PART two of our mid-season report, covering Hawthorn to the Western Bulldogs, will be published on Thursday.

What's worked Coach Phil Walsh wanted his side to move the ball predominantly by foot this season, and it has. The Crows are ranked second behind Hawthorn for kicks (221 a game). They've also had success at stoppages this year, which is hardly surprising given the likes of Patrick Dangerfield, Scott Thompson and Rory Sloane are fed by Sam Jacobs. Adelaide tops the competition for clearances, leading to an average of 55 inside 50s a game (ranked third).

What hasn't While the Crows have kicked the ball more than most, they simply haven't been able to hit targets regularly. Their disposal efficiency of just under 70 per cent is above only Gold Coast (68 per cent). It must improve, obviously, if Walsh's kick-heavy style is to work. Inaccuracy around the ground has resulted in poor goal kicking too; Adelaide has a conversion rate of just over 50 per cent, ranked 12th in the League.

Story of the season While Dangerfield remains out of contract, Crows fans were overjoyed by the recent news that Rory Sloane had committed himself to West Lakes for a further three seasons. Sloane's a superstar on and off the field. His output on game day makes him one of the most valuable players in the competition, and his interaction with the club's supporter base and general demeanour makes him great for the Crows' brand.

Best win The club's 27-point victory over Collingwood in round two showcased Walsh's desired style. The Crows kick-to-handball ratio was solid, they won the tackle count and they generated plenty of scoring opportunities in a fine win in Melbourne.

Best individual performance Adelaide lost to Fremantle, but Patrick Dangerfield's 38 possessions (29 contested) were simply awesome. He booted a goal and laid eight tackles in tricky conditions. It was an incredible battle with Dockers star Nat Fyfe.

Brownlow leader Given his midfield statistics, it should be no surprise when Dangerfield again polls well on Brownlow night.

The revelation Rory Laird has seriously stepped his game up this year to average almost 23 possessions a game out of defence.

The missing  Matthew Jaensch's knee injury was a blow to the club's defence, as were Brodie Smith's two concussions. Sloane's fractured cheekbone sidelined him for three games, while Brad Crouch is yet to play a game after breaking his foot on the eve of the season. Josh Jenkins, Scott Thompson, Richard Douglas and Ricky Henderson have also missed games through injury and Brent Reilly (fractured skull) was forced into retirement.

Worst performance The Crows were embarrassed by the Western Bulldogs in round four – effectively kicking just one goal in a half of footy to the Bulldogs' 12.  The 57-point loss has been their heaviest of the season so far.

Mark of the year David Mackay, R3 v Melbourne

Goal of the year Eddie Betts, R2 v Collingwood

Three games that shape the season
R14, Geelong, Adelaide Oval
R16, Port Adelaide, Adelaide Oval
R19, Richmond, Adelaide Oval

Fantasy Pig Patrick Dangerfield, average 108 points

STATS LEADERS
Disposals Patrick Dangerfield (288)
Marks Taylor Walker (82)
Contested marks Patrick Dangerfield (14)
Goals Eddie Betts (33)
Inside 50s Patrick Dangerfield (53)
Clearances Patrick Dangerfield (76)
Contested possessions Patrick Dangerfield (165)

Score: 6/10

- Harry Thring

What’s worked Again it's been the young blood that's put a smile on Lions faces. After a slow start, NAB AFL Rising Star winner Lewy Taylor has found a home on the wing and Dan McStay has been terrific as the primary forward target. Nick Robertson has progressed in his second season, while Marco Paparone and first-year stringbean Harris Andrews have proved they are long-term defensive options.

What hasn’t The injury toll has been horrendous. Pearce Hanley – arguably the club's most influential player - missed the first 10 games, full-back Daniel Merrett has played just once, and captain Tom Rockliff has broken his ribs twice and played just seven games. With all the injuries, there hasn't been much experience on the park, but those that have played, have generally been below par. Vice-captains Dayne Zorko, Daniel Rich and ruckman Matthew Leuenberger haven't consistently given enough for their younger teammates.

