HB: Shannon Hurn (West Coast Eagles), Craig Bolton (Sydney Swans), Sam Fisher (St Kilda)
C: Adam Goodes (Sydney Swans), Nick Dal Santo (St Kilda), Jarrad McVeigh (Sydney Swans)
HF: Steve Johnson (Geelong), Justin Koschitzke (St Kilda), Alan Didak (Collingwood)
F: Daniel Motlop (Port Adelaide), Brendan Fevola (Carlton), Daniel Bradshaw (Brisbane Lions)
FOLL: Darren Jolly (Sydney Swans), Bryce Gibbs (Carlton), Daniel Kerr (West Coast Eagles)
I/C: Josh Fraser (Collingwood), Adam Selwood (West Coast Eagles), Jason Winderlich (Essendon), Chris Judd (Carlton)
BACKS
Darren Milburn (Geelong) – 'Dasher' played one of his best matches since his 2007 All-Australian selection. Milburn was pivotal in the final term when Richmond threatened, his drive all day out of defence was a highlight and he finished with a game-high eight rebounds.
Brian Lake (Western Bulldogs) – Spent the entire match on the ground and pushed for best-on-ground honours against North Melbourne. Lake's work down back was first-class. He collected 25 disposals and his ball use was the feature of his play.
Dustin Fletcher (Essendon) – The Bomber great not only gave great support to emerging backs Tayte Pears and Darcy Daniher, who both impressed, but he kept Fremantle's Michael Johnson in check and won 28 disposals.
HALF-BACKS
Shannon Hurn (West Coast Eagles) – The underrated defender produced another attacking display off half-back with 24 disposals against Port Adelaide. He also unleashed another long-bomb goal on the run from well outside 50.
Craig Bolton (Sydney Swans) – The co-captain has started the season in red-hot form, claiming two massive scalps in the opening two rounds – first St Kilda skipper Nick Riewoldt and now Hawthorn superstar Lance Franklin.
Sam Fisher (St Kilda) – The reigning Trevor Barker Medallist has continued on from where he left 2008, with two fine performances in 2009. He provided great leadership from defence, claiming 26 touches, as the Saints only let through 10 goals for the match.
CENTRES
Adam Goodes (Sydney Swans) – The dual Brownlow Medallist will have surely attracted votes for his stellar performance against the Hawks. Goodes was brilliant with 24 disposals, five clearances and four goals in the midfield and attack.
Nick Dal Santo (St Kilda) – Could have six Brownlow votes after two best-on-ground performances against the Sydney Swans and Adelaide respectively. His 35 disposals, including 10 in a match-deciding final term against the Crows was first-class.
Jarrad McVeigh (Sydney Swans) – An elite midfielder vastly-underrated in the game, the 2008 Bob Skilton Medallist claimed a game-high 33 disposals (including 12 contested possessions) and eight clearances in a top display against the Hawks.
HALF-FORWARDS
Steve Johnson (Geelong) – The 2007 Norm Smith Medallist produced a match-winning final quarter when the Tigers were challenging. He kicked three of his four goals during this period. He also finished with 24 touches and 10 marks.
Justin Koschitzke (St Kilda) – Like his oft – and unfairly – maligned teammate Dal Santo, the big Saint has started the season in fine form. He was instrumental in the win against the Crows, booting four goals and eclipsing 2005 All-Australian Ben Rutten.
Alan Didak (Collingwood) – The silky-skilled forward/midfielder was instrumental in the second term with back-to-back goals, which halted Melbourne's run. In the wash-up, he finished with 24 touches and three goals in a polished display.
FORWARDS
Daniel Motlop (Port Adelaide) – Despite a disappointing loss from the Power, the freakish forward was still a headache for West Coast with four goals. As usual, one of his majors was a gem – a beauty from the boundary line. He now has eight goals in 2009.
Brendan Fevola (Carlton) – With two goals to his name heading into three quarter-time 'Fev' turned it on with a match-winning last quarter. He bagged three goals, including back-to-back majors, to end the Lions' run.
Daniel Bradshaw (Brisbane Lions) – The dual premiership player was the leading goalkicker for the round with six goals. His three goals in the third term was a major reason why the Lions almost produced a come-from-behind win.
FOLLOWERS
Darren Jolly (Sydney Swans) – The player of the round, Jolly was simply brilliant against Hawthorn. He absolutely dominated in the ruck and around the ground, with a staggering 42 hit outs, three goals and 19 disposals (including 13 contested).
Bryce Gibbs (Carlton) – The young-gun midfielder was best-on-ground against the Lions, claiming a career-best 34 disposals. His ability to step-up in the final term when the game went to another level was excellent. He now has 64 touches from two rounds.
Daniel Kerr (West Coast Eagles) – The dynamo was back to his electrifying best with 28 disposals and four goals. And although Power gun Kane Cornes held him to two touches in the first term, Kerr's brilliant third term, which included 16 possessions, sealed the match.
INTERCHANGE
Josh Fraser (Collingwood) – Had it not been for Jolly's phenomenal game, the big Pie would have been a monty for the No.1 ruck berth this round. Fraser was best-on-ground against the Demons with 25 touches, 26 hit outs, eight clearances and six inside 50s.
Adam Selwood (West Coast Eagles) – The twin upstaged his brother Joel with an outstanding game against the Power. After missing round one with a knee injury, he produced a dominant 33-disposal effort. He also had eight clearances.
Jason Winderlich (Essendon) – Having battled injuries for much of his career, the Don midfielder looks set to show his true worth. Against Fremantle, Winderlich claimed a career-high 27 touches and two goals.
Chris Judd (Carlton) – The champ backed up his season-opener with another beauty. He was pivotal in helping the Blues get the jump needed over the Lions in the second term, with 11 of his 25 disposals coming there. He also laid an incredible 10 tackles.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
