Come the end of the round, all focus is usually placed on the stars that dominated for their clubs, while some lesser known or underappreciated performances fly under the radar.
These performances can still be crucial for their clubs and we want to highlight them!
Here are 10 underrated performances from Round 7…
Clayton Oliver
Christian Petracca gathered the headlines but Clayton Oliver was almost as impactful for the Demons in their strong 43-point win over Hawthorn.
Oliver gathered 29 possessions, including a team-high 505 meters gained, and contributed to Melbourne's strong pressure football with six tackles. With Jack Viney, Max Gawn and Petracca also putting in strong performances, Melbourne could be turning the corner in 2020.
Bailey Williams
Williams again provided a strong performance from the backline for the Bulldogs in their 42-point win over Essendon, moving the ball out of the defensive 50 with power.
Playing from the back pocket, Williams gathered 17 disposals with eight interceptions and produced a game-high 468 meters gained, allowing the Bulldogs midfielders to consistently rebound into their forward 50.
Chris Mayne
Collingwood were praised for their tackling pressure during their 22-point win over Geelong, with Chris Mayne flying under the radar as one of the main contributors to that physical style.
Mayne laid a match-high nine tackles while also contributing with 16 disposals and three score involvements for the Pies. Mayne's physicality continues to place him as a valuable member of the Magpies team.
Lachie Weller
Weller was perhaps the most influential player for the Suns during the latter stages of their 32-point win over Sydney. Weller capitalised on the hard work around the clearances by the likes of Hugh Greenwood, David Swallow and Touk Miller by pushing the ball forward with great run and drive.
Weller finished with two goals and 15 disposals, with his calm demeanour settling the Suns youngsters and helping them hold off a fast finishing Swans team.
Shai Bolton
With Richmond missing several key senior players, Shai Bolton was one of many Tigers youngsters that stood up during their 54-point belting of North Melbourne.
Bolton was able to use his elite speed to rebound strongly from midfield contests, winning five clearances and gaining 502 meters for the match from his 19 disposals, culminating in a game-high seven inside 50's.
Jackson Nelson
Nelson produced one of the best performances of his young career for the Eagles in their 31-point Derby win, gathering 23 disposals in a great performance from half-back.
Nelson also provided elite ball use and rebound out of the defensive 50, finishing the game with a disposal efficiency of 82.6%. This elite ball use could prove crucial as he continues to cement a spot in the Eagles defence.
Cameron Rayner
Don't let the statistics fool you, Rayner's impact in Brisbane's win over the Giants defies his measly eight possessions. The former No.1 pick lit up the highlight reels with two goals, including one after a tremendous contested mark in the third term.
Rayner not only hit the scoreboard himself, but was able to set up Charlie Cameron with a beautiful left foot pass in the crucial second term. Raynor continues to be an x-factor for the Lions.
Peter Ladhams
With No.1 ruckman Scott Lycett missing through injury, 22-year old Ladhams made full use of his opportunity, being a crucial component in Port Adelaide's thrilling 3-point win over Carlton.
While narrowly losing the hit-out contest to Marc Pittonet, he more than made up for it with his follow-up work and play around the ground. Ladhams gathered 21 disposals and four clearances and showed Ken Hinkley that there is a viable second option.
Shane McAdam
McAdam continues to be positive for the Crows despite their recent poor performances, kicking two goals in their Monday night loss to St Kilda.
The 25-year old looks to follow in the footsteps of Eddie Betts and Charlie Cameron as exciting small forwards, providing speed and x-factor to a forward line that desperately needs a spark.
Mitch Wallis
The 27-year old continues to thrive in his new role as a pressure forward for the surging Bulldogs, kicking three goals in their win over Essendon. Wallis also continued his strong presence around the ball from his days as an inside midfielder, with seven of his 10 possessions contested.
From being in and out of the team last season, Wallis has reemerged as a crucial piece in the Dogs' finals plans.
