Any discussion about Carlton's bevy of speedy small forwards naturally revolves around Eddie Betts, Jeff Garlett and Chris Yarran. One Blue who doesn’t immediately come to mind, but who is also important to his club, is Armfield. Though not as skilled as the aforementioned trio, he is just as quick and kicks goals, while usually blanketing opposition playmakers like Adelaide's Patrick Dangerfield and West Coast's Shannon Hurn. Armfield, the 232nd-ranked player in the Official AFL Player Ratings, has kicked a goal in eight of the Blues' past 10 games and has contributed seven goal assists (equal with Chris Judd). Little wonder Carlton recently secured the 26-year-old to a new two-year contract. - Ben Collins

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley recently spoke of his desire to have a 'third tall' in his preferred line-up. A player that can either float forward to cause match-up problems for the opposition, or, shift back to man a vital post in defence. At 193cm, Goldsack is that man at Collingwood. The 26-year-old has managed just five games this season as he struggles to overcome a hip complaint and the team's versatility has suffered accordingly. Ranked as the third best forward at Collingwood according to the Official AFL Player Ratings, Goldsack has pace, pressure skills and he competes strongly. The club is hopeful he will return within a fortnight. - Ben Guthrie

The typical quiet achiever has had his best season to date in a team that has been smashed almost every week. Garland, the Demons' top ranked defender according to the Official AFL Player Ratings, has averaged 16.5 disposals per game and comes in at equal sixth in the competition for rebound 50s (46). His versatility is a key feature, allowing him to play on talls or smalls depending on the team's needs or the situation in the game. Garland's leadership also goes largely unnoticed. He organises his teammates into position and holds his own in one-on-one exchanges. - Ben Guthrie

McMahon has been an integral part of North Melbourne's defence for the past few seasons. His sure kicking, courage, positioning and ability to read the play make him one of the Roos' most dependable backmen, while at 184cm he can play on opponents ranging from third talls to speedy smalls. McMahon's importance to North was underlined when he missed six games with a debilitating virus from rounds five to 10 last season. The Roos won just two of those games, with McMahon's composure under pressure sorely missed. - Nick Bowen

There was some scepticism around Roberton when the Saints signed him as a delisted free agent, but it's fair to say he has silenced the doubters and quickly won over the faithful this season. The 22-year-old has played every game and become the team's primary avenue out of defence, ranking No.7 in the competition for rebound 50s (50) and averaging a career-high 17.7 disposals. The versatile backman has also climbed in the Official AFL Player Ratings, moving from No.414 overall to No.332. As he prepares to play his 50th game in round 14, it's a trend that should continue. - Nathan Schmook 

A surprise candidate given Griffen is the Bulldogs' best midfielder by a considerable margin and, as such, is tagged virtually every week. However, Dogs fans reckon 'Griff' was stiff to miss selection in AFL.com.au's mid-season All Australian team – and they might have a point. Ranked No. 13 in the Official AFL Player Ratings, Griffen has averaged 29 disposals in his 10 appearances this season, including six efforts of at least 30 touches and a high of 40 in the round 10 win over Port Adelaide. In recent seasons he has transformed himself from an inconsistent outside runner into a tough-to-tag inside midfielder while retaining his ability to explode away from packs. A common refrain is that if he played in a better team he might receive more recognition, but he should receive his dues regardless. - Ben Collins