NAB CUP semi-final winners were grinning when it came to Toyota AFL Dream Team ratings, with eight of the top 10 players hailing from the two teams that will contest the pre-season premiership – Collingwood and Geelong.
Exciting Magpies midfielder Dale Thomas showed he’s got plenty of substance to complement his style, topping the rankings with a 115-point game against Essendon on Friday night.
Thomas' performance outstripped that of his seven-goal teammate, John Anthony (97 points), who came in third.
At the bargain price of $221,900, Anthony’s remarkable ability to convert opportunities in front of goal makes him worthy of consideration for Dream Team coaches.
Geelong forward Paul Chapman split the Collingwood pair in second place, with his 26 touches and two goals equating to 113 Dream Team points.
Cats defender Harry Taylor, who enjoyed an outstanding 2008 debut season, looks set for another big year after a 95-point game against Carlton.
Dream Team coaches should note that Taylor was the sole defender in this week’s top 10, highlighting his ability to negate an opponent and set up rebounds from defence.
He had more possessions (29) than anyone else on the ground.
Another unsung hero was Collingwood ruckman Chris Bryan (92 points), who relished the extra responsibility in Josh Fraser’s absence.
Established players Cameron Ling, Travis Cloke and Gary Ablett filled out three of the five remaining places in this week’s top 10, alongside two who don’t enjoy the same media profile.
Emerging Carlton midfielder Shaun Grigg continued his excellent pre-season with a 90-point effort against the Cats, while teammate Richard Hadley racked up 84.
After a prolonged battle to recover from successive knee injuries, the former Brisbane Lion looks to be regaining some of the touch that made him an important part of Leigh Matthews' 2003 premiership side.
Four other players equalled 10th-ranked Ablett’s 83-point haul: teammate Josh Hunt and Collingwood trio Dane Swan, Martin Clarke and Leon Davis.
Toyota AFL Dream Team top scorers
NAB Cup semi-finals
1. Dale Thomas (Coll) 115
2. Paul Chapman (Geel) 113
3. John Anthony (Coll) 97
4. Harry Taylor (Geel) 95
5. Chris Bryan (Coll) 92
6. Cameron Ling (Geel) 91
7. Shaun Grigg (Carl) 90
8. Travis Cloke (Coll) 87
9. Richard Hadley (Carl) 84
10. Gary Ablett (Geel) 83
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