HB: Corey Enright (Geelong), Nathan Bock (Adelaide), Andrew Mackie (Geelong)
C: Joel Selwood (Geelong), Lenny Hayes (St Kilda), Brett Deledio (Richmond)
HF: Steve Johnson (Geelong), Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda), Cyril Rioli (Hawthorn)
F: Mark LeCras (West Coast Eagles), Brendan Fevola (Carlton), Taylor Walker (Adelaide)
FOLL: Mitch Clark (Brisbane Lions), Scott Thompson (Adelaide), Dane Swan (Collingwood)
I/C: Adam Goodes (Sydney Swans), Daniel Giansiracusa (Western Bulldogs), Daniel Rich (Brisbane Lions), Marc Murphy (Carlton)
BACKS
Paul Duffield (Fremantle) – Continues to stake his claim as one of the most improved players in the competition, Duffield had 27 disposals and laid eight tackles. His efforts in both zones were a highlight – he had a game-high eight rebounds and five inside 50s.
Matthew Scarlett (Geelong) – In a battle between one of the all-time great full backs and full forwards, it was the Cat who took the points against Matthew Lloyd. Scarlett kept the Essendon skipper to just seven touches and one goal.
Paul Bower (Carlton) – The 21-year-old has shown progress in his game during the past month and this week was no exception, claiming 27 disposals, 10 marks and seven rebound 50s.
HALF BACKS
Corey Enright (Geelong) – With 20 of his 28 disposals coming before the main break (at that point the best for the match), few Cats had more influence in their 12-goal to three first half. Enright also finished with six inside 50s.
Nathan Bock (Adelaide) – Pitted against another reigning All-Australian, Hawthorn superstar Lance Franklin, Bock managed to keep the brilliant Hawk in check. 'Buddy' may have booted three goals from his 12 touches, but Bock had 22 disposals.
Andrew Mackie (Geelong) – His work out of the backline (five rebounds) and into attack (five inside 50s) was pivotal – and consistent – across four quarters. Mackie also finished with 28 disposals.
CENTRES
Joel Selwood (Geelong) – Celebrated his 21st birthday – yes he just turned that old last Tuesday – with another outstanding effort. Claiming 37 touches and two goals, he has now racked up seven consecutive 30-plus disposal efforts.
Lenny Hayes (St Kilda) – Was best-on-ground against Melbourne, winning 35 disposals – his best effort since suffering a season-ending knee injury in 2006. He also had seven inside 50s and six clearances.
Brett Deledio (Richmond) – Produced his standout match for the season in what is now Terry Wallace's penultimate match. His 27 disposals, 10 marks and game-high seven inside 50s resulted in a best-on-ground performance against Fremantle.
HALF-FORWARDS
Steve Johnson (Geelong) – His form has been exceptional in recent weeks and is now equal second on the AFL goalkicking table with 32 goals, after another half-a-dozen this weekend and 11 in the past two rounds.
Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda) – He continued his brilliant season with four goals, 20 touches and 10 marks, including three contested. He is equal second with Johnson in the Coleman Medal race.
Cyril Rioli (Hawthorn) – Shone again with four goals and was not far off being best-on-ground, despite playing in a losing side.
FORWARDS
Mark LeCras (West Coast Eagles) – Booted his second bag of six goals for the season – his first also came in a loss, during round one. LeCras now has 26 majors from nine matches.
Brendan Fevola (Carlton) – After kicking eight goals in round six, the following three matches produced two majors. But 'Fev' bounced back strongly on the big stage with six goals from 10 scoring shots. He now has 31 goals for the year.
Taylor Walker (Adelaide) – The former NSW scholarship holder played his best match yet, with five goals in just his 10th AFL match. It was a top effort, considering all of his majors came in the first half. The 19-year-old now has 20 goals for the year.
FOLLOWERS
Mitch Clark (Brisbane Lions) – Without Matthew Leuenberger and Jamie Charman, the big man played one of his best matches with an equal career-best 21 touches and 29 hit outs. He also took nine marks and had nine clearances.
Scott Thompson (Adelaide) – Helped set the tone in the first half with 20 disposals and finished with a game-high 38 touches – one shy of his personal best. His work at both ends was excellent, claiming seven inside 50s and four rebounds.
Dane Swan (Collingwood) – The competition's leading ball-winner was brilliant against Port Adelaide with a stunning 48 disposals – the best effort recorded this decade. He has averaged 42 disposals in the past two rounds.
INTERCHANGE
Adam Goodes (Sydney Swans) – Although his side went down in the nation's capital, the dual Brownlow Medallist rivaled only Bulldog Daniel Giansiracusa for best-on-ground honours. Goodes claimed 30 touches, nine inside 50s and two goals.
Daniel Giansiracusa (Western Bulldogs) – Was pivotal in his side's brilliant first half. When the Dogs piled on 13 unanswered goals, the midfielder/forward booted three goals and gained 12 of his 26 touches.
Daniel Rich (Brisbane Lions) – Continued his outstanding first season and further enhanced his NAB AFL Rising Star Medal chances with 25 touches against the Roos. He also had five inside 50s, five tackles and four clearances.
Marc Murphy (Carlton) – The 21-year-old has been a model of consistency this season, highlighted by his 32 touches on Friday night. Murphy has averaged 26.2 disposals this season.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
