the most votes in the Brownlow Medal history, and should take home his third Charlie in September. And just maybe, he and his teammates will be on the water that night.
INTERCHANGE
Luke Parker (Sydney)
The hard-nosed Swan is having a breakout year and is a major reason why the Swans could be considered as premiership favourites. Averages 25 possessions, 4.6 marks and 5.8 marks from 10 games and has kicked 12.4, including a bag of four in Round 3 against Adelaide along with 26 disposals and six marks. Was huge against both Hawthorn and Essendon, picking up 26 touches, laying eight tackles and kicking two goals in both matches, and was great again against Geelong last Thursday night with 32 possessions and five tackles.
Steve Johnson (Geelong)
The mercurial Cat has had another prolific season, averaging 28.8 touches from nine games, along with 5.4 marks and 4.8 tackles. Had 37 disposals in both Rounds 2 and 4 against Brisbane and West Coast respectively, with his game against the Eagles also yielding 11 marks, eight marks and a goal. Had it 34 times a week later against Hawthorn and also kicked three goals in a powerful display of class. Has a total of 9.10 up to Round 11, something he'll want to improve on in the second half of the year.
Travis Boak (Port Adelaide)
The inspirational skipper for the Power has backed up his remarkable 2013 campaign with 10 strong games where he has averaged 27 touches, 3.5 marks and 3.8 tackles, while also booting 7.4. Started the year a little quiet but exploded in Round 4 with 41 disposals, seven marks, four tackles and a goal against Brisbane. A fortnight later, Boak was sublime against the Cats, notching up 32 touches, five marks, four tackles and a couple of goals, before repeating the dose against the Hawks, kicking a goal from 34 possessions and seven tackles. Loves the big stage, and Port Adelaide will be featuring there plenty of times to come in 2014.
Substitute
Daniel Giansiracusa (Western Bulldogs)
Has started with the green vest seven times out of nine games so far in 2014, making him the most prolific substitute in the game. Had the desired impact and more in Round 3 against Richmond, coming on late in the game and kicking two goals to lead his side to a narrow two-point victory, while in Round 8 against Melbourne, he came on and had 12 possessions and booted a goal.
Coach
Paul Roos (Melbourne)
The big signing over summer started with a bit of anti-climax, with Melbourne losing their opening three games of the season after a pre-season in which key forward Mitch Clark retired and gun youngster Jesse Hogan badly injured his back. Combined with the season-ending injury to Jack Trengove, Paul Roos has done a remarkable job turning a basket-case into a formidable opponent. With the exception of West Coast in Round 2, the Dees have kept their opponents under 100 points in every single game, an amazing feat given the ease opposition clubs scored against Melbourne in the past. Roos has gotten the best out of players who's careers had stagnated, such as Rohan Bail, Cam Pedersen, Jack Watts, Chris Dawes and James Frawley, while the introduction of youngsters like Jay Kennedy-Harris and Christian Salem has been perfect. It is clear the entire playing group has the respect for Roos, and they play for him. Their three wins so far in 2014 have been some of the best games to watch from a neutral perspective, with each being close, tough, physical and exciting. No longer do Melbourne supporters trudge along to the MCG every week expecting a big loss; they bounce along with such vibrancy and excitement, knowing that their team is going to give its all and may even come away with a win. They have Roos to thank for that, as well as the playing group of course.
