Team of the Week: Round 15

Defenders Back Pocket - Michael Hibberd (Melbourne) Despite a tough night for his side, Hibberd still managed to put in a good performance. He had 33 disposals at 79%, while also recording 11 rebound 50s. His work down back helped keep the scoreline respectable. Full Back - Liam Jones (Carlton) Jones was it again this week, and continues on what has been a remarkable comeback journey. The defender kept Taylor Walker very quiet, and ended up with 19 touches and nine marks of his own. Back Pocket - Jayden Short (Richmond) A great effort from Jayden Short, in what might have been the best game of his season. He was very effective in defence, and eventually recorded 20 disposals at 90%, eight marks, six rebound 50s, and the match-sealing goal. [caption id="attachment_13652" align="alignnone" width="556"] ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 01: Jayden Short of the Tigers and Jake Neade of the Power in action during the 2017 AFL round 15 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Richmond Tigers at Adelaide Oval on July 01, 2017 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Half Back - Bryce Gibbs (Carlton) During trade period you could have been forgiven to think that Gibbs would be lining up for the Crows against his old side in round 15. However he put in a massive effort for Carlton, racking up 30 touches, kicking two goals, and almost getting his side over the line. Centre Half Back - Jake Carlisle (St. Kilda) Despite being involved in some heated moments throughout the game, Carlisle still had a positive impact. He had 17 disposals at 82%, took seven marks, and also managed to kick two goals. Half Back - Luke Hodge (Hawthorn) The quarterback for the Hawks was again brilliant on the weekend. He finished the game 27 disposals at 85%, and 12 marks. He continues to drift back and take key marks in defence, while then being able to launch his side in attack. Centre Wing - Sam Menegola (Geelong) Surprised some with his performance, but Geelong fans would have expected it. Menegola finished with 33 touches and a goal. He had five score involvements, five inside 50s, and had a disposals efficiency of 76%. Crucial player for the Cats and stepped up in Joel Selwood's absence. Centre - Jarryd Lyons (Gold Coast) Last week he was named one of Zero Hanger's top recruits of 2017, and in round 15 he proved just exactly why he was included. 39 disposals (including 23 contested), 10 clearances, seven score involvements, seven inside 50s, and six tackles lands him in the centre for this round's team of the week. Wing - Tom Mitchell (Hawthorn) Tom Mitchell was at it again, kicking two crucial goals and racking up 35 touches. His disposal efficiency was at 86%, and he had seven marks, seven clearances, and eight score involvements. [caption id="attachment_13653" align="alignnone" width="696"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 02: Tom Mitchell of the Hawks is congratulated by his teammates after kicking a goal during the 2017 AFL round 15 match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Collingwood Magpies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 02, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/AFL Media)[/caption] Forwards Half Forward - Luke Parker (Sydney) A massive game for the Swan, who played a huge role in their win against the Demons. He finished the game with 38 touches, 11 score involvements, and nine clearances. His day could have been even bigger if he was accurate in front of goal, he finished with 1.2. Centre Half Forward - Lance Franklin (Sydney) Despite some inaccuracy in front of goal, Franklin still managed to kick four goals. On top of that he had 19 disposals, took 11 marks, and recorded 12 score involvements. He did some crucial things down the stretch which helped seal Sydney's win. Half Forward - Eric Hipwood (Brisbane) The star of the show up front for the Lions, Hipwood finished the game with four majors. He was able to come up big when his side needed it, in a ripping effort from the youngster. Forward Pocket - Michael Walters (Fremantle) Michael Walters came out like a man on a mission after missing the game-winning goal in round 14. He had six goals and 32 disposals against St. Kilda and was very nearly unstoppable. [caption id="attachment_13648" align="alignnone" width="696"] PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 02: Michael Walters of the Dockers kicks the ball into the forward line during the round 15 AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the St Kilda Saints at Domain Stadium on July 2, 2017 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)[/caption] Full Forward - Tom Lynch (Gold Coast) Five goals, 20 disposals, and eight marks was a big return to form for Tom Lynch. He anchored his side's forward line that ended up kicking 18 goals in a handy win over North Melbourne. Foward Pocket - Ben Ainsworth (Gold Coast) The rookie pulled out a ripping game against North, kicking four goals. His 14 touches were at an efficiency of 93%, while he also had eight score involvements. A terrific outing from the youngster. Followers Ruck - Matthew Kreuzer (Carlton) Another week for Kreuzer as the ruckman in our Team of the Week. Despite the loss, the big man was again fantastic. He had 14 disposals, 42 hit-outs, eight tackles, and five marks. An excellent effort against Sam Jacobs. Ruck Rover - Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong) A ridiculous game from Dangerfield against the Giants. The star recorded 45 touches (25 contested) and also kicked a goal, and did it all without his running mate in Joel Selwood. Unbelievable effort from the reigning Brownlow Medallist. Rover - Andrew Gaff (West Coast) Gaff was instrumental in the Eagles' win over the Dogs. He had a mammoth 42 disposals, 11 score involvements, 10 inside 50s, and five marks. One of the best midfield efforts of the round. [caption id="attachment_13654" align="alignnone" width="498"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 01: Andrew Gaff of the Eagles handballs during the round 15 AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the West Coast Eagles at Etihad Stadium on July 1, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)[/caption] Interchange Nathan Vardy (West Coast) Vardy takes his place in this side due to his massive last quarter. A number of clutch acts resulted in the game-sealing goal late in the fourth quarter, as well as two huge marks to help the Eagles hold on to the four points. Ryan Burton (Hawthorn) The Hawks have found a ripper in Ryan Burton. Against the Pies he had 29 disposals at an efficiency of 90% and was all class. His ability to set up the play and use the ball helped the Hawks get over the line. Callan Ward (GWS) A very solid outing from the Giants captain. He recorded 33 disposals at an efficiency of 82% and also kicked a goal. Eight clearances on top of all of that makes him one of the players of the round. [caption id="attachment_13655" align="alignnone" width="450"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 01: Callan Ward of the Giants looks on during the round 15 AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Geelong Cats at Spotless Stadium on July 1, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Kane Lambert (Richmond) The young Tiger has had a brilliant month, and his selection on our bench is reward for effort. Lambert was one of Richmond's best in their crucial win over the Power, with 33 disposals, 10 tackles, 29 pressure acts (game-high), nine score involvements, six clearances and six inside 50s in a massive performance.

Team of the Week: Round 15

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		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	FRE	19	17	2	68	146
2	SYD	19	14	5	56	130
3	HAW	19	13	5	54	124
4	BL	19	13	6	52	120.6
5	ADEL	19	12	7	48	113.7
6	MELB	19	12	7	48	107.8
7	WB	19	12	7	48	96.8
8	COLL	19	11	7	46	107.6
9	GEEL	19	11	8	44	116.5
10	STK	19	9	10	36	105.8