Team of the week

CARLTON'S season has gone from bad to worse, but beyond the avalanche of scrutiny there was one individual performance in round eight that should be highlighted.

Defender Kade Simpson was his team's best player against Geelong on Friday night, taking courageous marks, working hard and using the ball well under pressure.

A veteran at Ikon Park, he stood down from the club's leadership group last year but is still showing the way on-field.

He is the first Carlton player to be selected in Team of the Week, brought to you by Accor Hotels, since Marc Murphy in round four.

Backs

MICHAEL HIBBERD (Essendon) - A return to form for the defender, who racked up 26 possessions and five rebound 50s. Was part of an organised backline that conceded just four scoring shots in the second half.

MICHAEL HURLEY (Essendon) - Is in All Australian form after another dominant performance. His two opponents at various stages, Daniel McStay and debutant Liam Dawson, combined for just one goal and 11 possessions, while Hurley had 22 touches and a team-high seven rebound 50s.

JEREMY McGOVERN (West Coast) - Incredibly composed after just 20 games, McGovern is an ideal third tall given his ability to peel off and mark opposition inside 50s. He had seven rebound 50s against St Kilda and used the ball at 94.4 per cent efficiency.

Half-backs

TRAVIS VARCOE (Collingwood) - The Geelong recruit racked up 29 possessions at 100 per cent efficiency, also kicking two goals in the Magpies' big win over Gold Coast. Spent more time forward but fits in this week as a half-back.

JAMES FRAWLEY (Hawthorn) - Spent the night opposed to Sydney Swans star Lance Franklin and sweated on his opponent whenever he went near the ball. Franklin finished scoreless for the first time since 2009 and with just seven possessions.

KADE SIMPSON (Carlton) - One of the few Blues who could hold their heads high after the team's seventh loss of the season on Friday night. Simpson was courageous and didn't stop trying, winning 30 possessions and 10 marks (four contested).

Centres

NAT FYFE (Fremantle) - The Fremantle star keeps on delivering in an outstanding season, winning 37 possessions (21 contested) and 11 clearances. Selected for the sixth time in eight rounds, he vied with Lachie Neale for best-on-ground honours.

SCOTT PENDLEBURY (Collingwood) - Did his best work on the outside against the Suns, working into space to finish with 35 possessions and three goals in his 200th game. Operated on a different level at times, doing as he pleased.

DAN HANNEBERY (Sydney Swans) - The in-form midfielder was clearly stung by last year's Grand Final performance and was out to prove himself. He did so with 36 possessions and seven clearances, typifying the Swans' brutal approach to the game.

Half-forwards

JORDAN MURDOCH (Geelong) - The young Cat kicked a career-high four goals and was a prolific ball-winner, finishing with 26 possessions and eight marks against the Blues. Ran hard to have an influence at both ends of the ground.

JOE DANIHER (Essendon) - After being scrutinised for his set shot kicking, Daniher fine-tuned his radar to kick 4.0 in the first half. He finished with a career-high six goals and dominated the Lions' young defenders in the air.

CYRIL RIOLI (Hawthorn) - His game will be remembered for one fumble late in the piece, but Rioli was electrifying before that critical moment in the final minute. Finished with two goals and five inside 50s and was arguably best on ground in the Grand Final rematch.

Forwards

MICHAEL WALTERS (Fremantle) - The best-performed small forward of the round, Walters kicked a season-high four goals. His tackling pressure alongside Hayden Ballantyne was exactly where Fremantle needs it.

JACK RIEWOLDT (Richmond) - Four goals from the key forward made him the difference in the Tigers' revenge match against Port Adelaide. Riewoldt pulled in nine marks (including five inside 50) and had five forward entries.

JESSE HOGAN (Melbourne) - The young power forward showcased his massive work-rate against the Bulldogs, kicking three goals and racking up 21 possessions. Arguably his team's most important player, he continually presented and took nine marks.

Followers

SHANE MUMFORD (Greater Western Sydney) - Produced another powerful performance in the ruck, getting it done in the air with 47 hit-outs and at ground level with four clearances and nine tackles. His strength at stoppages continues to let the young Giants come into the game.

LUKE SHUEY (West Coast) - Got the Eagles off to a flyer with a brilliant first quarter and kicked on to finish with 28 possessions and nine clearances. Always looked to attack when he won the ball and pushed forward to kick one goal.

BERNIE VINCE (Melbourne) - Played on Marcus Bontempelli in a head-to-head battle and kept him to 12 possessions, racking up 26 himself. Enjoyed a massive fourth quarter and sealed the result with 10 minutes left after he caught his opponent holding the ball.

Interchange

MATT PRIDDIS (West Coast) - While Shuey and Andrew Gaff did the damage on the outside, Priddis was at his best on the inside, setting teammates up with 31 possessions and nine clearances. Would be in contention for another three votes.

JARRAD McVEIGH (Sydney Swans) - The Swans' co-captain was handy for three quarters but took over in the final term with a stint up forward that netted two game-changing goals. He finished with 20 possessions and eight marks.

LACHIE NEALE (Fremantle) - Selected for the second time in three weeks, the midfielder was brilliant against the Kangaroos, winning 34 possessions and six clearances. Building a strong season as a key part of the Dockers' engine room.

SAM MITCHELL (Hawthorn) - The veteran Hawk came alive in the second and third quarters as his team fought back into the match, imposing himself at stoppages and skipping around opponents to set up play. Had 32 possessions and eight clearances as the Hawks' best midfielder.

• Check out how fans voted on previous teams of the week
• Who starred (or sinned) for your club in this weekend's state leagues?