A weekend that is being touted as a feel-good fixture, the return of Swans defender Alex Johnson and debut of Saints speedster Nathan Freeman highlight a heartwarming round of footy.
In honour of the round, we have put together a best 22 of players that have overcome significant injury, scrutiny or hardship of any kind - the best feel-good stories in football today.
Here is Zero Hanger's best 22 feel-good stories of players currently in the league:
Half-forwards
Josh Thomas (Collingwood)
Josh Thomas missed two years of footy between 2015-16 after testing positive to a banned substance. After getting re-drafted by the Pies and finding his feet at AFL level again in 2017, he has emerged as one of their most important forwards this season.Thomas has drilled 32 goals in a year where Collingwood have risen back to prominence, which ranks second at the club.
Jarryd Roughead (Hawthorn)
Jarryd Roughead survived a bout of cancer to miss the entire 2016 season. Many thought that might have spelt the end of his decorated career, but Roughead returned to lead the club as skipper and now is looking to take them back to the promise land.
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (Essendon)
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti earned a spot on the Bombers' list following their infamous 2015 supplements scandal. If not for that, he probably would never have been recognised, but is now one of the most exciting players in the league.
