MAX GAWN has been the best and most influential player in the competition this season and the Melbourne ruckman definitely deserved his spot in my round 16 Team of the Week, brought to you by AccorHotels.

I think he has a really good chance to win the Brownlow Medal.

AFLCA VOTES Big Max goes top

The best performance of the round though was by Hawthorn goalsneak Luke Breust, who did exactly what a small forward should do against the Western Bulldogs.

If I'm ranking everyone in terms of recent form though, Shane Edwards is No.1. He is so creative for Richmond and could be leading the Tigers' best and fairest, although Dylan Grimes would be providing stiff competition.

In terms of those who were unlucky to miss out on selection, Port Adelaide maestro Chad Wingard can consider himself stiff, while West Coast star Nic Naitanui wasn't far away either.

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Young backman Tom Doedee has been consistent for Adelaide and he put in a career-best performance against Richmond. Grimes was terrific for the opposition though, shutting down Taylor Walker and providing important speed. Sydney's best in its loss to Geelong was probably Jake Lloyd, who is really consistent. One who could go around again is Scott Thompson – there's no reason North Melbourne shouldn't sign him up again. In Brisbane's big win over Carlton, Daniel Rich won plenty of the football across half-back and was efficient as well. At West Coast, Shannon Hurn might be leading the best and fairest.

Challenging Hurn as the Eagles' club champion will be Andrew Gaff, who keeps adding value to his contract. It was not at all surprising to see Joel Selwood drag Geelong over the line in a big game, this time against Sydney. A midfield move for Steven Motlop has worked and he produced his best game for Port Adelaide. Gawn is dominating in the ruck while Dayne Beams' past six weeks have been as good as anyone. His former teammate, Scott Pendlebury, sensed the moment and elevated himself in the final quarter as the Pies beat Essendon.

I was surprised the Crows gave Dustin Martin so much space, since he won the Norm Smith in last year's Grand Final and kicked a bag of five against them earlier this year. He was back to his best last Friday. One who goes a little underrated is Eric Hipwood. There's so much buzz around Carlton's Charlie Curnow but the Lion's career stacks up very well with the Blue's. Essendon would be rapt with Devon Smith, while for Magpies, Jordan De Goey followed his skipper in lifting when it mattered. Meanwhile, Breust and Edwards were outstanding for the Hawks and Tigers respectively.

When Mitch Duncan plays well, so does Geelong, and he joined Selwood in helping the Cats over the line. Best on ground for the Demons was Clayton Oliver, while Isaac Smith provided his usual run and carry for Hawthorn. I picked two ruckmen this week because Brodie Grundy was so good on such a big stage for Collingwood, and the All Australian selectors should seriously consider having he and Gawn in the same side.