With the race for September heating up, here are the players that lit up Round 20.
Defenders
Rory Laird (Adelaide)
Laird played a pivotal role for the Crows in their win over the Saints on Saturday night. Collecting 38 touches, 12 marks, and eight rebound 50’s, Laird’s efforts helped to ease the current top eight pressure on Don Pyke’s side.
Joel Hamling (Fremantle)
Geelong ace Tom Hawkins was looking in ominous form over in the West, booting three majors before quarter time. However, the Coleman Medal contender was kept to nothing from that point forward with Hamling playing a crucial shut-down role, amassing five marks of his own.
Nick Haynes (GWS)
Haynes was immense for the Giants, having another standout performance down back in the Sydney Derby. Haynes collected 12 marks (eight intercept), 18 disposals, and four tackles, continuing his impressive 2019 form.
Nick Newman (Carlton)
Played his best game for the Blues since moving over from the Swans at the end of last season. Running off half-back, Newman gathered 24 touches, six defensive 50 rebounds, 11 marks, three tackles, and topped off his super performance by streaming forward and kicking four goals.
Jeremy McGovern (West Coast)
The three-time All-Australian once again showed off his class on Sunday afternoon against an inexperienced Blues forward line. The key defender took 13 marks, of which six were intercepts and four contested, had 18 touches, and seven defensive 50 rebounds.
Shane Edwards (Richmond)
Was once again instrumental for the Tigers gaining 467 metres off half-back, whilst also collecting 31 touches (11 contested), having nine score involvements and racking up eight clearances.
