IT WAS a strange round 23 that saw four top-eight teams defeated, with some teams choosing to freshen up before finals and others having an unexpected hiccup.

The Brisbane Lions were an unexpected victor against the Western Bulldogs and they were rewarded with three selections in the final Team of the Week for 2015, brought to you by Accor Hotels.

Jed Adcock left the club on a high note, while ruckman Stefan Martin capped an outstanding year with one of his finest performances. Pearce Hanley was also back to his best.

All up, seven players whose seasons ended were selected, with finals-bound sides still taking up 13 of the 22 positions. The Sydney Swans led the competition with four players this week, including surprise entry Sam Reid.

Backs 

JOSH GIBSON (Hawthorn) - Playing the 'quarterback' role, Gibson racked up 25 possessions and a team-high eight rebound 50s. He peeled off in characteristic fashion to spoil and take intercept marks, finishing with eight grabs.

ROBBIE TARRANT (North Melbourne) - With the Kangaroos depleted further afield, Tarrant held an under siege backline together well. He started with a rocket, intercepting repeated Tigers entries, and finished with nine marks and 14 possessions at 100 per cent efficiency.

ANDREW MACKIE (Geelong) - Best on ground against Adelaide, Mackie had 34 possessions to ensure his premiership teammates were farewelled in style. Took 11 marks and barely wasted a possession, also pushing forward to kick a classy goal on the run.

Half-backs


JAMIE MACMILLAN (North Melbourne) - Like Tarrant, Macmillan was solid in a backline that faced 57 opposition entries to 41. He had a team-high 27 possessions and a game-high eight rebound 50s.

ALEX RANCE (Richmond) - A lock for All Australian selection in one of the key posts, Rance was excellent on North Melbourne forward Drew Petrie, who kicked 1.1. As usual, Rance was an offensive threat with 15 possessions and four rebounds.

PEARCE HANLEY (Brisbane Lions)- A star in the midfield against the Western Bulldogs, Hanley is squeezed onto a half-back flank this week for balance. He had 35 possessions, seven clearances and booted two goals, including a smart banana snap out of a stoppage.



Centres


ANDREW GAFF (West Coast) - Started well and kicked on to have 36 possessions against St Kilda, becoming more involved inside than usual with 10 contested possessions. Had a heavy scoreboard impact with two goals and 11 score involvements.

NATHAN JONES (Melbourne) - A star against GWS, Jones lifted in the second half to have 22 of his 35 possessions and one goal, which sparked a six-goal-to-two run for the Dees. Used the ball well and had a 11 inside 50s.

BRETT DELEDIO (Richmond) - When the Tigers needed a lift, Deledio came to the rescue in the third quarter and he finished best on ground with 26 possessions and nine marks. His relentless running was rewarded in the third quarter with a timely goal.

Half-forwards


HEATH HOCKING (Essendon)- Had kicked one goal for 2015 going into Sunday's match and added two more in clutch situations against the Magpies. His first from the boundary was all class.

The second came halfway through the final term, and put the Bombers within reach of eventual victory.

JARRYD ROUGHEAD (Hawthorn) - One of three key forwards to kick four goals in round 23, but the only one selected. Jack Gunston and Jay Schulz were the others, but Roughead gets the nod. He kicked long-range goals on the run and converted a set shot from outside 50.

JED ADCOCK (Brisbane Lions) - Would have proved to himself he can keep playing after kicking four goals against the Western Bulldogs. Kicked magnificently in his last game with the Lions and had 21 possessions.

Forwards


MARK LECRAS (West Coast) - Was lively early, kicking two of the Eagles' first three goals to get them rolling. Took a strong contested mark and had three goals by half-time. In form and shapes as a major threat in September if teams can't match up on him properly.

SAM REID (Sydney Swans)- Should stay forward through the finals after a terrific performance against Gold Coast, kicking 3.3 and taking five of his 11 marks inside 50. Helps stretch opposition backlines alongside Kurt Tippett and Lance Franklin.

JAKE STRINGER (Western Bulldogs) - Lurked around the goals expertly to finish with four goals, including a crafty goal from 50m after he ran around the man on the mark. Had just 12 possessions, but made the most of them.

Followers


STEFAN MARTIN (Brisbane Lions) - The outstanding ruckman in round 23, Martin was dominant both at stoppages and around the ground with 50 hit-outs and 32 possessions. He had an equal team-high eight clearances and seven inside 50s in a complete performance.

TOM MITCHELL (Sydney Swans) - The young Swan is stepping up in a depleted midfield, enjoying his fourth big game in five rounds and racking up 36 possessions. Excellent defensively, he had a round-high 12 tackles.

BERNIE VINCE (Melbourne) - In one of the games of the round, Vince racked up a massive 38 possessions and 14 clearances against GWS, inspiring a final-round win for the Demons. He ran with Adam Treloar at times and laid seven tackles in a hard-working performance.

Interchange


JOSH KENNEDY (Sydney Swans) - The ultra-consistent Swan was at his best against the Suns and is unlucky to be pushed out of the starting positions. He had 31 possessions and eight inside 50s, kicking two goals.

JACK VINEY (Melbourne) - Worked hard offensively to rack up 29 possessions and was all over the Giants defensively with 12 tackles. A typically tough performance to end the season and see off retiring teammate Daniel Cross, who has taught him plenty.

HAMISH HARTLETT (Port Adelaide) - Jockeyed with Sam Gray for best afield honours against a severely undermanned Fremantle. Wins out with 28 possessions, five inside 50s and a brilliant running goal from an angle just inside 50.

NIC NAITANUI (West Coast)- Would have been this week's No.1 ruckman if it wasn't for such a brilliant performance from Martin. Best on ground against the Saints, he controlled the stoppages with 30 hit-outs and kicked three goals, the last after a thrilling contested mark.

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