HB: Nick Malceski (Sydney Swans), Heath Grundy (Sydney Swans), Brady Rawlings (North Melbourne)
C: Daniel Giansiracusa (Western Bulldogs), Ryan Griffen (Western Bulldogs), Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood)
HF: Alan Didak (Collingwood), Travis Cloke (Collingwood), Adam Schneider (St Kilda)
F: Jeff Garlett (Carlton), Daniel Bradshaw (Sydney Swans), Barry Hall (Western Bulldogs)
FOLL: Aaron Sandilands (Fremantle), Chris Judd (Carlton), David Rodan (Port Adelaide)
I/C: Gary Ablett (Geelong Cats), Jack Trengove (Melbourne), Michael Barlow (Fremantle), Daniel Wells (North Melbourne)
BACKS
Lindsay Gilbee (Western Bulldogs) - Managed to restrict the influence of Adelaide's Jason Porplyzia, find plenty of space and accumulate 26 disposals, including a game-high 18 effective kicks.
James Frawley (Melbourne) - Has taken his game to another level in recent weeks. His blanketing of the brilliant, if injury-hampered Jonathan Brown, was pivotal to Melbourne's fine win.
Troy Chaplin (Port Adelaide) - Produced an equal career-best 32 disposals against St Kilda to help lift his side to a memorable win. His fine ball use, rebound and creativity was outstanding.
HALF-BACKS
Nick Malceski (Sydney Swans) - Continued his impressive form with a game-high 30 touches against West Coast Eagles. His run-and-carry was out of defence (four rebounds) and into attack (five inside 50s) was a highlight.
Heath Grundy (Sydney Swans) - Although he stepped up to play every match last season, Grundy has gone to another level in 2010 and is already among the AFL's most improved players. On Saturday, he shone with 26 touches and five rebounds.
Brady Rawlings (North Melbourne) - The veteran returned to his native state and played a pivotal role in the win over Hawthorn, keeping the dazzling Cyril Rioli to just eight touches. Has had a fine but underrated start to the season.
CENTRES
Daniel Giansiracusa (Western Bulldogs) - Rivaled teammate Ryan Griffen for best-on-ground honours in one of his best displays for the Dogs. Amassed a game-high 35 disposals, including 12 contested possessions and had five inside 50s.
Ryan Griffen (Western Bulldogs) - His efforts on the Friday night stage furthered the case that he has lifted his game in 2010. Was outstanding with 32 touches and two goals, highlighted by his hard-running and accuracy by foot.
Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood) - Deserved the Anzac Day Medal for his performance on the big stage against Essendon, finishing with 29 disposals, including 12 contested possessions and five clearances.
HALF-FORWARDS
Alan Didak (Collingwood) - Finished with 27 disposals, but it was his ability to set up opportunities that was outstanding. Involved in six scoring assists before he kicked the final goal.
Travis Cloke (Collingwood) - Set the tone with a match-winning first-term, kicking three goals, including an outstanding set-shot banana from the boundary line. Finished with four goals in a top-class display.
Adam Schneider (St Kilda) - Although his team went down, the former Swan's efforts could not be questioned. Kicked three of St Kilda's six goals (all in the first half) and was the side's only multiple goalscorer.
FORWARDS
Jeff Garlett (Carlton) - After kicking three goals in his first match for the season last round, the lively Blue backed up with another three majors and played a pivotal role in Carlton's win over Geelong.
Daniel Bradshaw (Sydney Swans) - The boom recruit has now kicked 17 goals for the season, after bagging six majors this round - his best haul yet for the Swans. His past three matches have produced 14 goals.
Barry Hall (Western Bulldogs) - Like Bradshaw, continues to make his mark with his new club. Booted five goals and now has 19 for the season - just one shy of leader Jonathan Brown.
FOLLOWERS
Aaron Sandilands (Fremantle) - The standout ruckman in the competition after five rounds, Sandilands was dominant again, smashing 42 hit-outs against Richmond. He also kicked two goals and had 16 touches, with 12 contested.
Chris Judd (Carlton) - The skipper has opened his 2010 with two best-on-ground performances after returning from a three-match suspension. His 27 touches, including 15 contested, inspired the Blues to an upset win.
David Rodan (Port Adelaide) - The zippy onballer was awarded the Peter Badcoe VC Medal for his best-on-ground display after starring with 27 disposals in just his second match back from a knee reconstruction. He is already one of the stories of the season.
INTERCHANGE
Gary Ablett (Geelong Cats) - The superstar was brilliant in defeat, collecting 33 disposals of which 18 were contested. Had eight clearances, laid seven tackles and kicked two goals.
Jack Trengove (Melbourne) - Best-on-ground in just his fifth AFL match, the young-gun midfielder shone with 24 touches and two goals. His ball use and ability to take the game on were exceptional.
Michael Barlow (Fremantle) - Continued his excellent start to his AFL career with 32 disposals. Strong work from out the back half (four rebounds) and into the forward line (six inside 50s).
Daniel Wells (North Melbourne) - The classy midfielder kicked three goals and had two scoring assists to continue his fine recent form. Had 20 touches, including a team-high 11 effective kicks.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
