While none of the individual performances in round two of the NAB Cup topped the 149-point first-round stunner from Collingwood’s Tarkyn Lockyer, there were plenty of players who showed fine form.
Geelong’s Jimmy Bartel topped the list with 118 points in his side’s win against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.
He was seven points clear of the Brisbane Lions’ Josh Drummond (111), who showed against Essendon that he will be an important part of new coach Michael Voss’s side, provided he can remain free of the injuries that have dogged his career.
Teammate Bradd Dalziell (104) had another prolific week in the Lions’ narrow loss to the Bombers and his stellar form from last year looks set to continue.
Collingwood star Alan Didak and returning Essendon speedster Jason Winderlich were the only other players to crack the ton in round two.
Winderlich’s efforts after returning from a career-threatening back injury were particularly heartening for Bombers coach Matthew Knights and the Essendon faithful.
Carlton’s Kade Simpson (99 points) was the only player from the top 10 in round one to feature again in the best performances.
He headed a group of four players who fell one point shy of the ton, which also included Port Adelaide pair Chad Cornes and Danyle Pearce.
Hawthorn midfielder Travis Tuck, who rounded out the quartet, could be ready to assume greater responsibility for the reigning premier this season after an encouraging display against Carlton.
Another player who clearly relishes a bigger workload is Hawks forward Jarryd Roughead, who completes this week’s top 10 Dream Team scorers.
Overshadowed at times last year by his forward line partner Lance Franklin, Roughead has shone in the pre-season as Hawthorn’s key tall target in attack.
Six goals and 98 Dream Team points, following another bag of goals against Melbourne last week, will certainly have caught the attention of savvy Dream Team mentors.
Toyota AFL Dream Team top scorers
NAB Cup Round 2
1. Jimmy Bartel (Geel) 118
2. Josh Drummond (BL) 111
3. Bradd Dalziell (BL) 104
4. Alan Didak (Coll) 102
5. Jason Winderlich (Ess) 102
6. Chad Cornes (PA) 99
7. Danyle Pearce (PA) 99
8. Travis Tuck (Haw) 99
9. Kade Simpson (Carl) 99
10. Jarryd Roughead (Haw) 98