Story of the season He came with a big reputation and even bigger price tag, and so far Dayne Beams has delivered in spades. In a depleted midfield, Beams has played every game and shone like a beacon. He is averaging almost 29 disposals and has not shirked a heavy workload. Young teammates already look up to him, and Beams should become even more influential once Hanley gets match-fit and Rockliff returns.

Best win Coming off their first win of the season against Carlton the previous week, the Lions denied Port Adelaide their patented run-and-gun game with a strong four-quarter showing and a stirring home victory.

Best individual performance After missing most of 2014 with ruptured ACL, Rich hit the ground running with a stunning display against Collingwood in round one. He had 29 disposals, six clearances and two trademark long-range goals to almost inspire an improbable comeback victory.

Brownlow leader Beams performed well in both wins and might pinch votes elsewhere with some high-possession outings. Stefan Martin would be pushing closely.

The revelation Harris Andrews. Has held his own as a key defender – no mean feat for an underdeveloped 18-year-old.

The missing It started in pre-season with Hanley requiring hip surgery and just got worse. Rockliff broke his ribs in round one, then again in round nine, while Merrett's ongoing hamstring problem has depleted the backline of its most bankable commodity. Reliable Redden and Adcock have missed multiple matches, while young forwards Michael Close and Jono Freeman – certain to play plenty of games – have played twice between them. It's been a disaster.

Worst performance The round five QClash loss against Gold Coast was an embarrassment. Both teams were winless, but losing by 64 points to a Suns team minus Ablett, Swallow, O'Meara and Malceski was unacceptable.

Mark of the year Rohan Bewick, R1 v Collingwood

Goal of the year Mitch Robinson, R9 v St Kilda

Three games that shape the season
R16, Melbourne, MCG
R19, Gold Coast, Gabba
R20, Carlton, Gabba

Fantasy Pig Stefan Martin, average 104.8 points

STATS LEADERS
Disposals Dayne Beams (316)
Marks Marco Paparone (70)
Contested Marks Stefan Martin (14)
Goals Josh Green (18)
Inside 50s Dayne Beams (54)
Clearances Dayne Beams (72)
Contested possessions Dayne Beams (144)

Score 3/10

- Michael Whiting

What's worked Not much, although clearly there has been improvement in effort and intensity since John Barker took over as interim coach. Under Barker the Blues are playing with more freedom and taking the game on. As for individual performances youngster Patrick Cripps has to be one of the main contenders for the NAB AFL Rising Star award, starring in the midfield. Sam Docherty has been a consistent performer in defence.

What hasn't Just about everything, with a few notable exceptions (the performances of Cripps and Docherty). The Blues struggled to implement former coach Mick Malthouse's game-plan effectively. They appeared to enter most games with a defensive mindset, employing too many midfield taggers. As a result of this emphasis on defence and slow ball movement their revamped forward line battled to kick a winning score. This seems to have changed under Barker.

Story of the season There is only one - the removal of three-time premiership coach Malthouse not long after he became the record-holder for games coaches in the AFL/VFL. The decision to recruit Malthouse, appointed at the end of 2012 to replace club great Brett Ratten, must be viewed as a spectacular failure.

Best win Only two to choose from, but hard to go past last Saturday's thrilling victory over Port Adelaide. The Blues produced attacking flair rarely seen in the first eight rounds. Showed great determination to hold off the Power's last-quarter onslaught.

Best individual performance Hard to separate Cripps' efforts in both Carlton wins this season. He was superb against the Saints in windy Wellington and led the way again last Saturday against the Power.

Brownlow leader Kade Simpson and Cripps would be the leading contenders, although Marc Murphy has lifted his ranking recently.

The revelation Apart from Cripps, the form of another youngster Nick Graham has been most impressive in the past three games.

