CARLTON defenders made up half the backline of the round 13 Team of the Week, brought to you by Accor Hotels.

There were no standout key forwards from the final bye round with the most goals from an individual capped at three.

It was Blues' trio Liam Jones, Sam Docherty and Kade Simpson that made compelling cases for themselves in their impressive win over Gold Coast.

Richmond might have fallen to the Sydney Swans, but defensive pair Davis Astbury and Alex Rance did all they could to get the Tigers over the line.

Michael Hibberd was the other member of the back six, and one of three Melbourne players to make the cut after the Demons' big win over the Western Bulldogs.

Christian Salem and Jeff Garlett were the others, with Clayton Oliver and Jordan Lewis unlucky to miss out.

Trent Cotchin, Dan Hannebery, Mitch Duncan, Darcy Byrne-Jones, Oscar McDonald and Robbie Gray were others who could consider themselves stiff.  

The lack of key forwards saw two rucks named with Nathan Vardy and Paddy Ryder slotting into the line-up, and if we picked a captain, it would undoubtedly be Bryce Gibbs this week after his unbelievable game against the Suns.

• Six things we learned from round 13

DAVID ASTBURY (Richmond): Played an important loose role while Rance was occupied with Lance Franklin and did an exceptional job. Had 12 intercept possessions and took 13 marks with six one percenters.

LIAM JONES (Carlton): Completely blanketed Gold Coast's Tom Lynch. The Suns co-captain has kicked 27 goals for the season but was kept to just one behind and 10 touches by the Blues' forward-turned-defender.

MICHAEL HIBBERD (Melbourne): A repeat inclusion in the Team of the Week, the ex-Bomber played another outstanding game out of defence with 27 disposals, 369m gained and 11 marks. Just snuck in over teammate Oscar McDonald.

SAM DOCHERTY (Carlton): Another player we love here at Team of the Week. The in-form Blue had 30 disposals (the third game running he's reached 30), took nine marks and blitzed the Suns with 585m gained.

ALEX RANCE (Richmond): Was torched by Franklin in round 23 last year but made up for it with another sublime performance against the Swans' superstar. Had 21 touches and 10 one percenters, and kept Buddy to just 1.1 despite the Swans' comeback.

WATCH: Rance v Franklin: The heavyweight battle

KADE SIMPSON (Carlton): Was impossible to split Simpson and Docherty so they're both in. Had 33 disposals, six rebounds and a whopping round-high 14 intercept possessions.

JAKE LLOYD (Sydney Swans): Was important in the third quarter when the Swans made their move. Kicked his one goal then, and finished with 25 disposals, five clearances and five marks.

SAM MITCHELL (West Coast): Helped set the tone for the Eagles with his physicality. Entertained in a bitter battle with Joel Selwood – for which the Cats captain ended up on report – and emerged with the better contribution with 29 disposals and eight tackles.

CHRISTIAN SALEM (Melbourne): His best game for some time. Was tough and creative on his way to 23 disposals and six tackles, and got the Dees moving with the third-most metres gained – 406m.

LEWIS JETTA (West Coast): Continued his good form over the past few weeks and is finally starting to look comfortable at the Eagles. Finished with 20 disposals, two goals and showcased some flawless kicking around the ground.  

JACK DARLING (West Coast): Failed to fill the void left by Josh Kennedy against Gold Coast, but rebounded in the Eagles win over Geelong. Was dominant overhead with seven marks and also chimed in with two goals.  

DAYNE ZORKO (Brisbane Lions): Was gallant in a losing side and a powerhouse at stoppages for the Lions. Gathered 32 possessions (13 contested), 12 tackles, 11 inside 50s, five clearances and two goals.  

PADDY RYDER (Port Adelaide): Dominated the ruck with 40 hit-outs and also did some work around the ground with nine contested possessions, five clearances and two goals. Led the Power to the win and is proving to be an integral component to their side. 

ERIC HIPWOOD (Brisbane Lions): The exciting youngster gave a snapshot of what's to come in the future. Showcased his athleticism and booted two goals – one of which, he outran and wrong-footed his opponents before slotting the major.  

JEFF GARLETT (Melbourne): The instrumental small forward was crucial with his forward pressure amassing nine tackles in the Dees' win. Also contributed two goals and should have booted more if it wasn't for his inaccuracy.

NATHAN VARDY (West Coast): The former Cat was relentless against his old side with a dominant show in the ruck. Amassed 31 hit-outs and 15 disposals in his best performance for the Eagles so far. 

BRYCE GIBBS (Carlton): A standout the entire game and a huge influence in Carlton's win over Gold Coast. Finished the game with 43 touches, 10 tackles, eight marks, 800m gained (the most of the round) and two crucial goals in the final term. The ultimate performance.

WATCH: Gibbs delivers a game for the ages

OLLIE WINES (Port Adelaide): Another solid performance saw the vice-captain combine with Robbie Gray and Brad Ebert to dominate the midfield. Gathered 29 disposals, eight marks and two goals in Port's win over the Lions.

SEB ROSS (St Kilda): The standout in a scrappy, forgettable affair. Used the ball well in an untidy game and finished with a game-high 32 possessions, five clearances and six tackles.  

BACHAR HOULI (Richmond): Impressed with 28 disposals and seven rebounds off half-back. Used the ball well – an 82.1 per cent efficiency rating – laid six tackles and contributed five one percenters. 

JOSH KENNEDY (Sydney Swans): Only did it for a quarter, but it was a very important quarter. Had just 12 touches (and only two kicks) until three-quarter time, but finished the game with an 11-touch, three-clearance and one goal final stanza that influenced the come-from-behind win.

The fans' pick

PATRICK DANGERFIELD (Geelong): Nudged out West Coast's Luke Shuey in the Twitter fan vote with 56 per cent after leading the way for the Cats with 34 disposals and eight clearances.

• Check out the best 22 from previous rounds