B: Graham Johncock (Adelaide), Luke McPharlin (Fremantle), Campbell Brown (Hawthorn)

HB: Andrew Mackie (Geelong), Nathan Bock (Adelaide), Josh Drummond (Brisbane Lions)

C: Matthew Lloyd (Essendon), Brett Kirk (Sydney), Luke Hodge (Hawthorn)

HF: Scott Thompson (Adelaide), Matthew Richardson (Richmond), Brett Deledio (Richmond)

F: Jason Akermanis (Western Bulldogs), Brendan Fevola (Carlton), Matthew Pavlich (Fremantle)

FOLL: David Hille (Essendon), Adam Cooney (Western Bulldogs), Gary Ablett (Geelong)

I/C: Chris Judd (Carlton), Joel Selwood (Geelong), Jarrad McVeigh (Sydney), Marc Murphy (Carlton)

BACKS
Graham Johncock (Adelaide) – The rebounding defender continued his highly-consistent season, accumulating 29 efficient disposals against Hawthorn. He continues to press for All-Australian honours as a small backman.

Luke McPharlin (Fremantle) – Played his best match for the season and was pivotal in keeping North Melbourne goalless during the first and third terms, in Fremantle's second win for the season.

Campbell Brown (Hawthorn) – The hard-at-it backman was one of his side's most instrumental performers in its come-from-behind win over Adelaide, winning 23 disposals at the excellent efficiency rate of 96 per cent. He also laid five tackles.

HALF-BACKS
Andrew Mackie (Geelong) – The classy half-back was one of the most influential players in Geelong's 59-point win over Port Adelaide. Used the ball beautifully and continually set up forward thrusts, racking up 26 disposals.

Nathan Bock (Adelaide) – Continues to firm as this year's All-Australian centre half-back after a brilliant display on Lance Franklin. Not only did Bock win a mountain of disposals – he won the ball 35 times – he also kept Buddy goalless for three quarters.

Josh Drummond (Brisbane Lions) – Injuries have probably been the reason for Drummond continuing to fly under the radar, but he was a shining light in an otherwise disappointing day for the Lions, collecting 28 touches against the Bulldogs.

CENTRES
Matthew Lloyd (Essendon) – The champion hit back at his critics and played a superb match against West Coast. In a similar role to Matthew Richardson, Lloyd spent time most of his time at wing/half-forward and capped off his night with a classical mark.

Brett Kirk (Sydney) – The co-captain continued his brilliant season in the engine room. Again, grunt work and one-percenters were a feature of his game: eight tackles, six clearances and eight contested possessions from 26 disposals.

Luke Hodge (Hawthorn) – The vice-captain led from the front and stepped up considerably when the game needed to be won, kicking the winning goal and winning 12 of his 28 touches in a dominant final term.

HALF-FORWARDS
Scott Thompson (Adelaide) – On the back of a career-best six goals against Richmond, continued his outstanding season with 33 disposals – including a game-high 11 contested possessions. Also had four scoring assists.

Matthew Richardson (Richmond) – Just when you thought you'd seen it all from Richo, the superstar turns on another remarkable display. Finished with five goals, 18 marks and 21 touches and also took an extraordinary diving mark at full speed.

Brett Deledio (Richmond) –Pivotal in turning around Richmond's fortunes in the second term, Deledio won 12 of his 29 disposals in this quarter, displaying excellent run-and-carry skills, including several dashing bounces.  

FORWARDS
Jason Akermanis (Western Bulldogs) – One of the red hot players in the competition, Aker turned it on yet again against his former side, ending any chance of a Lions win with a blistering third term. Finished the match with three goals and 20 touches.

Brendan Fevola (Carlton) – Continues to shine on the big stage and in front of 80,310 at the MCG, made it a day to remember for the Blues with a best-on-ground eight-goal performance – from 14 scoring shots.

Matthew Pavlich (Fremantle) – The skipper produced his best performance for the season, booting eight goals – four in each half. It was his equal second-best career effort, behind his nine goals in round 16, 2005. 

FOLLOWERS
David Hille (Essendon) – Played the finest match of his 136-match career against West Coast, accumulating a career-best 27 touches, along with three goals and 22 hit-outs in the ruck. His long-bomb on the run in the first term was a ripper.

Adam Cooney (Western Bulldogs) – Received great praise from opposition coach Leigh Matthews after producing a best-on-ground display. Was again the dominant force in the midfield, winning 37 touches – a personal best.

Gary Ablett (Geelong) – On the back of his best individual effort of 39 disposals against North Melbourne, Ablett played another beauty, collecting 32 touches – including a staggering 19 contested possessions.

INTERCHANGE
Chris Judd (Carlton) – The skipper was outstanding again, turning it on in the second half when the Blues came from behind to record a 30-point win. Had 25 disposals – including 17 after half time – and six inside 50s.

Joel Selwood (Geelong) – Hit the 30-disposal mark for the first time, including 14 contested possessions – an exceptional effort from a 32-gamer. His clearance and tackling work was also a feature.

Jarrad McVeigh (Sydney) – The midfielder is still very much underrated outside of his club, but he has been one of his side's most important contributors this season. Won 28 disposals against St Kilda – a personal best.

Marc Murphy (Carlton) – On the back of a career-best 33 disposals, Murphy produced another game-changing display with 31 touches against the Pies – including 11 in the third term. Also laid eight tackles.

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.