The missing In the pre-season Malthouse spoke about Matthew Kreuzer being his best recruit for the season, but unfortunately he did not have the ruckman at his disposal as the former No.1 pick recovered from his latest setback with his foot. Although Cameron Wood did an admirable job, Kreuzer's absence hurt the Blues. Champion Chris Judd was forced into early retirement after rupturing his ACL in round 10, but this should provide opportunities for young midfielders to step up.

Worst performance Given the importance of the night as Malthouse's record-breaking game against the arch enemy, the effort against Collingwood in round five was deplorable. The Blues were pathetic and did not give a yelp. 

Mark of the year Dale Thomas, R6 v Brisbane Lions

Goal of the year Marc Murphy, R2 v West Coast

Three games that shape the season
R13, Gold Coast, Etihad Stadium
R20, Brisbane Lions, Gabba
R21, Melbourne, MCG. 

Fantasy Pig Tom Bell, average 88.2 points

STATS LEADERS
Disposals Marc Murphy (262)
Contested marks Levi Casboult (21)
Goals Levi Casboult (14)
Inside 50s Tom Bell (54)
Clearances Patrick Cripps (54)
Contested possessions Patrick Cripps (127)

Score 2/10

- Howard Kotton 

What's worked Overall, the Pies aren't a great kicking team, so their coaches smartly devised a defensive configuration designed to limit the damage when they turn over the ball, and the players have generally carried out the plan to a high level. Consequently, the Pies boast the fifth-best defence (in terms of points against) without sacrificing offence (they are the third-highest scoring team), the latter being helped by skipper Scott Pendlebury spending more time forward.

What hasn't The second key forward role continues to be a source of frustration. The jury is still out on Jesse White, who is on track for statistically his best season at AFL level but still teases more than pleases. Though big, fast and strong, White often lacks impact. Given he is 27, Pies fans might have to accept that this might be as good as he gets. A fit Ben Reid could once again be the solution.

Story of the season The contribution of Jack Crisp, the set of steak knives thrown in by the Brisbane Lions as part of the Dayne Beams deal. Has thrived after being recast as a run-with midfielder, and has also averaged a goal a game. Brodie Grundy has become the club's No.1 ruckman ahead of Jarrod Witts. Before Grundy was sidelined with a neck injury, he was among the top handful of ruckmen in the game.

Best win Against North Melbourne in round nine at the MCG, the Pies recorded their third-biggest half-time comeback, coming from 39 points down to win by 17 points. They piled on 10 successive goals and, after again being headed, kicked the last three goals.

Best individual performance Travis Cloke has rarely kicked better than when he bagged an equal career-best haul of seven goals – without a miss – in the round 10 win over Melbourne. Enjoyed his best first term, slotting four goals in the opening 24 minutes.

Brownlow leader A toss up between usual suspects Pendlebury and Dane Swan, with the improving Taylor Adams also expected to be rewarded.

The revelation Ex-rookie Adam Oxley has gone from hardly touching the ball in his two AFL games two years ago to becoming a virtual quarterback.

The missing Ex-Kangaroo Levi Greenwood was meant to buffer the loss of Beams but he has only recently resumed in the VFL after suffering a fractured right ankle in a pre-season game. Another key midfielder, Steele Sidebottom, was sidelined for six weeks with a broken thumb, while ultra-important swingman Ben Reid has endured more soft-tissue problems and is yet to play a senior game, as are Brent Macaffer (knee) and yet-to-debut top-10 draftees Matt Scharenberg and Nathan Freeman.

Worst performance Against Geelong in round six at the MCG, the Pies resembled witches' hats early, conceding 11 of the first 12 goals. Then, after slashing the margin to 23 points midway through the final term, they went down by 41.

Mark of the year Jamie Elliott, R3 v St Kilda

Goal of the year Jamie Elliott, R4 v Essendon

Three games that shape the season
R15, Port Adelaide, Adelaide Oval
R16, West Coast, Etihad Stadium
R21, Richmond, MCG.

