Backs:
Corey Enright – Geelong
Corey Enright - flickr.com/photos/jamesdphotography/
The ever-reliable Enright performed once again in the intense game against the Hawks. His 5 rebound 50s were equal second with the most on the ground and were crucial in not only stopping Hawthorn’s attacks but beginning Cats’ counter-attacks.
Alex Rance – Richmond
Rance had an enthralling dual with Travis Cloke and arguably came out on top with 35 possessions and a stunning 17 marks. He played a pivotal role in setting up Richmond from the back half.
Brian Lake – Western Bulldogs
Lake showed signs of his old self in a rejuvenated performance, he took 10 marks, 8 of which were from opposition kicks and also helped restrict the Crows’ twin towers to only 3 goals.
Half-Backs:
Michael Firrito – North Melbourne
Firrito had a field day against GWS collecting 33 disposals. With most the Giant’s team pushed up into North’s forward half, he was able to roam the half-back line unopposed and marshal many of the Kangaroos’ attacks.
Ben Reid – Collingwood
Reid was back to the form that earned him a spot in the All Australian team last year, quelling Jack Riewoldt on Saturday night. He wore Riewoldt like a glove and kept him goalless, spoiling him at almost every opportunity.
Shannon Hurn – West Coast Eagles
Hurn was excellent for the Eagles with 31 disposals and 4 rebound 50s, the leading West Coast player in this area. He was able to set up the Eagles’ forward thrusts and did not let much get past him either.
Centre:
Ryan Bastinac – North Melbourne
Bastinac played what will probably be the best game of his life, he racked up 44 disposals and kicked two goals. Granted it was only against GWS but you can only play who is put before you and Bastinac put GWS to the sword.
Marc Murphy – Carlton
Murphy was just one of the multitude of Carlton players who had a day out against Brisbane on Thursday. Murphy’s performance was particularly impressive as he had a career-high 20 contested positions
Brett Deledio – Richmond
His performance last week was not his best but he came back with a vengeance this week. He had 35 disposals and kicked two goals and was arguably best on ground in a losing side, as he was instrumental in keeping the Tigers in touch.
Half-Forwards:
Leroy Jetta – Essendon
The quick small forward had what may be a breakout game stepping up against Port Adelaide. He wreaked havoc in the forward line kicking a career-high 4 goals.
Tom Hawkins – Geelong
Hawkins continued his rise as an imposing key forward by stepping up against Hawthorn. In the wet conditions he show utter disregard for the Hawks’ defence as he took mark after mark, including a game-high 5 contested marks.
Chris Judd – Carlton
You can always rely on Judd to perform and he did just that, he was prolific in the midfield, gaining 33 disposals but he was also able to move forward and kick 3 goals.
Forwards:
Chris Mayne – Fremantle
One positive out of Fremantle’s loss on the weekend was Mayne’s performance. He stepped up into the number one forward role, replacing a quiet Pavlich and kicked 4 goals.
James Podsiadly – Geelong
Podsiadly was crucial to the Cat’s win on Monday, in conditions that don’t normally suit big men, he adapted well and his 5 goals straight showed his accuracy in front of the posts.
Taylor Walker – Adelaide
Walker was again the grateful recipient of the Crows’ new game plan that focuses on long kicks to him. His 3 goals takes him to equal first in the Coleman but he would be disappointed with his 4 behinds.
Followers:
Patrick Ryder - flickr.com/photos/andy_emcee/
Patrick Ryder – Essendon
He was left to fend for himself after Hille was subbed off only a few minutes into the game but he rose to the challenge, dominating with 46 hit-outs, giving the Essendon midfield first hands on the football. He was also effective on the ground, laying 6 tackles.
Josh Kennedy – Sydney
Kennedy carried his good form from last week onto this week with a best-on-ground performance.
He had 36 possessions, 22 of which were contested, as well as 10 clearances. His contested work not only helped supply Sydney’s forwards and outside players but nullified Sandilands’ ruckwork
Gary Ablett Jr – Gold Coast
Ablett continues to show why he is the best player in the competition. Despite the Suns suffering a 92-point loss, Ablett was able to gather 40 possessions and kick 2 goals, without him Gold Coast would be in an even worse position.
Bench:
Scott Thompson – Adelaide
Thompson did not disappoint in his 200th game, he lead the way with a game-high 34 disposals.
His contested work was unparalleled, with 14 of those disposals contested.
Scott Selwood – West Coast
Selwood was just one of the many young Eagles’ midfielders that stood out against Melbourne. However, what really made him stand out was his ablity to hit the scoreboard with 3 goals to accompany his 34 possessions.
Joel Selwood – Geelong
After coming out and admitting he ‘plays’ for free kicks, Selwood showed that he doesn’t need the umpire’s help.
Selwood was a standout with 7 clearances and 8 tackles and his effort to come back on after a heavy knock showed why he is one of the toughest players in the game.
Substitute
Tom Lynch – Adelaide
Lynch was subbed on during the first quarter and made a strong case for a starting spot. He provided a great target going forward taking 11 marks and he was also able to hit the scoreboard with 2 goals.
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