HB: Andrew McLeod (Adelaide), Nathan Bock (Adelaide), Kyle Cheney (Melbourne)
C: Travis Johnstone (Brisbane Lions), Marc Murphy (Carlton), Nick Dal Santo (St Kilda)
HF: Simon Wiggins (Carlton), Lance Franklin (Hawthorn), Daniel Motlop (Port Adelaide)
F: Eddie Betts (Carlton), Mitch Hahn (Western Bulldogs), Mark LeCras (West Coast Eagles)
FOLL: Brad Ottens (Geelong), Chris Judd (Carlton), Gary Ablett (Geelong)
I/C: Hamish McIntosh (North Melbourne), Matthew Boyd (Western Bulldogs), Luke Power (Brisbane Lions), Leigh Harding (North Melbourne)
BACKS
Lindsay Gilbee (Western Bulldogs) – Reinforced his status as one of the League's best rebounding defenders with a classy display against Fremantle. Gilbee not only achieved an equal game-high seven rebounds, he also won 33 touches and kicked three goals.
Alipate Carlile (Port Adelaide) – The Power defender quelled triple Coleman Medallist Matthew Lloyd, keeping him goalless and holding him to just nine touches. Carlile's effort will go a long way to shaking his underrated tag outside of Alberton.
Michael Hurley (Essendon) – Despite the Bombers going down by 41 points, the first-gamer produced one of the best defensive debuts in recent years. Hurley restricted Power great Warren Tredrea, shining in one-on-one contests.
HALF BACKS
Andrew McLeod (Adelaide) – The dual Norm Smith Medallist showed he can still match it with the best, despite concerns surrounding his knee, with a vintage attacking display off half-back (including seven rebounds) against the Pies.
Nathan Bock (Adelaide) – The reigning All-Australian centre half-back continued on from where he left off last year with a fine performance against the Pies. He not only kept Travis Cloke in check, but his efficient ball-use and leadership down back was pivotal.
Kyle Cheney (Melbourne) – Of all the round one debuts, the second-year Demon was up there among the best. Although his 22 touches and five rebounds were impressive enough, it was his attack on the footy and courage in contests that caught the eye.
CENTRES
Travis Johnstone (Brisbane Lions) – Now in his 12th AFL season, Johnstone played one of the finest of his 179 matches. He collected a round-high 37 disposals, including 10 in the third term, when the Lions came from behind to set up their win over West Coast.
Marc Murphy (Carlton) – Still only 21 years old, Murphy was red-hot on the big Thursday night stage against Richmond, collecting 28 disposals. His clearance work and tackling were features of his play.
Nick Dal Santo (St Kilda) – After an indifferent 2008, the silky-skilled midfielder looks set for a big season if his first round is anything to go by. Dal Santo was best-on-ground against the Swans, with a game-high 27 touches and two goals.
HALF-FORWARDS
Simon Wiggins (Carlton) – Showed he was more than just a popular clubman with a fine performance up forward against the Tigers. Wiggins' contested work and tackling was a highlight, on top of his 21 touches and two goals.
Lance Franklin (Hawthorn) – It only reinforces just how good 'Buddy' is when his five goals against Geelong was considered by many to be just an okay performance. Yet no other tall forward bagged that many goals in round one.
Daniel Motlop (Port Adelaide) – He continued on from his outstanding 2008 with four goals first-up against the Bombers. This included a gem from the boundary line – but you wouldn't expect anything less from the freakish Power forward, would you?
FORWARDS
Eddie Betts (Carlton) – The livewire small forward played a crucial role in the Blues' win over Richmond, bagging five goals – equaling a career-best achieved against Melbourne in round 22, 2007.
Mitch Hahn (Western Bulldogs) – Despite a pre-season knee concern, Hahn started the season in fine form, booting five goals (including three in the last quarter), playing a pivotal part in the Dogs' win over Fremantle.
Mark LeCras (West Coast Eagles) – Although his side was overrun by the Lions, the much-underrated forward was excellent with six goals – a round-high and personal best, eclipsing his five goals against Richmond in round 22, 2006.
FOLLOWERS
Brad Ottens (Geelong) – The 2007 premiership ruckman was first-class against the Hawks. Not only did he control the ruck with 22 hit outs, but his ability to win the ball – 14 of his 22 possessions were contested – was crucial around the ground.
Chris Judd (Carlton) – The superstar produced a gem in the season-opener and was one of the keys to his side's 83-point win over the Tigers. Judd finished with 23 disposals, along with seven clearances, five inside 50s and six tackles.
Gary Ablett (Geelong) – A staggering 15 disposals in the opening quarter against the Hawks set the tone for a cracking individual performance. In the end, Ablett finished with 35 touches – equal second-best for the round.
INTERCHANGE
Hamish McIntosh (North Melbourne) – After being put up for trade at the end of 2008, the ruckman bounced back with a fine effort against the Dees. His ability to push forward and kick three telling goals helped swing the match in the Roos' favour.
Matthew Boyd (Western Bulldogs) – Still vastly-underrated, despite being among the elite midfielders in the competition, the Bulldog was outstanding against Freo, winning 33 touches and seven clearances.
Luke Power (Brisbane Lions) – Along with Johnstone, the triple premiership player turned it on in the third quarter when the Lions roared back against West Coast. He collected 35 touches (including 20 contested) – equal second with Ablett for the round.
Leigh Harding (North Melbourne) – The evolution of the forward-turned-defender continued, with the Roo shifting into the midfield. And he didn't disappoint against Melbourne with 28 disposals and seven tackles.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
