Team of the week

CHAMPION midfielder Gary Ablett didn't miss a beat in his return from injury on Saturday, racking up 31 possessions, 11 clearances and three goals.

It was his influence on his Gold Coast teammates, however, that guaranteed him a place in the round 14 Team of the Week, brought to you by Accor Hotels.

Ablett inspired his teammates in the Suns' 55-point win against North Melbourne, with key forward Charlie Dixon and tall defender Steven May lifting due to the little master's presence.

Both were selected in this week's team, but young half-back Kade Kolodjashnij was just edged, despite a fine performance off half-back.

Backs

MATTHEW BOYD (Western Bulldogs) - In a scrappy game, Boyd's 31 possessions at 91.3 per cent efficiency stood out. Often winning the ball in uncontested situations, he took 14 marks and steadied the ship for the Bulldogs all day.

STEVEN MAY (Gold Coast) - Opposed to experienced North Melbourne forward Drew Petrie, May repeatedly came out on top in one-on-one contests and finished with a massive 14 spoils. He took opportunities to attack, with six rebound 50s.

BEN STRATTON (Hawthorn) - The versatile defender monstered Jamie Elliott in a crucial match-up on Friday night, keeping his opponent goalless and to just two marks. Elliott had kicked 18 goals in the previous six games.

Half-backs

RYAN GRIFFEN (Greater Western Sydney) - Was moved to half-back by the Giants and played arguably his best game for the club. He set the Giants up with 24 possessions at 91.9 per cent efficiency, including 10 rebound 50s.

ALEX RANCE (Richmond) - Richmond's most important player in the nine-point win against GWS, Rance strengthened his claims as the AFL's best key defender. In an ugly win, his work on Jeremy Cameron was crucial, keeping him to two goals.

DYLAN ROBERTON (St Kilda) - Underlined his improvement with an attacking game off half-back against the hapless Bombers. Finished with a career-high 31 possessions and seven inside 50s.

Centres

JORDAN LEWIS (Hawthorn) - After a quiet month, Lewis returned to his best with 36 possessions. Regularly went third man up and had nine inside 50s and six clearances in a big win for the Hawks.

JOSH KENNEDY (Sydney Swans)- A clear best on ground against Port Adelaide with 33 possessions and 11 clearances. His start to the game, with two goals in the first quarter, was phenomenal.

JACK STEVEN (St Kilda) - Continued a fine season with a superb midfield performance, only bettered by sidekick David Armitage. Finished with 29 possessions and a team-high 11 tackles as the Saints smothered the Bombers with their pressure.

Half-forwards

JACK LONIE (St Kilda) - The 18-year-old earned his NAB AFL Rising Star nomination, delivering a dangerous performance across half-forward against the Bombers. Finishing with five inside 50s, he created opportunities with his clever ball use. His dribble goal from tight on the boundary was brilliant.

JOSH BRUCE (St Kilda)- Kicked five goals but was praised post-match for his work-rate defensively and ability to cover the ground tirelessly, much like his skipper. Turning him into a forward has been a stroke of coaching genius.

SHANE EDWARDS (Richmond)- Highly respected at his club and starting to get the recognition externally, Edwards produced another strong game across half-forward and midfield. He racked up 24 possessions and kicked a superb running goal from a centre clearance.

Forwards

CYRIL RIOLI (Hawthorn) - Kicked five goals from just 10 touches in a match-winning performance. Not reflected on the stats sheet, as is often the case with Rioli, were the deft touches, hustle and body work off the ball.

CHARLIE DIXON (Gold Coast)- The powerful forward was unstoppable against North Melbourne, booting a club record seven goals to take his season tally to 27 goals from nine games. The 24-year-old's form has spiked in the past month after a quiet start to the season.

JACK DARLING (West Coast) - In his best game since returning from foot stress fractures, Darling booted five goals to lead the Eagles' forward line against Melbourne. He presented well up the ground to finish with 10 marks and six inside 50s.

Followers

MATTHEW LEUENBERGER (Brisbane Lions) - The Lions' big man relished the opportunity to play as the No.1 ruckman, almost matching Aaron Sandilands for hit-outs (51-53) but enjoying a bigger impact around the ground with two goals.

DAVID ARMITAGE (St Kilda) - The much-improved midfielder continues to rack up the ball at will, finishing with 38 possessions against Essendon. Has grown massively as a leader to replace Lenny Hayes.

SCOTT PENDLEBURY (Collingwood) - The captain was outstanding for the Magpies against Hawthorn, leading the midfield with a game-high 37 possessions and 10 clearances. Did the hard stuff as usual to round out his game with 10 tackles.

Interchange

GARY ABLETT (Gold Coast)- After a slow start the champion midfielder was superb, lifting his team to a rare win and finishing with 31 possessions, 11 clearances and three goals. Broke a hard tag from Ben Jacobs and was brilliant in the final term.

TRENT COTCHIN (Richmond) - Produced another outstanding burst when needed to get the Tigers over the line, finishing with 33 possessions and five inside 50s. His second goal, out of a stoppage in the fourth quarter, drew scores level and the Tigers went on to win by nine points.

DAYNE BEAMS (Brisbane Lions) - The star midfielder was a big reason why the Lions pushed Fremantle so close, linking with Leuenberger well to finish with 10 clearances. Had an equal game-high 30 possessions and 11 tackles.

ROBBIE GRAY (Port Adelaide) - Led his team with 32 possessions in an uphill battle against the Swans and kicked one goal. While teammates were well held at stoppages, Gray broke free to have seven clearances and seven inside 50s.

• Check out how fans voted on previous teams of the week
• Who starred for your club in this weekend's state leagues?