AFL News

Team of the Week: Round 7

Published by
Patrick Lucarelli

Defenders

Back Pocket: Kade Simpson 

Although at age 34, Simpson still provides the run and carry that is expected from any player. He was one of Carlton's better players on Saturday with 26 disposals, 11 marks and four rebound 50's.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 05: Kade Simpson of the Blues during the round seven AFL match between the Adelaide Crows and the Carlton Blues at Adelaide Oval on May 5, 2018 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

Full back: Heath Grundy 

Grundy had a game high 12 marks against the Kangaroos whilst also collecting 22 disposals in the process. Going at 90 percent efficiency, Grundy had four rebound 50's while also keeping his direct opponent, Ben Brown, to only 1.2 off 12 disposals.

Back pocket: Tom Stewart 

What a find Stewart was two years ago for the Cats. He once again impressed on Friday against the Giants, with 24 disposals at 83 percent efficiency. Stewart also had five rebound 50's as well as 12 marks and 1.0.

Half back: Bachar Houli 

Bachar Houli was back to his best on Sunday with his trademark run and carry on full display. Houli had the 22 disposals, 1.1, seven score involvements and five rebound 50's.

Center half back: James Sicily  

The fiery Hawk was back after his second suspension of 2018 and it looked like he didn't miss a beat. Scored an absolute bomb from outside 50 in the third quarter, whilst also collecting 29 disposals on the day, a game high, and 14 marks.

Half back: Angus Brayshaw

Its been a long road for Brayshaw with his concussions and lack of form, but it looks like he's finally cemented his spot in Melbourne's best 22. Brayshaw had 32 disposals and 1.0 in Sunday's win, along with nine score involvements and eight inside 50's.

Centre

Wing: Lachie Hunter

Another impressive display from Hunter, especially this time in the absence of Marcus Bontempelli. Hunter who was the stand in skipper after the late withdrawal, stood up with 34 disposals, nine marks and three tackles.

Center: Clayton Oliver 

Oliver's hands were lethal on Sunday as his ability to open up the game with handballs were on full display. Oliver finished with a game high 36 disposals and 10 clearances, as well as four tackles and five inside 50's.

Wing: Andrew Gaff

What a season Gaff is putting together. Another 30+ disposal game (35) along with three inside 50's, three clearances and three tackles.

Forwards

Half forward: Dayne Zorko 

Zorko bounced back from a bad start to this season against the Pies on Sunday, registering 34 disposals, four goals and 10 tackles.

Center half forward: Tom Hawkins 

Absolutely tore GWS apart on Friday looking dangerous all night. Finished the night with a bag of four and eight marks.

Half forward: Mitch McGovern 

After going into the game with only six goals, McGovern was under a little bit of pressure to perform and that's what he did. A game high 5.3, McGovern also had 16 disposals and nine marks.

Forward pocket: Steele Sidebottom 

Continuing his push for the All-Australian team, Sidebottom again had another 30+ disposal game. On Sunday, Sidebottom had 34 disposals, six clearances and four inside 50's in another dominate performance.

Full forward: Jack Darling

Another Eagle in career best form, Darling was again impressive with 3.2 and 18 disposals. What was probably most impressive this season with Darling is his ability to get up the ground and take marks which he once again did on Saturday. Darling had a game high 10 marks.

PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA - MAY 05: Jack Darling of the Eagles celebrates after scoring a goal during the round seven AFL match between the West Coast Eagles and the Port Adelaide Power at Optus Stadium on May 5, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Forward pocket: Toby McLean 

McLean has been in red hot form this year and this weeks game was no different. The small forward had 13 tackles, 33 disposals, 5 marks and 0.1.

Followers

Ruck: Max Gawn 

34 hit-outs, 20 disposals, five marks and 1.0. A dominate display once again for big Maxy Gawn.

Rover: Jack Macrae

Easily best a field against the Suns and put up some astronomical numbers in Ballarat. Macrae had 1.1 from 40 disposals, 23 contested possessions (career-high), 12 clearances (career-high), 10 score involvements, seven tackles and six inside 50s.

BALLARAT, AUSTRALIA - MAY 05: Jackson Macrae of the Bulldogs celebrates after kicking a goal during the round seven AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Gold Coast Suns at Mars Stadium on May 5, 2018 in Ballarat, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Ruck Rover: Nat Fyfe

Probably the best on ground even though they lost by 77 points. Fyfe's ability to work with Sandilands around the ground is phenomenal to watch. Fyfe collected 33 disposals, eight marks and four tackles in another dominate performance.

Interchange

Bench: Jack Redden 

After starting the season off poorly, Redden has been dominate in the past two weeks. Against the Power he had 32 disposals, six tackles and 1.0. Along with Andrew Gaff, they were the two most dominate midfielders on the ground.

Bench: Ed Curnow

A very underrated player who is averaging career high numbers in 2018. Curnow had 14 tackles on the weekend, along with 26 disposals and 1.0 playing head to head with Bryce Gibbs.

Bench: Jordan De Goey 

The Collingwood bad boy looks back to his best. Almost playing as a stay at home forward, De Goey had 20 disposals and 5.2 and was basically the difference on Sunday night.

BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND - MAY 06: Jordan de Goey celebrates during the round seven AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Collingwood Magpies at The Gabba on May 6, 2018 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Jason O'Brien/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Bench: Seb Ross 

Although the Saints were very disappointing on the weekend, Seb Ross continued his good run of form and made up for his poor display last week with a 35 disposal effort against the Dees. 13 of those were contested while Ross also had a game high 10 clearances.

Published by
Patrick Lucarelli