Fantasy Pig Scott Pendlebury, average 110.3

STATS LEADERS
Disposals Dane Swan (319)
Marks Travis Cloke (77) 
Contested Marks Travis Cloke (28) 
Goals Travis Cloke (31) 
Inside 50s Dane Swan (59) 
Clearances Dane Swan (61) 
Contested possessions Dane Swan (133) 

Score 8/10

- Ben Collins

Jack Crisp and Jamie Elliott have been critical in Collingwood's renaissance. Picture: AFL Media

What's worked Defensively the Bombersrank seventh for points scored against, showing their back line has held up well despite the deluge of opposition attacks. It also highlights the improvement under James Hird in creating a more defensively focused mindset, having taken over a team in 2011 that was more free-flowing. The work of the back line group has been terrific, particularly Michael Hurley, Cale Hooker and Mark Baguley.  

What hasn't The attacking game-plan. There are few teams who play a more confusing style than the Bombers, who hold on to the ball and chip it around rather than press forward. Their ability to turn inside-50 entries into scores is worrying, and they appear to have lost all confidence and dare. They have also had significant issues in the ruck in the absence of Paddy Ryder, and now face the rest of the season without injured big man Tom Bellchambers.

Story of the season When the AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal cleared the 34 past and present Essendon players of doping charges on the eve of the season, it seemed the Bombers would be free to attack 2015 without the black cloud hanging above them. But that freedom lasted about six weeks until the World Anti-Doping Agency announced it was to appeal the Tribunal's verdict to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The saga now seems likely to see out a third season for the club.

Best win The two-point win over Hawthorn in round two will go down as one of the club's best in recent times. A goal to Hooker in the final minute was the match-winner, and the siren rang just moments before Hawk Luke Breust ran into an open goal. 

Best individual performance Hooker's overall contribution to that Hawthorn game was incredible. The key back gathered 23 disposals and 10 marks, including an important pack grab late in the tense final term near Hawthorn's goal. His floating snap for goal was just reward for his efforts.

Brownlow leader Hurley has been Essendon's most consistent player this year. He has never been a big Brownlow Medal vote-getter (his best haul was six in 2011) but he warrants the attention this season.

The revelation Travis Colyer has become one of the Bombers' most important players, with his speed and ball use. His foot injury, which will sideline him for the rest of the season, is a big blow.  

The missing David Myers' shoulder injury, which he suffered in the first five minutes of round one, has cost the Bombers plenty of drive and grunt in the midfield. Myers' absence compounded the loss of Heath Hocking to a long-term groin injury, with both expected to resume soon. Hird has also been without two small forwards all year, with injury restricting Jason Winderlich (back) and Nick Kommer (knee).

Worst performance Essendon's showing against Geelong in round 10 was one of its lamest efforts in the past decade. The Bombers couldn't register a goal in the first half (they were 0.6 at half-time) and only late goals saved some face.  

Mark of the year Joe Daniher, R7 v North Melbourne

Goal of the year Travis Colyer, R5 v St Kilda

Three games that shape the season
R15, Melbourne, MCG
R16, North Melbourne, Etihad Stadium
R18, Western Bulldogs, Etihad Stadium

Fantasy Pig Dyson Heppell, average 108.6 points

STATS LEADERS
Disposals Brendon Goddard (293)
Marks Cale Hooker (80)
Contested marks Joe Daniher (16)
Goals Joe Daniher (20)
Inside 50s Jake Melksham (56)
Clearances Jobe Watson, Dyson Heppell (50)
Contested possessions Dyson Heppell (122)

Score: 4/10

- Callum Twomey

What's worked The more dynamic midfield. Ryan Crowley has been pivotal to the Dockers' success under Ross Lyon as one of the premier taggers in the AFL, but Crowley's 12-month suspension forced Lyon to play without a permanent stopper. As a result the Dockers' midfield has dominated without being exposed defensively. Lachie Neale has flourished, while Clancee Pearce and Nick Suban have stood up in Crowley's absence.

