ANOTHER superb performance from Essendon cult hero Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti has extended his lead as No.1 among first-year players in the Schick AFL Player Ratings.
The Bombers almost caused one of the upsets of the season against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, falling short by just 11 points.
Having previously spent his time in defence, McDonald-Tipungwuti moved to the other end of the ground and was very influential.
He finished with 17 disposals, six inside-50s, five score assists (equal sixth-highest in the competition this year) and registered 2.2.
Those numbers are particularly significant considering the Bombers are averaging just 62 points per game and are yet to score more than the 98 they had against the Saints.
Coach John Worsfold was full of praise for McDonald-Tipungwuti after the clash.
"He's creative, he was clean, he took his opportunities and he set up some opportunities," Worsfold said.
"He's fairly composed when he get the ball, so he showed the same composure to kick inside 50 as he has when he comes off half-back. That is exciting, because there's a lot more pressure and a lot less space when you kick inside 50."
Schick AFL Player Ratings: Who are your club's leaders?
While the 23-year-old upgraded rookie is too old to win the NAB AFL Rising Star, the rest of the top five in the Schick AFL Player Ratings have been nominated for the award.
2. Sydney Swan Callum Mills – nominated round 16
3. Bomber Darcy Parish – nominated round two
4. Carlton's Jacob Weitering – nominated round three
5. St Kilda's Jade Gresham – nominated round 14
Check out the full list of first-year players
While Mills had to wait a while for his nomination, his role off half-back has been important to lifting the Swans to second spot on the ladder.
It took longer than most expected for Callum Mills' Rising Star nomination. Picture:AFL Media
Parish has averaged 21 disposals per match without much midfield support, Weitering's composure in defence has justified his selection at No.1 and Gresham has arguably established himself at his team's best small forward.
Meanwhile, Port Adelaide's Robbie Gray has overtaken Scott Pendlebury as the second-best player in the competition.
The rise comes after he notched 29 disposals and two goals in the loss to Hawthorn on Thursday.
