HB: Nick Malceski (Sydney), Matthew Warnock (Melbourne), Jason Gram (St Kilda)
C: Travis Johnstone (Brisbane Lions), Scott Burns (Collingwood), Bernie Vince (Adelaide)
HF: Scott Thompson (Adelaide), Lance Franklin (Hawthorn), Daniel Giansiracusa (Western Bulldogs)
F: Jason Akermanis (Western Bulldogs), Cameron Mooney (Geelong), Luke Jericho (Adelaide)
FOLL: Dean Brogan (Port Adelaide), Chris Judd (Carlton), Gary Ablett (Geelong)
I/C: Luke Hodge (Hawthorn), Daniel Kerr (West Coast), Simon Black (Brisbane Lions), Michael Johnson (Fremantle)
BACKS
Joel MacDonald (Brisbane Lions) – Continues to fly under the radar, despite being one of the Lions' best players this season. Macdonald's work out of the back half was again first class as he accumulated 30 disposals.
Alipate Carlile (Port Adelaide) – The young defender is still emerging, yet managed to stymie one of the best forwards in the business in Carlton's Brendan Fevola, holding him to just two goals, including one after the final siren.
Brian Lake (Western Bulldogs) – The reigning club best and fairest winner continues to enhance his status as one of the best key defenders in the game. Along with gathering 22 touches, Lake managed to quell several St Kilda forward attacks.
HALF BACKS
Nick Malceski (Sydney) – One of the great stories of 2008 has been the reemergence of the dashing Swan after his season looked over when he injured his knee in the NAB Cup. In just his fourth match back, he racked up 28 disposals from half-back.
Matthew Warnock (Melbourne) – Having impressed against Jarryd Roughead and Justin Koschitzke in respective rounds, the emerging defender backed up with another fine display on Collingwood's Travis Cloke, keeping him to 10 touches and no goals.
Jason Gram (St Kilda) – Among his side's best in round 10, Gram was clearly St Kilda's best against the Bulldogs on Sunday, although his team went down by 27 points. Gram's dash and rebound from half-back resulted in 28 touches, five inside 50s and two goals.
CENTRES
Travis Johnstone (Brisbane Lions) – The classy midfielder capped off a great personal weekend, having been named as one of Melbourne's greatest 150 players on Saturday and then starring for his new club against Fremantle with 26 disposals and three goals.
Scott Burns (Collingwood) – The Collingwood skipper was best on ground in the Queen's Birthday clash against Melbourne, winning a career best 36 disposals. The 33-year-old was brilliant around the stoppages with nine clearances.
Bernie Vince (Adelaide) – The young Adelaide midfielder continues to take his game to another level. His performance against the Tigers was excellent, with 30 disposals, seven clearances and three goals.
HALF-FORWARDS
Scott Thompson (Adelaide) – The midfielder/forward has been in super form this year and that continued with a stunning display against Richmond. Thompson booted a career best six goals and racked up 23 touches.
Lance Franklin (Hawthorn) – The remarkable feats of Franklin continued in round nine when he bagged an equal career best nine goals against Essendon. It was the second time he has booted nine goals – both against the Dons. He now has 59 goals for the year.
Daniel Giansiracusa (Western Bulldogs) – 'Gia' was a shining light against St Kilda, winning 24 disposals, 10 marks and booting four goals. It was the fifth time he has collected four goals in a match, his best effort at this level.
FORWARDS
Jason Akermanis (Western Bulldogs) – The superstar's past month has arguably been as good as any other time throughout his illustrious AFL career. 'Aka' equaled a personal best of six goals – not achieved since playing with the Bears in round 17, 1996.
Cameron Mooney (Geelong) – The dual premiership player achieved an individual best against his former side North Melbourne, kicking seven goals in a super performance. He also took nine marks -- three contested -- to play a pivotal role in his side's win.
Luke Jericho (Adelaide) – His past two performances (in rounds eight and 11) have yielded eight goals, with the forward booting a career-best five majors against Richmond on Saturday. It was a fine effort, after stepping up in the absence of Brett Burton.
FOLLOWERS
Dean Brogan (Port Adelaide) – Although the Power went down to Carlton, Brogan was a tireless performer in the ruck and around the ground. Aside from his 21 hit-outs, it was his clearance and contested possession work that was the feature of the big man's game.
Chris Judd (Carlton) – The superstar skipper was at his brilliant best, and was an inspiring figure in his side's come-from-behind victory over Port Adelaide. Judd racked up 32 disposals – including 16 contested – in a best on ground performance.
Gary Ablett (Geelong) – Arguably the best of his 135-game career, Ablett won a career best 39 disposals – including 14 touches in the first quarter – in a blistering effort against the Roos. He also landed a staggering 12 inside 50s and kicked two goals.
INTERCHANGE
Luke Hodge (Hawthorn) – The Hawthorn vice-captain returned for his first match since round seven, after injuring his hamstring and was a super performer. Hodge's work out of the middle was brilliant as he won 22 touches, eight inside 50s and kicked three goals.
Daniel Kerr (West Coast) – Kerr's great form against Sydney again came to the fore, with the dynamic playmaker shining as West Coast's best. He won 23 disposals – including 12 contested – and also chipped in with two majors.
Simon Black (Brisbane Lions) – Despite his champion status, Black's form this year is still not receiving the kudos he deserves. He continued his outstanding form against Freo, when he claimed 28 touches.
Michael Johnson (Fremantle) – A standout for Fremantle, Johnson notched up a career best 30 disposals – including 20 by half time – against the Brisbane Lions. His disposal efficiency was excellent and he took an equal game-high 15 marks.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of the clubs or the AFL.
