Team of the week


FOOTY in WA is flying in 2015, with Fremantle and West Coast doing battle at the top of the ladder as their standout players enjoy consistent starts to the season.

The two WA clubs headline the round seven Team of the Week, brought to you by Accor Hotels, with each contributing three players.

Star Docker Nat Fyfe earns his fifth selection in a brilliant start to the season and he is joined by two teammates, Freo captain Matthew Pavlich and defender Michael Johnson.

The Eagles now have their own big-bodied, versatile midfielder in Elliot Yeo, who thrilled the Domain Stadium crowd on Saturday night. Teammates Matt Priddis and Shannon Hurn make it a trio of Eagles this week after their 5-2 start to the season.

Backs


LACHIE HANSEN (North Melbourne) - In his second game back from a hip injury, the tall defender was outstanding, taking 14 marks. He was impenetrable patrolling the Kangaroos' backline, intercepting repeated forward entries from the Bombers and racking up 24 possessions.

MICHAEL HURLEY (Essendon) - Hurley returned to the outstanding form he was producing in the opening three rounds. He was at his bullocking best, crashing through the Kangaroos to win 23 possessions and take 10 marks.

SHANNON HURN (West Coast) - Was allowed far too much freedom by Gold Coast on Saturday night and punished them by setting up the Eagles' attacking chains with 25 possessions and 12 marks. Pushed forward to have six forward entries.

Half-backs


SAM MITCHELL (Hawthorn) - Best on ground in his team's big win over Melbourne, Mitchell cruised around the MCG to rack up 30 possessions and eight clearances. While others, like Billy Hartung, carried the ball, Mitchell set them up with his creative use.

MICHAEL JOHNSON (Fremantle) - Standing up in a weakened backline, Johnson racked up 29 possessions and took 14 marks against the Bulldogs. His pass to Michael Walters inside 50 was brilliant when the game was on the line.

JARRAD McVEIGH (Sydney Swans) - Influential in his 250th match, the Swans' co-captain had 26 possessions at almost 90 per cent efficiency. A gun who can be used in the midfield, half-forward or half-back, where he had three rebounds.

 

Centres


NAT FYFE (Fremantle) - Selected for the fifth time in seven games, Fyfe might only have been shaded as best on ground by Michael Johnson. With 30 possessions and 10 clearances, though, he could still attract the three Brownlow votes.

MATT PRIDDIS (West Coast) - A more attacking game from the Brownlow medallist, who had 39 possessions, two goals and seven inside 50s. Positioned himself well to take a number of intercept marks as the Eagles made their charge in the second term.

ELLIOT YEO (West Coast)- Has shown encouraging signs this season, but Saturday night's performance was a step up for the former Brisbane Lion. A big-bodied midfielder, he won six clearances and took a terrific mark with the flight of the ball.

Half-forwards


LUKE PARKER (Sydney Swans)- The performance of the round without doubt, Parker was unstoppable against Geelong. He tackled ferociously and won the ball in packs, finishing with 31 possessions, six inside 50s and five goals. Six of his 11 marks were inside 50.

JARRYD ROUGHEAD (Hawthorn) - The key forward was the Hawks' equal leading possession winner with 30 touches, highlighting what a versatile player he can be. Won four clearances, had five inside 50s and still hit the scoreboard with four goals.

BRETT DELEDIO (Richmond) - The vice-captain is so important to Richmond, who might not have got over the line without his back-to-back goals in the fourth quarter. Stood up alongside Trent Cotchin in the clutch moments and finished with 30 possessions and 13 marks.

Forwards

EDDIE BETTS (Adelaide) - Sits clear second in the Coleman Medal race with 26 goals and is the standout small forward in the game right now after another six against the Saints. It's the third week straight he has kicked at least five goals.

MATTHEW PAVLICH (Fremantle)- Kicked five goals, including the sealer around his body on the boundary against the Bulldogs. Marked and kicked superbly, converting four of his goals from set shots.

TORY DICKSON (Western Bulldogs)- Kicked a round-high seven goals and got the Bulldogs back in the contest with three in the final quarter. Opportunistic and smart with his body work, he took four marks inside 50.

 

 

Followers


STEFAN MARTIN (Brisbane Lions) - Just gets the nod this week ahead of contenders Shane Mumford, Aaron Sandilands and Ivan Maric, based on his superior work around the ground. Had six clearances and seven inside 50s among his 24 disposals and shaded Matthew Lobbe.

TRENT COTCHIN (Richmond)- Criticised for his leadership and damage with the ball, Cotchin silenced his doubters with what his coach called a "captain's game". Had an enormous impact in the last quarter with 11 of his 32 possessions, willing the Tigers to victory and finishing with six clearances and seven inside 50s.

JACK ZIEBELL (North Melbourne)- Produced one of the best performances of his career to lead North past the Bombers, collecting 29 disposals (15 contested), 11 clearances and two goals. His last goal was the sealer from outside 50 late in the final term.

 

 

Interchange

STEPHEN CONIGLIO (Greater Western Sydney) - Is enjoying strong early season form and was too good for Marc Murphy in a head-to-head battle. Racked up 32 possessions and six clearances and one goal.

ADAM TRELOAR (Greater Western Sydney) - Typified the gulf in talent between GWS and Carlton with his run and ability to kick goals from the midfield. Had 31 touches, eight marks and three goals.

DAYNE BEAMS (Brisbane Lions) - Worked his way back from a quiet start to finish with a game-high 32 possessions in a major upset against Port Adelaide. A class act at centre clearances, he also racked up six forward entries and a goal.

DANIEL RICH (Brisbane Lions)- Set up a number of goals for his teammates with his dangerous ball use and booted one himself in a strong outing against the Power. Won 14 of his 23 touches in the contest and had a team-high eight inside 50s.

• Check out how fans voted on previous teams of the week
• How your team's players fared in this weekend's state leagues