HB: Josh Drummond (Brisbane Lions), Sam Gilbert (St Kilda), Lindsay Gilbee (Western Bulldogs)
C: Leigh Montagna (St Kilda), Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn), Clinton Jones (St Kilda)
HF: Paul Chapman (Geelong), Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda), Brendon Goddard (St Kilda)
F: Jason Akermanis (Western Bulldogs), Matthew Lloyd (Essendon), Warren Tredrea (Port Adelaide)
FOLL: Josh Fraser (Collingwood), Brent Stanton (Essendon), Gary Ablett (Geelong)
I/C: Jarryd Roughead (Hawthorn), Jed Adcock (Brisbane Lions), Jason Porplyzia (Adelaide), Paul Hasleby (Fremantle)
BACKS
Brendan Whitecross (Hawthorn) – In just his third AFL match, the second-year listed Hawk showed discipline and poise beyond his years. The Queenslander made the most of his opportunities, claiming 29 touches and nine rebounds.
Brian Lake (Western Bulldogs) – The key defender backed up his excellent round two performance against the Roos, reading the play beautifully against Richmond. His disposal efficiency was excellent and he played a key part in restricting Richmond to just eight goals.
Brent Guerra (Hawthorn) – 'Goo' claimed 38 disposals against North Melbourne, matching his career-best effort achieved against Adelaide in round four last year. His ability to rebound and send the ball inside 50 was important.
HALF BACKS
Josh Drummond (Brisbane Lions) – Showed exactly why, when fit and firing, he is one of the best mid-sized defenders in the AFL. Drummond provided great drive from defence (six rebounds) and into attack (four inside 50s), with his long-kicking a feature.
Sam Gilbert (St Kilda) – The underrated Saint continues to blossom and is now an important member of his side's defence. Gilbert's ball-use, marking and rebound were highlights of his game.
Lindsay Gilbee (Western Bulldogs) – Staked his claims for best-on-ground honours after an outstanding performance against the Tigers, which included six rebound 50s and seven inside 50s. He also collected 28 disposals.
CENTRES
Leigh Montagna (St Kilda) – The dashing midfielder was integral in his side's smashing of West Coast, claiming 20 of his 31 disposals in the first half. He also kicked an outstanding running goal, after intercepting a handball, in the second term.
Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn) – After being quelled by Sydney Swans co-captain Brett Kirk in round two, the Hawthorn skipper bounced back in emphatic style, with a best-on-ground 37-disposal and nine-clearance display against North Melbourne.
Clinton Jones (St Kilda) – The Saint was locked in a fascinating duel with West Coast dynamo Daniel Kerr. Although Kerr was still one of his side's best, he was not as damaging due to Jones, who shone with his tackling – he laid 14 for the match.
HALF-FORWARDS
Paul Chapman (Geelong) – Produced a scintillating best-on-ground performance against the Pies, winning 35 touches and booting four goals. He also had a hand in four scoring assists.
Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda) – The captain may not have kicked a bag (he booted 1.3), but it was his tireless work and pushing up the ground that was a highlight. His finished with 26 touches, including 11 contested possessions.
Brendon Goddard (St Kilda) – Produced a best-on-ground display against West Coast and set the tone with his career-best four goals, all coming in the first quarter, after starting in attack. He also finished with 28 disposals.
FORWARDS
Jason Akermanis (Western Bulldogs) – The Brownlow Medallist and three-time premiership player sealed the deal against Richmond, with three goals in the first five minutes of the final term. He finished with four for the match and 23 touches.
Matthew Lloyd (Essendon) – The skipper turned on a vintage display after being held goalless in the opening two rounds of the season. He kicked five goals and took six contested marks – a highlight of his game – in a stirring performance.
Warren Tredrea (Port Adelaide) – Like Lloyd, the Power champion entered round three goalless, but he too, turned back the clock with a first-class display, booting six goals against Melbourne.
FOLLOWERS
Josh Fraser (Collingwood) – Despite playing in a losing side against Geelong, the ruckman backed up his excellent round two effort with another fine display. He finished with 19 touches and 21 hit outs, had six inside 50s and laid five tackles.
Brent Stanton (Essendon) – Pitted against a much-talked about Carlton midfield, the Bomber not only held his own but was among his side's best. His 26 disposals were pivotal in Essendon's memorable four-point win over the Blues.
Gary Ablett (Geelong) – The superstar was at his dynamic best against the Pies, winning a game-high 37 disposals (including a staggering 17 in the final term). Already in three rounds, he has amassed 101 touches.
INTERCHANGE
Jarryd Roughead (Hawthorn) – Kicked five goals, including four goals in the first half, playing a pivotal role in his side's 54-point win over North Melbourne. Roughead also gave some good service as a pinch-hitting ruckman, when reliving for Brent Renouf.
Jed Adcock (Brisbane Lions) – The hard-at-it Lion returned to the type of form that put him in All-Australian contention in 2007. He was fierce in his approach against the Swans, claiming 25 disposals (including 13 contested), 12 tackles and six rebounds.
Jason Porplyzia (Adelaide) – Despite a limited pre-season due to a shoulder injury, the talented forward played a vital role in the win against Fremantle. He booted four goals the exact same margin the Crows won by.
Paul Hasleby (Fremantle) – The midfielder played his best match since returning from his knee injury. Reinforcing how important he is to Fremantle, Hasleby claimed 28 disposals (including nine contested), kicked a goal and had three scoring assists.