What hasn't Fremantle's three-tall forward structure remains a work in progress and still has question marks over it. The idea was to play the resting ruckman and Matt Taberner permanently up forward alongside Matthew Pavlich to force opponents into defending one-on-one and make the Dockers less Pavlich-centric in big games. But the scoring has dried up in the last three matches and the form of Taberner and Zac Clarke has tapered.

Story of the season Two words. Nat Fyfe. He leads the AFL Coaches Association award by 29 votes at the half-way mark of the season and could already have the Brownlow and the AFL Players' Association MVP wrapped up. His form has been staggering. He is putting together one of the greatest individual seasons of all-time and he's only 23.

Best win Beating Port Adelaide at home in round one set up the season. Port had knocked Fremantle out of the 2014 finals series and the visitors led at every change before Fremantle kicked four goals to three in the last quarter to win.

Best individual performance Fyfe has had 30-plus disposals and kicked three goals twice. But his 40 possessions and a goal against Adelaide in a riveting head-to-head battle with Patrick Dangerfield was astonishing.

Brownlow leader Fyfe. He could potentially have polled in 10 of 11 games and been best afield eight times.

The revelation Lachie Neale has become a top-line midfielder. He had shown plenty of promise over the previous two years, but his consistency this year has been most impressive.

The missing The loss of three key defenders in Zac Dawson (thumb), Alex Silvagni (hamstring) and Michael Johnson (hamstring) has really tested the Dockers' defence. Luke McPharlin and Lee Spurr have also had to miss games through soreness. The long-term losses of Colin Sylvia (retired) and Crowley (suspended), as well as the indefinite absence of Anthony Morabito (knee), are another potential complication for the list if injuries mount. But the midfield is intact.

Worst performance The Dockers have only suffered one loss. Richmond kicked eight goals in the first term in round 10 to stun the crowd and set up the upset win.

Mark of the year Nat Fyfe, R10 v Richmond

Goal of the year Michael Barlow, R9 v Adelaide

Three games that shape the season
R15, Hawthorn, Aurora Stadium
R20, West Coast, Domain Stadium
R21, North Melbourne, Etihad Stadium

Fantasy Pig Nat Fyfe, average 111.6 points

STATS LEADERS
Disposals Nat Fyfe (346)
Marks Clancee Pearce (78) 
Contested marks Nat Fyfe (25)
Goals Matthew Pavlich (21) 
Inside 50s Danyle Pearce (64) 
Clearances Nat Fyfe (98)
Contested possessions Nat Fyfe (213) 

Score 9.5/10

- Alex Malcolm

What's worked Geelong's defence continues to be the glue holding the team together. Experienced quartet Corey Enright, Harry Taylor, Tom Lonergan and Jared Rivers have enjoyed fine seasons and they cover for each other exceptionally well. Adding young defenders Jed Bews and Jackson Thurlow to the mix has also made the Cats sturdier when defending against dangerous small forwards.

What hasn't worked Geelong's inability to fix how it structures up at stoppages continues to be the side's Achilles heel. Statistically, the Cats are the worst team in the AFL at winning clearances (35.7 per game) and still rely far too heavily on skipper Joel Selwood to win the ball on the inside. Not having a number of its ruckmen available due to injury has also caused major concerns in the middle of the ground.

Story of the season It's hard to go past Mark Blicavs' emergence as an elite midfielder of the competition. The 198cm endurance machine has taken his game to a new level in 2015, becoming one of the Cats' most important players because of his versatility. The 24-year-old is averaging career highs in disposals (18.8), hit-outs (14.5), tackles (6.0), clearances (4.2), contested possessions (10.3) and marks (5.0).

Best win To beat Port Adelaide on its home turf is no mean feat and the Cats did it at a critical juncture in their season in round 11. If not for the slip up against Melbourne the following week, Geelong could have used the win against the Power to launch its finals push.