On paper
FB: Josh Gibson (Hawthorn), Jackson Trengove (Port Adelaide), Nick Smith (Sydney)
HB: Shaun Burgoyne (Hawthorn), Daniel Talia (Adelaide), Brodie Smith (Adelaide)
C: Steele Sidebottom (Collingwood), Dom Tyson (Melbourne), Robbie Gray (Port Adelaide)
HF: Brent Harvey (North Melbourne), Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda), Luke Breust (Hawthorn)
FF: Devon Smith (Greater Western Sydney), Tom Hawkins (Geelong), Jamie Elliott (Collingwood)
R: Aaron Sandilands (Fremantle), Josh Kennedy (Sydney) [VC], Gary Ablett (Gold Coast) [C]
I/C: Luke Parker (Sydney), Steve Johnson (Geelong), Travis Boak (Port Adelaide)
SUB: Daniel Giansiracusa (Western Bulldogs)
Coach: Paul Roos (Melbourne)
By team
Adelaide: Talia, Smith (2)
Brisbane: Nil (0)
Carlton: Nil (0)
Collingwood: Sidebottom, Elliott (2)
Essendon: Nil (0)
Fremantle: Sandilands (1)
Geelong: Hawkins, Johnson (2)
Gold Coast: Ablett (1)
Greater Western Sydney: Smith (1)
Hawthorn: Gibson, Burgoyne, Breust (3)
Melbourne: Tyson (1) [Roos]
North Melbourne: Harvey (1)
Port Adelaide: Trengove, Gray, Boak (3)
Richmond: Nil (0)
St Kilda: Riewoldt (1)
Sydney: Smith, Kennedy, Parker (3)
West Coast: Nil (0)
Western Bulldogs: Giansiracusa (1)
Fun fact
Most appearances in Team of the Week: Gary Ablett, Brent Harvey, Josh Kennedy, Nick Riewoldt (4)
The team
DEFENCE
Back Pocket
Josh Gibson (Hawthorn)
The reigning Peter Crimmins Medalist started the year on fire and even further forged his reputation as one of the best defenders in the game. Has featured in the TOTW three times, firstly in Round 3 when the Hawks tore apart Fremantle at the MCG. Gibson took control of Chris Mayne, before starring a week later against the Gold Coast with 31 disposals and 10 marks. In Round 7, Gibson was matched up on the most in-form forward in the game in Nick Riewoldt, and took him to the cleaners as the Hawks ran out winners by a massive 145 points. In torrid rain, Gibson had 30 touches and took seven marks while Riewoldt barely saw it. Gibson is ranked third in the league for one-percenters. Unfortunately for Hawthorn, Gibson tore his pectoral a week later against Sydney, and hasn't played since. Will be back later in the year.
Full Back
Jackson Trengove (Port Adelaide)
The blonde Ned Kelly lookalike has had a season to remember as his dominant Port Adelaide side sits atop the ladder at the conclusion of Round 11. Started the year in great fashion, taking Adelaide's Shaun McKernan out of the game in Round 2, but his best game came arguably against Fremantle in Round 8. Was his usual miserly self in defence for most of the afternoon before being thrown in the ruck after Brent Renouf was subbed out. Trengove competed hard against Sandilands and used his physical presence to help create pathways forward for the Power, resulting in another win. Very good spoiler and has great speed for a big guy.
Back Pocket
Nick Smith (Sydney)
The silent warrior in the Sydney machine is having another good year, regularly taking and beating the competition's best small forwards. Kept Lindsay Thomas out of it in Round 4, and finished with 18 disposals as well as a couple of great run-down tackles to halt scoring chances. Also gathered a career-high 22 possessions against Melbourne in Round 6.
Half Back
Shaun Burgoyne (Hawthorn)
The silky Hawk is having an outstanding year, averaging 24.5 touches, 4.2 marks and 4.3 marks from 10 games. Was magnificent against Essendon in Round 2, picking up 30 disposals, taking seven marks and laying five marks, while setting up a crucial goal late in the game which highlighted his extreme poise under immense pressure. Has floated through the midfield and up forward at times this year, shown in Round 7 against St Kilda when he 33 disposals and kicked two goals.
Centre Half Back
Daniel Talia (Adelaide)
The NAB Rising Star winner from 2012 has been a Team of the Week favourite in 2014, appearing three times from 10 games. The first came in Round 6 when he completely blanketed Liam Jones while gathering 16 touches and taking six marks. In Round 9 he got the job done against Travis Cloke, keeping him to just one goal while taking six marks of his own, before restricting Gold Coast's Tom Lynch to no score in Round 11. Does the little things well, and is starting to find a bit more of the ball.
Half Back
Brodie Smith (Adelaide)
The first round draft pick from 2010 has had a breakout season for the Crows, playing every game and averaging 23.7 possessions and 5.6 marks from his 10 matches. Stood up in the first game at the redeveloped Adelaide Oval, finishing with 28 disposals, taking seven marks, laying five tackles and kicking a goal, while his display at the weekend against the Gold Coast, amassing 30 touches, taking six marks and booting a long goal on the run. Loves to run and carry, ranked third in the league for running bounces. His rise in form comes at a slight annoyance for me, as I had him in my initial SuperCoach squad but traded him out just before Round 1.
