With the race for September heating up, here are the players that lit up Round 20.
Forwards
Liam Ryan (West Coast)
Apart from taking a contender for mark of the year, Ryan was lively around the ground, collecting 16 touches and kicking a career-high four goals. His forward pressure and presence around the football have been crucial this year for the Eagles, as they look to retain their premiership crown.
Ben Brown (North Melbourne)
In a dominating performance up forward, Brown kept the pressure on Jeremy Cameron at the top of the Coleman Medal tally, with the big Roo kicking four of his own to keep North’s slim finals hopes alive. While Brown was slightly inaccurate, kicking 4.3, he laid a career-high four tackles and took six marks.
Isaac Heeney (Sydney)
Almost helped his side to a last gasp win over rivals GWS, Heeney played a lone hand up forward for the Swans, collecting 18 disposals (12 contested), taking seven marks and kicking 4.2 in Sydney’s narrow loss.
Robbie Gray (Port Adelaide)
Gray was superb as the Power ran over the top of Essendon on Saturday afternoon at Marvel Stadium. The livewire forward had 10 score involvements, kicked four goals and finished with 19 disposals to help keep the Power’s season alive.
Taylor Walker (Adelaide)
Widely criticised so far this season, Walker turned in a performance of the highest order on Saturday night as the Crows’ captain turned back the clock, kicking a bag of four goals against the Saints. Walker collected 12 disposals, and six marks, with Adelaide fans hoping the performance sparks some late-season form for their skipper.
Charlie Cameron (Brisbane)
One of Brisbane’s best this season, Cameron once again lit up the Gabba on Sunday evening as he ran rings around a helpless Bulldogs’ defence. Cameron had a perfect day in front of goal, kicking four straight, on top of taking seven marks, as the Lions tightened their grip on a top-four spot.
