Team of the week

ROUND 20 saw a number of this season's emerging talents stamp themselves on the competition and underline why they deserve to be discussed as All Australian contenders.

West Coast defender Brad Sheppard, who is named in a back pocket, has not been a regular in the Team of the Week, brought to you by Accor Hotels, but his consistency could see him named in the All Australian squad next month.

Adelaide defender Rory Laird, who has been one of the Crows' most reliable players in 2015, is in the same boat and has been named this week on a half-back flank.

Bulldogs midfielder Luke Dahlhaus also demanded selection this week, and if misses out in the All Australian squad he should still be in the running for the Bulldogs' best and fairest.

Backs

BRAD SHEPPARD (West Coast) - Rolled through multiple opponents and dropped off often, but was excellent in a backline that kept Fremantle to 11 goals. Has enjoyed a superb year and should be in the running for selection in the 40-man All Australian squad.

ALEX RANCE (Richmond) - Had the better of Gold Coast's Charlie Dixon, keeping him to six possessions, two marks and one goal. Rance himself had 24 possessions, nine marks and four rebound 50s.

COREY ENRIGHT (Geelong) - Hawthorn's small forwards did the damage but it was no fault of Enright, who was among the Cats' best with 28 possessions and 10 marks. His presence meant the Hawks had to work hard for their goals.

Half-backs

RORY LAIRD (Adelaide) - The defender's consistent season, which could be rewarded with All Australian honours, continued against the Bombers. He racked up 31 possessions and a game-high eight rebound 50s.

STEVEN MAY (Gold Coast) - Added Jack Riewoldt to his list of scalps on the weekend, keeping the Tigers star to two goals, the second of which came off the ground in the final minutes of the game. May had 18 possessions, eight rebound 50s and six spoils.

GRANT BIRCHALL (Hawthorn) - For a rebounding defender, Birchall did the majority of his damage in the front half, racking up six inside 50s and 25 possessions. Took nine marks and used the ball with typical precision.



Centres

DUSTIN MARTIN (Richmond) - Best on ground in the Tigers' big win over Gold Coast, racking up 29 possessions, six clearances and three goals. Could be squeezed to half-forward but deserves recognition as one of the round's best midfielders.

JOSH KENNEDY (Sydney Swans) - Dominated the stoppages against Collingwood, racking up an enormous 14 clearances. As usual won his possessions in the contest and finished with 35 possessions and a goal.

PATRICK DANGERFIELD (Adelaide)- The star Crow is making a charge for the Brownlow Medal on the back of performances like this, racking up 27 possessions, nine inside 50s and three goals, including a vintage running goal out of the centre.

Half-forwards

LUKE DAHLHAUS (Western Bulldogs) - In the mix for the Bulldogs' best and fairest and continuing to grow as a genuine midfielder. His on-ball ability was on display against Melbourne with 32 possessions, seven inside 50s and a goal.

TOM LYNCH (Adelaide) - Used his massive work rate to work up and back down the ground, taking 10 marks. Was good for the brief period when the game was tight and finished with two goals.

LUKE HODGE (Hawthorn)- Started forward against the Cats and did his best work there, kicking four goals and racking up 24 possessions and five inside 50s. His drilled goal from the boundary was a highlight.

Forwards

CYRIL RIOLI (Hawthorn)- Could hardly have been more effective, kicking 6.0 from 10 kicks. He was masterful out of stoppages and kicked the last two goals of the game to put the exclamation mark on an important win.

DREW PETRIE (North Melbourne) - His four goals were the highest of the round for a key forward. He took big contested marks when the game was tight and converted his set shots to finish with 4.1 and eight marks.

EDDIE BETTS (Adelaide)- Another small forward who didn't waste a chance, kicking 5.0 from 10 kicks. His set-shot from deep in the pocket with a gun-barrel straight drop punt was magnificent.

Followers

SAM JACOBS (Adelaide) - Gets the nod this week ahead of Aaron Sandilands due to his work around the ground, which has become his strength. With 18 possessions, nine marks and 38 hit-outs he is a weapon in more ways than one.

TOM MITCHELL (Sydney Swans) - Cracked in all night against the Magpies, racking up a massive 41 possessions. He handballs a lot but has found his place in the team's midfield. Kicked one goal and had eight tackles.

DANE SWAN (Collingwood) - The Magpies' best in a close clash against the Swans, racking up 39 possessions and a goal. Has returned to his hard-running best in recent weeks, powering across the ground to push the Magpies forward out of stoppages.

Interchange

MITCH ROBINSON (Brisbane Lions) - The ex-Blue was in top form against his old team, picking up 33 possessions and a goal, smashing in and laying 13 tackles. One of his best games with his new club.

BRENDON AH CHEE (Port Adelaide) - Port's best against Greater Western Sydney, using his magnificent handball skills to set up teammates out of stoppages. Had 24 possessions and kicked three goals.

LUKE SHUEY (West Coast) - Missed out on the Ross Glendinning Medal but was arguably the Eagles' best player in their critical Western Derby win. The dynamic midfielder was exceptional running forward out of stoppages and had 19 possessions at 95 per cent efficiency, with an equal game-high 18 pressure acts.

CAMERON GUTHRIE (Geelong)- Pipped a great field to be the game's standout midfielder against Hawthorn with 30 possessions and three goals. The highlight was a snap off one step from the boundary line in traffic.

• Check out how fans voted on previous teams of the week
• The run home: North Melbourne's finals start here