HB: Corey Enright (Geelong Cats), Troy Chaplin (Port Adelaide), Josh Drummond (Brisbane Lions),
C: Leigh Montagna (St Kilda), Jimmy Bartel (Geelong Cats), Travis Johnstone (Brisbane Lions)
HF: Jason Davenport (Port Adelaide), Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda), Brendon Goddard (St Kilda)
F: Ben McGlynn (Sydney Swans), Jonathan Brown (Brisbane Lions), Ricky Petterd (Melbourne)
FOLL: Aaron Sandilands (Fremantle), Michael Barlow (Fremantle), Nick Dal Santo (St Kilda)
I/C: Brad Ottens (Geelong Cats), Ryan O'Keefe (Sydney Swans), Adam Cooney (Western Bulldogs), Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood)
BACKS
Lindsay Gilbee (Western Bulldogs) - Earned strong praise from coach Rodney Eade for his return to form and ball-winning ability (a game-high 30 disposals) against Richmond. His foot skills were a genuine highlight, with 18 of his 22 kicks effective.
Chris Tarrant (Fremantle) - Completely blanketed new Bomber and former Hawk Mark Williams. The forward turned defender kept his smaller opponent to just nine touches and held him goalless. He was integral in Fremantle's fine win on the road.
Sam Gilbert (St Kilda) - The athletic tall has opened the season with two impressive performances after taking his game to another level in 2009. Gilbert notched up 28 disposals, with his contested and rebound work a feature against North Melbourne.
HALF-BACKS
Corey Enright (Geelong Cats) - Still unsung, yet more often than not instrumental, he was outstanding in the win over Hawthorn with 32 disposals. Enright also had a game-high 16 effective kicks and six rebound-50s.
Troy Chaplin (Port Adelaide) - Provided great leadership and drive, finishing with 27 disposals, including 13 touches in the first term. Chaplin also had a game-high seven rebound-50s.
Josh Drummond (Brisbane Lions) - One of his side's most influential against Carlton, Drummond provided an excellent blend of attack from defence (five rebound-50s) and drive into forward line (six inside-50s).
CENTRES
Leigh Montagna (St Kilda) - Produced a blistering opening term, winning 12 touches, and was major contributor to St Kilda kicking 8.1 to 0.0. In the end, Montagna finished with a game-high 35 disposals and five clearances.
Jimmy Bartel (Geelong Cats) - The Brownlow Medallist was brilliant with 29 disposals, which included an equal match-best 15 contested possessions. He also laid 10 tackles and had 10 clearances.
Travis Johnstone (Brisbane Lions) - Now in his third year with the Lions, the former Demon has started 2010 in strong form and was key contributor against Carlton. His composure and ability to hit targets stood out, as he collected 24 touches.
HALF-FORWARDS
Jason Davenport (Port Adelaide) - The difference in the Power's three-point win over West Coast, booting four final term goals. Coach Mark Williams labeled Davenport's game "non-eventful" before the ex-Cat had four to his name by the 16-minute mark.
Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda) - The superstar skipper continued his brilliant start to the season - he could have six Brownlow votes from two games - after kicking seven goals. He also took 15 marks (including five contested) and had six inside-50s.
Brendon Goddard (St Kilda) - Showed why he is one of the game's most versatile players, after he shone in front of goal with an equal career-best four majors. Goddard also won 29 disposals and claimed 11 marks.
FORWARDS
Ben McGlynn (Sydney Swans) - In just his second match for the Swans, the former Hawk produced one of the best performances of his 46-game career, booting a personal-high five goals against Adelaide.
Jonathan Brown (Brisbane Lions) - It was easy to see why Brown was lauded by coach Michael Voss for his "amazing" display, after he booted seven goals in one of his most commanding displays. He also took 12 marks (five contested) and had 21 touches.
Ricky Petterd (Melbourne) - Aside from a heartbreaking end - Pie Steele Sidebottom spoiled the Dee on the goalsquare just before the final siren and Melbourne went down by a point - Petterd was excellent with a career-best four goals and four scoring assists.
FOLLOWERS
Aaron Sandilands (Fremantle) - Against quality Essendon ruck duo David Hille and Paddy Ryder, the League's tallest player dominated with 39 hit-outs against 23 combined. Sandilands also gathered 22 touches.
Michael Barlow (Fremantle) - After racking up a stunning 33 disposals on debut in round one, the nominated rookie went one better this week with 34 touches. The 22-year-old has already staked an early claim as one of the stories of the season.
Nick Dal Santo (St Kilda) - The classy midfielder found plenty of space, provided great run and won 33 touches. Such was his dominance, it will be interesting to see how the umpires split the Brownlow votes, as Riewoldt, Goddard and Montagna also starred.
INTERCHANGE
Brad Ottens (Geelong Cats) - The ruckman/forward was telling when the Cats upped the ante in the second half. He took the honours in the ruck with 22 hit-outs and his contested work was eye-catching.
Ryan O'Keefe (Sydney Swans) - Has continued on from his 2009 best and fairest winning season with two fine first-up matches. O'Keefe kicked three goals and had a game-high 29 disposals and 15 effective kicks.
Adam Cooney (Western Bulldogs) - Set the tone in the first quarter and finished with 26 disposals, nine inside-50s and five clearances. Cooney also kicked 2.3 and had five scoring assists.
Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood) - The midfielder stood out for the Pies over four quarters, winning 23 touches and laying a team-high nine tackles. He also chipped in with two goals and had three scoring assists.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
