We are now 16 Round into a 2021 season that has produced plenty of surprises and upsets.
Whilst several teams have shot their way up the ladder, we want to look at the players who have been driving this success.
Now that we have a big enough body of work, it's time to laud the performances of the players who have been each club's biggest improvers.
As always, let us know who we have overrated and who we have snubbed.
Melbourne
Tom McDonald
It's hard to single anyone out in one of the league's most improved sides.
The changes Clayton Oliver has made to his game this year cannot be overstated. Not only is Oliver now the leading contested possession and clearance winner in the game, he is now far more dangerous by foot. The 23-year-old ranks 7th in the comp for score involvements per game (after ranking 121st in 2020).
SEE ALSO: What if Melbourne were proficient at drafting during their finals drought years?
Cristian Salem has been in All-Australian form for large parts of the year, while Bayley Fritsch and Charlie Spargo have grown in spades up forward.
However, the season of Tom McDonald has been one of the biggest surprises in 2021 with the 28-year-old turning his career around.
After Melbourne shopped him around during last year's trade period, McDonald has kicked 24-goals from his 15-games and is looking as fit as ever.
As he is able to move up the ground when needed, McDonald has shown he still has plenty of solid footy left and is an important member of the Demons' flag tilt.