Best individual performance It's not often a player in game 299 is quite clearly best afield, but Corey Enright is no ordinary player. The triple premiership Cat racked up 29 disposals at a tick under 80 per cent efficiency against the Power.

Brownlow leader Amazingly, it could well be Blicavs. As a tall midfielder, the 24-year-old is one of the most improved players in the competition and can do a bit of everything.

The revelation Blicavs is the obvious candidate, but Jackson Thurlow's precise kicking skills from the back half have meshed perfectly with Geelong's run-and-gun game style.

The missing: When the Cats were at their lowest ebb at the start of the season, injury played a key part in the side's mixed results. Jimmy Bartel (knee) has played two games, Andrew Mackie (quad) has played six matches, Mitch Clark (calf) has played in eight matches, Mitch Duncan (foot) has played seven matches, and James Kelly (groin/ankle) has managed nine.

Worst performance The way Geelong performed against West Coast in round nine was close to the worst game the team had played for years. The Cats lost by 56 points in the west, but it could have been a whole lot more if the Eagles, who booted 16.24, were more accurate in front of goal.

Mark of the year Mitch Clark, R4 v North Melbourne

Goal of the year Jordan Murdoch, R6 v Collingwood

Three games that shape the season
R14, Adelaide at Adelaide Oval
R22, Collingwood at the MCG
R23, Adelaide at Simonds Stadium

Fantasy Pig: Mark Blicavs, average 98.7 points

STATS LEADERS
Disposals Joel Selwood (277)
Marks Harry Taylor (92) 
Contested marks Tom Hawkins (27) 
Goals Tom Hawkins (21) 
Inside 50s Joel Selwood (48) 
Clearances Joel Selwood (86) 
Contested possessions Joel Selwood (159) 

Score 5.5/10

- Ben Guthrie

Gary Ablett's shoulder woes have had the Suns wringing their collective hands. Picture: AFL Media

What’s worked The exposure and development of first to third-year players has been a big win. Kade Kolodjashnij, Alex Sexton, Touk Mlller, Adam Saad and fourth-season debutant Henry Schade have all improved and shown that when everyone is fit, they could demand a spot in the best 22. Despite its short-term pain, the Suns' tough stance on discipline should pay dividends in the future.

What hasn’t worked Injuries and off-field controversy have dominated 2015 to date. With Gary Ablett, Jaeger O'Meara, David Swallow, Dion Prestia and Rory Thompson missing big chunks of action, it was always going to be an uphill battle. But the team's lack of off-field discipline has made things worse. Once the hard-line policy on alcohol was implemented, for six players to be suspended – most of them old enough to know better - has been a major failing.

Story of the season Ablett's re-signing for a further three seasons was a landmark day. Despite the Suns' struggles and no guarantee of a quick reversal in fortunes, the dual Brownlow medalist virtually committed to finishing his career at Metricon Stadium.

Best win Not difficult when you've sung the team song just once, but the 64-point round five thumping of Queensland rivals the Brisbane Lions was meritorious for the fact the Suns were missing Ablett, O'Meara, Swallow and Malceski amongst others.

Best individual performance Charlie Dixon's six goals against the Lions that night was good enough to win the Marcus Ashcroft Medal. He manhandled young Lion Darcy Gardiner and helped carry the Suns over the line.

Brownlow leader In a season where votes will be light on, Michael Rischitelli would have the lead over Dixon for some mammoth showings in losing causes.

The revelation Adam Saad. The electric half-back arrived as a rookie, worked his way into round one calculations and is now one of the first chosen.

The missing It's been nothing short of a disaster since O'Meara ruptured his patella tendon in a NEAFL practice match. Ablett played just twice before deciding his dodgy shoulder needed more rehab, while Swallow (knee) has missed two months and Prestia (knee) will be out for the rest of the season. Injuries to defensive pillars Thompson and Steven May have left the backline threadbare, while setbacks to Nick Malceski and Jack Martin have rounded out a diabolical run with the medicos.