MIDFIELD
Wing
Steele Sidebottom (Collingwood)
Has taken his game to a new level in 2014, averaging 24.5 disposals, 5.3 marks and 3.9 tackles a game. Has featured in TOWT three times, firstly in Round 5 with a masterclass against North Melbourne, collecting 34 possessions matched up on Daniel Wells, before being highly instrumental in the come-from-behind win over Essendon on ANZAC Day, kicking three goals along with 26 touches and five marks. Another big game against West Coast in Round 10 was soured a week later when he was rubbed out for three weeks after recklessly bumping St Kilda's Maverick Weller.
Centre
Dom Tyson (Melbourne)
The number three draft pick didn't really live up to the hype at Greater Western Sydney thanks to injury and form, but following a controversial trade to Melbourne, he has hit the ground running and is performing at an extremely high level. Hasn't missed a game yet and is averaging 24.2 disposals, 6.5 marks and has kicked 9.2. A purple patch in form led to a spot in the TOTW three weeks running between Rounds 7 and 9. Was huge in the win over Adelaide at Adelaide Oval, gathering 29 disposals, taking six marks and kicking an incredibly classy goal late in the game to help steer his side to victory. A week later, he backed it up against the Bulldogs with 27 touches, six marks and two goals, before firing against Richmond in another inspiring win, amassing 23 possessions, nine marks and kicking two crucial goals. Admittedly, needs to tidy up his disposal, but everyone wearing red and blue would be extremely happy with this trade.
Wing
Robbie Gray (Port Adelaide)
He has taken a while to get to the 100 game mark, but Robbie Gray has arrived at the milestone in career-best form. Is averaging 23 disposals a game along with 4.8 marks and has kicked 17.12. Started the season in fantastic fashion with four goals against Carlton, and was brilliant against West Coast in Round 5 with two goals from 24 touches, eight marks and four tackles. His past month has been superb, which included back-to-back games of 30 touches, a career-high.
FORWARD
Half Forward
Brent Harvey (North Melbourne)
Has shown that age is no barrier, playing out a remarkable season so far with a 26 disposal, 3.4 tackle average and 12.9 to his name. Showed his class in the bleak encounter against the Western Bulldogs in Round 2 with three second-half goals and 25 possessions, before repeating the dose a week later against Port Adelaide. In a tense game where the lead shifted many times, Harvey was brilliant. Had 23 touches and kicked three goals, with two coming in the last quarter, one to put North in front, and one to seal the win from outside 50. Featured in TOTW again in Round 6 against the Dockers, where he amassed 29 disposals and laid five tackles while facing up to Ryan Crowley, before putting on a masterclass against Brisbane in Round 9, picking up 39 touches, taking seven marks and kicking two goals. Can only think of one game this year where he hasn't had an impact in some way, shape or form.
Centre Half Forward
Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda)
Has turned back the clock with an awesome start to 2014, averaging 16.7 disposals and 8.5 marks from 10 games and has 27.7 to his name. Started the year on fire, collecting 23 possessions, took 12 marks and kicked three goals, before bettering that performance in Round 2 against GWS. At Etihad, Riewoldt had 24 touches, took a massive 14 marks and kicked five majors, leading some to suggest that the 31 year old was in career-best form. Led his side to an inspirational win over Essendon in Round 5, taking 10 marks and kicking five goals, before starring in Round 8 against Carlton on a Monday night, amassing 17 possessions, taking seven marks and kicking four goals. Strong chance to win his first Coleman Medal, but would take a big effort in the second-half of the year.
Half Forward
Luke Breust (Hawthorn)
The goalsneak from New South Wales has taken his game to another level in 2014, averaging 17.5 touches, four marks and kicking an incredibly accurate 29.4 to be second in the Coleman Medal. Is the best player in the game in terms of goal assists, he started the year with five majors and 22 disposals against Brisbane. Performed very well against the Dockers in Round 3, amassing 24 possessions, laying four tackles and kicking three goals, before completely dominating against St Kilda in Round 7 with 29 touches (a career-high), five marks, six tackles and four goals in the 145 point win. At 184cm, could he win the Coleman Medal? On current form, there's no reason why he can't.
Forward Pocket
Devon Smith (Greater Western Sydney)
A TOTW favourite, Smith has had a fantastic year for the Giants, kicking 16.7 from nine games and averaging 19.2 disposals, 4.1 marks and 4.3 tackles. Was huge in Round 2 against St Kilda, winning 22 touches, taking five marks and producing five goals, and starred against Port Adelaide in Round 7, collecting 27 possessions, taking nine marks, laying five tackles and kicking three goals. His most recent game could be his best-ever in his 47 matches at the top level, picking up 26 disposals, three marks, 10 tackles and four goals as the Giants nearly upset Hawthorn at the MCG. This guy will be an absolute star.
