HB: Andrew Mackie (Geelong), Nathan Bock (Adelaide), Simon Goodwin (Adelaide)
C: Joel Selwood (Geelong), Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn), Kade Simpson (Carlton)
HF: David Mundy (Fremantle), Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda), Garry Moss (Hawthorn)
F: Stephen Milne (St Kilda), Matthew Pavlich (Fremantle), Cameron Mooney (Geelong)
FOLL: Paddy Ryder (Essendon), Lenny Hayes (St Kilda), Gary Ablett (Geelong)
I/C: Dean Cox (West Coast Eagles), Daniel Jackson (Richmond), Brett Deledio (Richmond), Brent Stanton (Essendon)
BACKS
Adam McPhee (Essendon) – Despite some recent criticism, the versatile Bomber hit back in his 150th AFL game, playing one of the best matches of his career. His played with the type of attack he is renowned for, claiming eight rebounds against the Pies.
Ben Rutten (Adelaide) – 'Truck' played a key part in restricting Melbourne to just four goals. Known better for stymieing opponents than his ball-winning ability, Rutten collected a career-best 30 disposals, easily eclipsing his previous best of 23.
Sam Fisher (St Kilda) – Second to only Lenny Hayes as the best player in the clash against Port Adelaide. Fisher was massive out of defence, particularly in the first term, when he won 11 of his 28 touches and helped the Saints off to a flyer.
HALF BACKS
Andrew Mackie (Geelong) – Instrumental in his side's outstanding start and subsequent win over the Lions. He claimed 10 touches in the first term and finished with 26. His ability to zone off and repel the opposition's attack was first class.
Nathan Bock (Adelaide) – Important in his side's win, consistently launching forward thrusts. His ability to take on the game – he had 13 running bounces in the first term – was excellent. He finished with 26 disposals.
Simon Goodwin (Adelaide) – The skipper continually thwarted attacks from Melbourne and was able to create turnovers with his pressure. He won 25 touches in the first half and finished with 35 for the match. Goodwin also had five rebounds.
CENTRES
Joel Selwood (Geelong) – On the back of 32 touches against the Crows last round, the Selwood claimed 31 against the Lions. This included 11 in the second term when the Cats nailed the win.
Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn) – The skipper produced his third stellar performance of the season – a 40-disposal effort against West Coast. But it continued an intriguing start to 2009, as he has claimed 34 touches, 11, 37, 16 and 40 in his first five matches.
Kade Simpson (Carlton) – Among his team's most influential performers against the Dogs. He collected 29 disposals and also chipped in with back-to-back goals in the second term to help Carlton break clear.
HALF-FORWARDS
David Mundy (Fremantle) – Although noted as a defender or midfielder, Mundy pushed up forward against the Swans to play a vital role in his side's first win of the season. He booted three goals and had 20 touches (including 14 contested possessions).
Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda) – The skipper has been among the red, white and black's best in the past three weeks and his performance against the Power was again first class. He kicked four goals, took 10 marks and had 23 disposals.
Garry Moss (Hawthorn) – Has been one of the stories of the season so far, having been delisted and redrafted via last year's rookie draft. He stepped up to boot four goals and have 24 touches in Hawthorn's win over West Coast.
FORWARDS
Stephen Milne (St Kilda) – The small forward may have had his critics over his journey, but he continues to be a vital player for the Saints. He booted three goals, including an absolute gem from the boundary right on half-time, against the Power.
Matthew Pavlich (Fremantle) – Produced a top performance with 27 touches, 11 inside 50s, seven clearances and three goals. It was an outstanding effort from the captain after a slow start to the season for Fremantle.
Cameron Mooney (Geelong) – Played his best match so far in 2009, booting three goals and shining with youngster Tom Hawkins. The duo combined for six goals against the Lions. He also took four contested marks from 10 grabs on a wet day.
FOLLOWERS
Paddy Ryder (Essendon) – After ruckman David Hille went down with a season-ending knee injury early against the Pies, Ryder was forced to ruck all day. The result? The Anzac Day Medal for best-on-ground. This included 27 hit outs and 13 tackles.
Lenny Hayes (St Kilda) – The vice-captain was clearly best-on-ground against the Power and duly received the Peter Badcoe VC Medal. He amassed 32 touches, had eight clearances and laid seven tackles.
Gary Ablett (Geelong) – Further enhanced his status as the best player in the game, with a stunning 42 disposals against the Lions, on the back of a career-best 46 in round four. Remarkably, he is averaging a touch more than 35 disposals so far this year.
INTERCHANGE
Dean Cox (West Coast Eagles) – Although his side went down to the Hawks, the AFL's premier ruckman again showed why he holds this mantle. Cox won 31 hits out, had 30 touches and finished with seven clearances.
Daniel Jackson (Richmond) – Played one of his best matches for the Tigers, claiming a career-best 33 touches (including 14 in the final term) in his side's first win for 2009. Jackson also had a hand in four scoring assists against the Roos.
Brett Deledio (Richmond) – Played a pivotal part in his team's breakthrough victory, claiming 25 touches. He rivalled Jackson as Richmond's best against North Melbourne.
Brent Stanton (Essendon) – The midfielder's impressive start to the season continued on Anzac Day, when he won a team-high 34 disposals against Collingwood. He also had eight inside 50s and five clearances.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