Worst performance There's a few contenders here, but the round four loss against GWS was a horror show. The Suns showed little endeavour or willingness to fight and were lucky the margin was just 66 points.

Mark of the year Trent McKenzie, R3 v Geelong

Goal of the year Jarrod Garlett, R3 v Geelong

Three games that shape the season 
R13, Carlton, Etihad Stadium
R16, GWS, Metricon Stadium
R19, Brisbane Lions, Gabba

Fantasy Pig Michael Rischitelli (99.5)

STATS LEADERS
Disposals Michael Rischitelli (265)
Marks Kade Kolodjashnij (58) 
Contested Marks Tom Lynch (18)
Goals Charlie Dixon (17)
Inside 50s Michael Rischitelli (49)
Clearances Michael Rischitelli (66)
Contested possessions Michael Rischitelli (116)

Score 3/10

- Michael Whiting

What's worked Speed. No team in the competition can match the Giants' ability to run and spread. They do it in waves, often from deep in defence. Devon Smith, Ryan Griffen and Dylan Shiel are their biggest running weapons, and when the team is up and going, they're almost impossible to shut down. GWS players are fit and fast, a lethal combination for opposition teams.

What hasn't Goalkicking. Last week coach Leon Cameron admitted his side's finishing in front of the big sticks is a problem, and he's spot on. The Giants average 12.13 per game at 46 per cent, the worst in the league, and it's costing them wins. Star forward Jeremy Cameron has booted 35.30 at 58 per cent and has missed plenty of shots he should be kicking.

Story of the season Injuries versus Collingwood. Finals looked a formality when GWS headed to Melbourne to take on the Pies for a top four spot in round 11, but they walked (well, hobbled) away from the MCG with those hopes in tatters. They lost their most important player, ruckman Shane Mumford (ankle) for the season, key defenders Joel Patfull (ribs/lung) and Phil Davis (ankle) for two months, and in form midfielder Stephen Coniglio (shoulder) for at least a fortnight.

Best win Cameron booted seven as the Giants ran Hawthorn off their feet in round six to make the competition stand up and take notice. Treloar, Scully, Ward and Shield led the club to its greatest ever win.

Best individual performance We all know he's a star, but Jeremy Cameron's seven-goal haul against the back-to-back premiers took him to another level. Kicked big goals at important times, and showed why his re-signing was so important for the club.

Brownlow leader Dylan Shiel. Should be right up there early on, with his ability to run and carry the ball at speed. Classy left footer who will attract votes.

The revelation Cam McCarthy. Has 29.9 from 12 games with a bag of five against Gold Coast in round four. The round eight NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.

The missing Jon Patton. Still unsighted at the half-way point of the year, and his comeback keeps getting pushed back. Has been in full training for weeks, but can't quite get over the mental hurdle of playing games. A fit and strong Patton can only help the Giants, especially with their rehab room full of stars. If he's not back playing in the next month, considering he's NEAFL bound for a least a fortnight, 2015 might be a write-off.

Worst performance The Giants were 3-1 when they headed to Perth full of confidence, but got spanked by the Eagles to the tune of 87 points. It brought the young side back to earth quickly.

Mark of the year Nick Haynes, R6 v Hawthorn

Goal of the year Devon Smith, R2 v Melbourne

Three games that shape the season
R16, Gold Coast, Metricon Stadium
R17, Geelong, Star Track Oval
R21, Sydney Swans, Spotless Stadium

Fantasy pig Callan Ward, average 103.9 per points

STATS LEADERS
Disposals Adam Treloar (335)
Marks Lachie Whitfield (80)
Contested marks Nick Haynes (16)
Goals Jeremy Cameron (35)
Inside 50s Callan Ward (55)
Clearances Callan Ward (73)
Contested possessions Adam Treloar (128)

Score 7/10

- Adam Curley

Dylan Shiel has been central to the Giants' improvement. Picture: AFL Media