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:
Forwards
Daniel Menzel (Geelong)
Daniel Menzel has had to overcome a plethora of injuries since making his debut in 2010, predominately knee reconstructions. It feels like he's never been on the park when Geelong have needed him most, so hopefully he can finally get a good ran at it as he approaches the prime of his career.
Tom Boyd (Western Bulldogs)
Tom Boyd has had to overcome a ton of scrutiny for being taken with pick one and earning a massive million-dollar contract in the infancy of his career. He delivered on his potential in the 2016 grand final, booting three goals in the club's famous 62-year drought-breaking premiership triumph. Boyd was widely viewed as best on ground on that legendary day.
Billy Gowers (Western Bulldogs)
Billy Gowers was drafted to the Blues with their first pick in the 2015 rookie draft. And the footy world is now scratching their head and wondering why he never got a game. The Bulldogs unearthed the 22-year old this year whose career has gone north, while Carlton have gone south and are crying out for goalkicking power.