Full Forward
Tom Hawkins (Geelong)
His back issue hampers him no more, with the big Cat having a fantastic year in front of goals. Started the year quietly with just 3.3 from the first two games, but has hit real form since then. Was the star on Easter Monday against Hawthorn, gathering 16 disposals, taking 10 marks and slotting 5.3. Monstered the North Melbourne defence in Round 10 with 17 possessions, seven marks and 4.3. Has kicked three bags of three as well. Has 28.19 to his name, making him one of the most potent forwards in the game.
Forward Pocket
Jamie Elliott (Collingwood)
Made serious inroads last year as a small forward and has continued on in 2014, with 23.6 to his name after 10 games and an average of 16.2 touches, 6.1 marks and 2.9 tackles. Took a big mark in Round 3 against Geelong as well as kicking five goals from nine marks and 15 disposals, and was huge against North Melbourne with a career-high 24 possessions, nine marks, four tackles and two goals. He notched another career-best with 11 marks in Round 7 against Carlton, also taking four marks and kicking three goals from 20 disposals. His latest haul of four against St Kilda puts him in contention as one of the best small forwards in the game.
FOLLOWERS
Ruckman
Aaron Sandilands (Fremantle)
The rumours in the pre-season that big Sandi would return to his best turned out to be true, with the big Docker averaging 13.4 possessions, 3.5 marks, 2.8 tackles and 40.9 hitouts from 10 games. Notched a career-high 58 hitouts in Round 2 against the Gold Coast, and was huge against West Coast in Round 7, picking up 21 disposals, taking six marks and winning 38 hitouts. Criticism from Leigh Matthews about Sandilands' worth to the Fremantle team was unwarranted.
Ruck Rover
Josh Kennedy (Sydney) [VICE CAPTAIN]
There are few things more dependable than the sun rising every single day, but seeing Josh Kennedy in the thick of it and extracting the ball comes to mind. The Swan is averaging 31.7 disposals, a league-high, along with 3.4 marks and 5.8 tackles. Was huge in Round 5 against Fremantle, amassing 38 possessions, taking four marks and kicking a goal, while his class was too obvious in Round 7 at the Gabba against Brisbane, collecting 34 disposals and kicking two goals. However, Rounds 8 and 9 have seen Kennedy produce what could be viewed as the best games of his career. Against the Hawks, he had it 36 times and laid 11 tackles, while against Essendon, he had 39 touches, took six marks, laid five tackles and kicked a goal. Probably one of few that are a chance of stealing the Brownlow Medal off G Ablett.
Rover
Gary Ablett (Gold Coast) [CAPTAIN]
The best player in the game by an absolute street has unbelievably taken his game to another level in 2014, averaging 31.4 disposals and 5.6 tackles from 10 games and has 20.3 to his name. Remarkably, he has taken only 16 marks for the season, indicating how hard he works to receive the ball and how dependable he is in the congestion. Started the year with a lazy 41 possessions, four marks and two goals over Richmond, before annihilating Brisbane in Round 3 with 35 disposals, 10 tackles and three majors. Showed in consecutive games in Rounds 7 and 9 how deadly he is in front of goal, with four majors against North Melbourne, including three in a matchwinning final quarter, and four against St Kilda to go with 37 touches. It's a testament to this bloke that I sometimes don't consider him to keep some fresh faces in the team each week, yet he's still appeared the equal-most amount of times. Could poll the most votes in the Brownlow Medal history, and should take home his third Charlie in September. And just maybe, he and his teammates will be on the water that night.
INTERCHANGE
Luke Parker (Sydney)
The hard-nosed Swan is having a breakout year and is a major reason why the Swans could be considered as premiership favourites. Averages 25 possessions, 4.6 marks and 5.8 marks from 10 games and has kicked 12.4, including a bag of four in Round 3 against Adelaide along with 26 disposals and six marks. Was huge against both Hawthorn and Essendon, picking up 26 touches, laying eight tackles and kicking two goals in both matches, and was great again against Geelong last Thursday night with 32 possessions and five tackles.
