IT WAS another quiet week for key forwards which meant a couple of different names featured in attack in my round six Team of the Week, brought to you by AccorHotels.
Justin Westhoff has played all over the ground throughout his career but he impressed me against North Melbourne, while Charlie Dixon shouldered the ruck duties.
Adelaide's Tom Lynch isn't the typical full-forward but he notched up 25 disposals and slotted three goals against Gold Coast in what was his best game of the year.
Melbourne defender Oscar McDonald and running Crows backman Wayne Milera made their debuts in my team after showing their wares at the weekend.
I came close to picking Jeremy McGovern but his namesake, Jeremy Howe, just edged him out for a spot on the bench, while Tigers Dustin Martin and Toby Nankervis can consider themselves unlucky.
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West Coast captain Shannon Hurn flies under the radar but he was great against Fremantle. Daniel Talia has kept Lance Franklin and now Tom Lynch in check over successive weeks. I loved Michael Hibberd's ball use. It's taken a while for Milera to find his feet but he's thriving across half-back. McDonald was picked for keeping Essendon linchpin Joe Daniher goalless. Similar to Milera, Lachie Whitfield has gone very well down back. I'm surprised he's picked up the positional move so quickly.
Leading Port Adelaide's best and fairest would be Jared Polec, who has added a harder edge to his game. It was brilliant to see Sydney captain Josh Kennedy back in form after he almost single-handedly willed his side over the line against Geelong. Jack Macrae reminds me of Andrew Gaff – a wingman who racks up the footy. There was competition for the ruck spot but Max Gawn's ability to push forward was superb. Tom Mitchell was once again prolific while Lachie Neale was great in the contested stakes.
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Among forwards, one who's been down is Marcus Bontempelli but he lifted against Carlton. Justin Westhoff doesn't seem to be slowing down despite being 31-years-old. In an average game against St Kilda, Hawthorn's Isaac Smith stood out with his class. Port Adelaide's Sam Gray was the most dangerous forward on the ground and lays elite defensive pressure. Tom Lynch showed why he is important for Adelaide and Josh Caddy slotted four goals in an important performance.
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Patrick Cripps was, once again, easily Carlton's best player. He needs help and he needs it fast. It was a similar situation for David Swallow. The leadership of Trent Cotchin was outstanding and he played a huge part in the victory against Collingwood while Howe's intercept work earned him a spot in my side.
