Team of the week

THE WESTERN Bulldogs produced the most exciting performance of the weekend, so it's no surprise that they headline the round four Team of the Week, brought to you by Accor Hotels.

What is surprising, however, is that three of their four nominees this week are in the backline.

Coach Luke Beveridge was thrilled with his back six in the big win over Adelaide, with Robert Murphy, Matthew Boyd and Michael Talia all superb.

At the other end, Jake Stringer provided the highlights with six goals, the most by any player in round four, guaranteeing him a prominent place in this week's forward line.

Backs

MATTHEW BOYD (Western Bulldogs) - Continues to shine in his new role across half-back, using his experience to direct his teammates and set up the Bulldogs' rebounding attacks. Finished with 28 possessions, at nearly 90 per cent efficiency, and 12 marks.

JACK FROST (Collingwood) - Just gets the nod over teammate Nathan Brown, with the pair combining excellently to shut down Jake Carlisle and Joe Daniher. Stood out with his ability to peel off and help teammates with critical spoils.

LEE SPURR (Fremantle) - Earns his second selection this year for another hard-nosed performance against the Swans. Is adding more attack into his game, with 21 possessions and 11 marks.

Half-backs

PAUL SEEDSMAN (Collingwood) - Winner of the Anzac Day Medal for his outstanding 31-possession game against the Bombers. He was in attack mode across half-back, pushing forward for 14 inside 50s and a 60m running goal.

MICHAEL TALIA (Western Bulldogs) - The young key defender shut down Adelaide captain Taylor Walker in his team's big win on Sunday, keeping the star to one goal and nine possessions. Getting better with the ball in hand, he had 23 possessions and 13 marks.

ROBERT MURPHY (Western Bulldogs) - The new captain is winding back the clock this season, tearing off half-back with dash and sublime ball use. Had 25 possessions and was the architect of the Bulldogs' dashing style.

Centres

DYLAN SHIEL (Greater Western Sydney) - The midfielder is enjoying an outstanding start to the season and was given free reign to rack up 39 possessions, six clearances and a goal against the Suns.

MARC MURPHY (Carlton) - Won the inaugural Crowl-McDonald Medal as best afield in the Blues' win against St Kilda in Wellington. Racked up 34 possessions (24 contested) and 10 clearances, despite heavy attention.

NAT FYFE (Fremantle)- Best on ground against the Swans, Fyfe continues to break tackles and dismiss opponents with his strength and agility. Won 16 of his 27 possessions in contests to go with eight clearances and six inside 50s.

Half-forwards

TOM BELL (Carlton) - Crucial in the Blues' recovery against the Saints, Bell booted four goals in the second-half fightback. The big-bodied midfielder didn't waste one of his 16 possessions.

JEREMY CAMERON (Greater Western Sydney)- The 2013 All Australian cost himself a bag with wayward kicking, though the bicycle kick below nearly earned him goal of the year. He still finished with 4.6 and his coach said it was Cameron's best four-quarter performance of his short career.

CHAD WINGARD (Port Adelaide)- Moved into the midfield to cover the loss of Robbie Gray and Ollie Wines and was influential with six clearances. Was still dangerous forward of centre, snapping the opening goal out of a forward 50m stoppage.

Forwards

JAKE STRINGER (Western Bulldogs)- Was unstoppable in the third quarter, kicking three of his six goals before he was substituted out with hamstring tightness. The Crows had no match-up for the strong and agile forward.

CAM McCARTHY (Greater Western Sydney) - Is growing quickly as a terrific foil for Jeremy Cameron and was rewarded on the scoreboard with five goals against the Suns. His speed and agility allow him to get good separation on his opponents.

JAY SCHULZ (Port Adelaide) - The sharpshooter kicked 5.0 in his 100th game. His fifth came from tight on the boundary and gave the Power just enough breathing space to hold off the surging Hawks.

Followers

TODD GOLDSTEIN (North Melbourne) - The game's in-form ruckman is back again after beating two opponents to rack up 42 hit-outs and eight clearances. Now leads the AFL for hit-outs (averaging 40.7 a game).

PATRICK CRIPPS (Carlton) - The big-bodied young midfielder is growing at the top level in his second season and took a massive step against the Saints. Had 33 possessions and 11 clearances and was unlucky not to win the medal for best afield.

TRAVIS BOAK (Port Adelaide) - Won the Peter Badcoe VC Medal as best afield, leading the Power's midfield superbly and making up for the absence of missing stars. Used the ball superbly and won half of his 30 possessions in the contest.

Interchange

DAN HANNEBERY (Sydney Swans) - A key player in the Swans' fightback, he stood up against the Dockers' imposing midfield to finish with 31 possessions and six clearances.

DYSON HEPPELL (Essendon) - Had a game-high 33 possessions and was his team's best midfielder in the 20-point loss. Earned three votes in the Anzac Day Medal.

JESSE HOGAN (Melbourne) - The emerging star lit up the MCG on Friday night, beating opponent Alex Rance to kick two goals and provide a strong marking presence. The 20-year-old took four of his six marks inside 50.

ISAAC SMITH (Hawthorn) - The running machine got going in the Hawks' second-half fightback against the Power and finished with 29 possessions and 10 inside 50s. Kicked two goals in the third quarter to spark run.

• Check out how fans voted on previous teams of the week
• Nine things we learned from round four
• How your team's players fared in this weekend's state leagues