YOUNG guns Callum Mills and Caleb Daniel look set to fight it out for this year's NAB Rising Star award, and both players have made the AFL's Team of the Week for round 22, brought to you by Accor Hotels.
Mills was brilliant in the Sydney Swans' crucial win over North Melbourne in Tasmania, a result that propelled them into top spot on the ladder with one round remaining in the regular season. Meanwhile, Daniel was just as influential for the Western Bulldogs as they overcame Essendon at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, and continued his fantastic form through the midfield and across half-forward.
The pair are the two clear favourites for this year's gong, with Mills a vital part of the Swans' defence after making 20 appearances so far in his debut year, and Daniel showing off his creative talents in 19 games after playing 10 games in 2015.
Greater Western Sydney defender Nick Haynes, Essendon's Zach Merrett, exciting Saint Seb Ross and Carlton's Patrick Cripps are just some of the other young stars to make the 22 this week, while Giant Ryan Griffen, Adelaide's milestone man Eddie Betts and the evergreen Brent Harvey from North Melbourne fly the flag for the veterans.
JEREMY HOWE (Collingwood) – The high flyer continued his career best form in defence with 18 marks against Gold Coast, to go with 29 touches and six rebound 50s.
JEREMY MCGOVERN (West Coast) – Stood tall with nine marks against the Hawks, with a game-high four of those contested, to be the pillar of the Eagles' defence.
SAM DOCHERTY (Carlton) – One of the Blues' best this season across half-back and he continued that form with 26 possessions and six rebound 50s against Melbourne at the MCG.
CALLUM MILLS (Sydney Swans) – Showed off all his class in a big game against North Melbourne, and finished the day with 25 possessions at 84 per cent efficiency, and 10 rebound 50s for the ladder leaders.
NICK HAYNES (Greater Western Sydney) – The young Giant was a star against Fremantle, gathering 21 disposals and taking 13 marks, while adding 11 one percenters to his outstanding game.
JASON JOHANNISEN (Western Bulldogs) – The speedy Dog showed off his running ability against the Bombers with eight inside 50s, to go with 27 kicks and 12 marks.
ANDREW GAFF (West Coast) – Ran the Hawks off their feet on the big track at Domain Stadium, racking up 38 touches and six inside 50s for the winners.
ADAM TRELOAR (Collingwood) – Another quality performance looks to have sewn up the Pies' best and fairest for Treloar, who gathered 38 possessions, laid six tackles and kicked a goal against the Suns.
BRYCE GIBBS (Carlton) – The gifted onballer had a game-high 33 touches against the Demons, as well as eight clearances, seven inside 50s and five tackles.
STEVEN MOTLOP (Geelong) – Motlop's silky skills shone out at the Gabba, with the small forward booting five goals from 23 possessions against the Lions.
JOSH KENNEDY (West Coast) – Only a Lance Franklin special can stop Kennedy winning a second straight Coleman Medal, after the big Eagle snagged another five to take his season tally to 75.
CALEB DANIEL (Western Bulldogs) – In a scrappy affair at Etihad Stadium, the pint-sized Bulldog picked up 23 touches at 78 per cent efficiency, and also kicked two important goals.
EDDIE BETTS (Adelaide) – Celebrated his 250th game in style with a match-winning five goals in the Showdown, to go equal third on the Coleman Medal tally with 65 for the year.
JONATHON PATTON (Greater Western Sydney) – The power forward booted a career-best six goals against the Dockers, and dragged in eight marks, six of them inside 50.
BRENT HARVEY (North Melbourne) – Still the Kangaroos' most dangerous ball carrier, the 38-year-old did everything he could to lift his side with 33 touches, five tackles and three goals.
BRODIE GRUNDY (Collingwood) – Continued his late-season run at an All Australian gig with 26 disposals, 16 of those contested, nine tackles, and five clearances.
PATRICK CRIPPS (Carlton) – Monstered Melbourne around stoppages with 12 clearances and 13 tackles, and also gathered 30 disposals, 19 of them contested.
RYAN GRIFFEN (Greater Western Sydney) – The tough midfielder had 30 possessions against Fremantle, 16 of those contested, 10 tackles, nine clearances, and also snapped a classy goal.
ZACH MERRETT (Essendon) – Another huge game for the young star of Essendon's midfield, Merrett finished with 35 touches against the Bulldogs, as well as eight tackles, seven clearances and a goal.
OLLIE WINES (Port Adelaide) – Took it right up to the Crows with 28 possessions, 16 of those contested, as well as 10 clearances, seven inside 50s and six tackles.
MATT CROUCH (Adelaide) – Won the Showdown Medal for his match-high 33 touches at 79 per cent efficiency, six tackles and five clearances against the Power.
SEB ROSS (St Kilda) – The young Saint was awarded the Ian Stewart Medal for best on ground after gathering 34 disposals, six clearances and six tackles against the Tigers.
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