Team of the week

AS HE prepared to return from a two-match club suspension, Gold Coast midfielder Harley Bennell fronted the media and came clean about the mistakes he had made.

It must have been a cleansing experience, because he went on to let his football do the talking against Adelaide, earning selection in the round 17 Team of the Week, brought to you by Accor Hotels.

Bennell rewarded the Suns for their support and patience, racking up a round-high 39 possessions and nine inside 50s.

His efforts weren't enough for the Suns to get over the line against Adelaide, however, with the Crows boasting some stars of their own in this week's line-up.

Backs

MATTHEW BOYD (Western Bulldogs) - One of the Bulldogs' anchors in defence, Boyd racked up 38 possessions and 12 marks to continue his fine season. His disposal efficiency of 80.6 per cent is a career high by some margin after making the transition to defence.

TOM LONERGAN (Geelong) - Part of a rock-solid backline that restricted GWS to just six goals in Canberra. With Jeremy Cameron the Giants' main target, Lonergan and his teammates teamed up to keep him goalless.

SEAN DEMPSTER (St Kilda) - Continues to be invaluable in the Saints' backline, playing tall or small and helping rebound when he can. Against Melbourne he went at 91 per cent efficiency, with 23 possessions and 10 marks.

Half-backs

SAM MITCHELL (Hawthorn) - His job would be harder playing for a bottom side, but for this machine he excels in his role. Drifts behind the ball and racks up possessions at will, finishing with another 35 in a record win against Carlton.

TROY CHAPLIN (Richmond) - One of the Tigers' best players in his 200th game, leading the backline in a narrow loss. Was smart with his ball use, going at 87 per cent with his 23 possessions.

RORY LAIRD (Adelaide) - Again superb and must be in the mix for All Australian selection as one of the best small defenders in the game this season. Courageous and clean with 32 possessions against Gold Coast.

Centres

JORDAN LEWIS (Hawthorn) - Another Hawk who cleaned up against the Blues, racking up 36 possessions and a team-high four centre clearances. Also kicked two goals to place a cherry on top of his game.

DAVID MUNDY (Fremantle)- His game will be remembered for his ice-cold set shot to steal victory from the Tigers, but his game was strong regardless. Had 28 possessions, six clearances and used the ball with typical efficiency.

LACHIE HUNTER (Western Bulldogs) - Best on ground against Collingwood in the best game of his 29-game career. Had 32 possessions, 10 marks and kicked a nice goal from just inside 50m.

Half-forwards

HARLEY BENNELL (Gold Coast) - Could hardly have returned from his club-imposed suspension in better fashion, racking up a round-high 39 possessions and nine inside 50s.Gained 672m, the third-most of any player for the round.

JACK GUNSTON (Hawthorn) - The sharpshooter was back to his best, kicking 6.1 and pushing up the ground to rack up 26 possessions and 12 marks. The Blues were powerless to stop him with so much supply.

RICHARD DOUGLAS (Adelaide) - Part of an imposing Crows midfield that returned to form and overpowered Gold Coast. Douglas had 25 possessions, six clearances and two goals.

Forwards

DARCY MOORE (Collingwood)- The best forward in the game in just his third match, Moore kicked five goals, including the first of his career. Led well, took contested grabs and finished brilliantly.

TOM HAWKINS (Geelong) - Was incredibly efficient for the Cats, booting 5.1 from 10 kicks. Took five contested marks and five marks inside 50, making his touches count.

CHAD WINGARD (Port Adelaide) - One of the most consistent Power players this season and is mounting a case for another All Australian selection. He kicked 3.1 against the Bombers and laid eight tackles, providing valuable forward pressure and punishing the opposition when he won the footy.

Followers

SAM JACOBS (Adelaide) - Narrowly pips Nic Naitanui in the ruck position this week because of his complete performance in the ruck, around the ground and at ground level when the ball was there to be won. Had 39 hit-outs, five inside 50s and six clearances.

TRAVIS BOAK (Port Adelaide) - The star midfielder stood up when the game was on the line, sealing victory against the Bombers along with Paddy Ryder. Willed the Power forward with 28 possessions and eight inside 50s, kicking two goals.

MATT PRIDDIS (West Coast)- The Brownlow medallist is enjoying an even better season than 2014, continuing that form against the Sydney Swans. His 13 tackles were an AFL high across round 17, going with 34 possessions and seven clearances.

Interchange

BILLY HARTUNG (Hawthorn) - Shone when used for a full game against Carlton, providing the outside dash to complement Hawthorn's inside grinders. Had 24 possessions and 96 per cent efficiency, kicking two goals.

JACK VINEY (Melbourne) - A typically hard-nosed performance from the young midfielder, winning 20 of his 31 possessions in contests. Won seven clearances, flying the flag for the Demons on a down day.

STEELE SIDEBOTTOM (Collingwood) - The Magpies were outplayed by the Bulldogs, but Sidebottom had claims as one of the best two players on the ground with 33 possessions and a goal. He did his best work as usual on the outside, racking up 28 uncontested touches and one goal.

PATRICK DANGERFIELD (Adelaide) - Demanded selection with 36 possessions against the Suns, doing a mountain of work at the coalface with nine clearances and 20 contested possessions. Also laid eight tackles.

• Check out how fans voted on previous teams of the week
• The run home: who's on track for September?