Steve Johnson (Geelong)
The mercurial Cat has had another prolific season, averaging 28.8 touches from nine games, along with 5.4 marks and 4.8 tackles. Had 37 disposals in both Rounds 2 and 4 against Brisbane and West Coast respectively, with his game against the Eagles also yielding 11 marks, eight marks and a goal. Had it 34 times a week later against Hawthorn and also kicked three goals in a powerful display of class. Has a total of 9.10 up to Round 11, something he'll want to improve on in the second half of the year.
Travis Boak (Port Adelaide)
The inspirational skipper for the Power has backed up his remarkable 2013 campaign with 10 strong games where he has averaged 27 touches, 3.5 marks and 3.8 tackles, while also booting 7.4. Started the year a little quiet but exploded in Round 4 with 41 disposals, seven marks, four tackles and a goal against Brisbane. A fortnight later, Boak was sublime against the Cats, notching up 32 touches, five marks, four tackles and a couple of goals, before repeating the dose against the Hawks, kicking a goal from 34 possessions and seven tackles. Loves the big stage, and Port Adelaide will be featuring there plenty of times to come in 2014.
Substitute
Daniel Giansiracusa (Western Bulldogs)
Has started with the green vest seven times out of nine games so far in 2014, making him the most prolific substitute in the game. Had the desired impact and more in Round 3 against Richmond, coming on late in the game and kicking two goals to lead his side to a narrow two-point victory, while in Round 8 against Melbourne, he came on and had 12 possessions and booted a goal.
Coach
Paul Roos (Melbourne)
The big signing over summer started with a bit of anti-climax, with Melbourne losing their opening three games of the season after a pre-season in which key forward Mitch Clark retired and gun youngster Jesse Hogan badly injured his back. Combined with the season-ending injury to Jack Trengove, Paul Roos has done a remarkable job turning a basket-case into a formidable opponent. With the exception of West Coast in Round 2, the Dees have kept their opponents under 100 points in every single game, an amazing feat given the ease opposition clubs scored against Melbourne in the past. Roos has gotten the best out of players who's careers had stagnated, such as Rohan Bail, Cam Pedersen, Jack Watts, Chris Dawes and James Frawley, while the introduction of youngsters like Jay Kennedy-Harris and Christian Salem has been perfect. It is clear the entire playing group has the respect for Roos, and they play for him. Their three wins so far in 2014 have been some of the best games to watch from a neutral perspective, with each being close, tough, physical and exciting. No longer do Melbourne supporters trudge along to the MCG every week expecting a big loss; they bounce along with such vibrancy and excitement, knowing that their team is going to give its all and may even come away with a win. They have Roos to thank for that, as well as the playing group of course.
On paper
FB: Josh Gibson (Hawthorn), Jackson Trengove (Port Adelaide), Nick Smith (Sydney)
HB: Shaun Burgoyne (Hawthorn), Daniel Talia (Adelaide), Brodie Smith (Adelaide)
C: Steele Sidebottom (Collingwood), Dom Tyson (Melbourne), Robbie Gray (Port Adelaide)
HF: Brent Harvey (North Melbourne), Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda), Luke Breust (Hawthorn)
FF: Devon Smith (Greater Western Sydney), Tom Hawkins (Geelong), Jamie Elliott (Collingwood)
R: Aaron Sandilands (Fremantle), Josh Kennedy (Sydney) [VC], Gary Ablett (Gold Coast) [C]
I/C: Luke Parker (Sydney), Steve Johnson (Geelong), Travis Boak (Port Adelaide)
SUB: Daniel Giansiracusa (Western Bulldogs)
Coach: Paul Roos (Melbourne)
By team
Adelaide: Talia, Smith (2)
Brisbane: Nil (0)
Carlton: Nil (0)
Collingwood: Sidebottom, Elliott (2)
Essendon: Nil (0)
Fremantle: Sandilands (1)
Geelong: Hawkins, Johnson (2)
Gold Coast: Ablett (1)
Greater Western Sydney: Smith (1)
Hawthorn: Gibson, Burgoyne, Breust (3)
Melbourne: Tyson (1) [Roos]
North Melbourne: Harvey (1)
Port Adelaide: Trengove, Gray, Boak (3)
Richmond: Nil (0)
St Kilda: Riewoldt (1)
Sydney: Smith, Kennedy, Parker (3)
West Coast: Nil (0)
Western Bulldogs: Giansiracusa (1)
Fun fact
Most appearances in Team of the Week: Gary Ablett, Brent Harvey, Josh Kennedy, Nick Riewoldt (4)
