Paul Puopolo
The Hawks only just managed to leave the MCG on Friday with a win, and that was mostly due to the stellar performance of Paul Puopolo.
The Hawthorn cult favourite kicked five goals to go along with his 23 disposals, and got stuck into six tackles around the ground – about as complete a game as a small forward can be asked for.
Steele Sidebottom
After a disappointing outing against the Demons in Round 4, Collingwood responded exactly as they should have against the hapless Bombers on ANZAC Day.
The winner of the ANZAC Medal, Steele Sidebottom, booted four goals, took seven marks and picked up 33 disposals, affirming his status among the best few players at Victoria Park.
Toby Greene
Toby Greene has arguably been best on ground for the Greater Western Sydney Giants the last two weeks, both 8+ goal wins, but his efforts on Sunday rank among his career’s best.
31 disposals and four goals had him running rings around the Saints’ defence. This week’s outing against the Hawks at home will be a fascinating test of the young man’s abilities.
Scott Pendlebury
The Magpies’ massive win over the Bombers has already been touched on, but it would not have happened without their skipper at his brilliant best.
Scott Pendlebury picked up 35 disposals, took six marks and made six tackles. Only missing from his report card this round was a goal, which did not seem to matter, as his side kicked 22 of them.
Max Gawn
Right now, the AFL world is exploding with Max Gawn-ia, with some critics suggesting he already lays claim to the ‘league’s best ruckman’ tag.
While he has a long way to go before he achieves Todd Goldstein levels of dominance, his two goals, seven marks and 47 hit-outs were a big reason for his side’s six goal pounding of the Tigers.