HB: Joel Bowden (Richmond), Sam Gilbert (St Kilda), Rhyce Shaw (Sydney Swans)
C: Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood), Kane Cornes (Port Adelaide), Leigh Montagna (St Kilda)
HF: Tarkyn Lockyer (Collingwood), Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda), Brent Harvey (North Melbourne)
F: Paul Medhurst (Collingwood), Warren Tredrea (Port Adelaide), Brad Miller (Melbourne)
FOLL: Josh Fraser (Collingwood), Jarrad McVeigh (Sydney Swans), Gary Ablett (Geelong)
I/C: Daniel Kerr (West Coast Eagles), Nick Dal Santo (St Kilda), Adam Selwood (West Coast Eagles), Joel Selwood (Geelong)
BACKS
David Wirrpanda (West Coast Eagles) – The veteran defender returned from a hamstring injury to be among his side's best in its 33-point win over the Dogs. Wirrpanda won 28 disposals as he rebounded and attacked inside 50.
Troy Chaplin (Port Adelaide) – The underrated backman kept star Hawthorn forward Jarryd Roughead goalless, as the Power overcame the reigning premiers. Roughead had just seven touches for the day, having kicked 12 goals in the first three rounds.
Harry O'Brien (Collingwood) – The Magpie was another defender who held a gun forward goalless on the weekend. O'Brien quelled Lion Daniel Bradshaw, who was the competition's leading goalkicker entering round four with 13 majors.
HALF BACKS
Joel Bowden (Richmond) – Despite Richmond's disappointing loss to Melbourne, the Tiger veteran gave his all for the yellow and black. Not only did Bowden win a staggering 44 disposals, he also had 10 rebounds in a top effort.
Sam Gilbert (St Kilda) – The tall defender continued his fine, yet underrated start to the season, with another polished display from half-back. He achieved career-best numbers against Fremantle with 28 touches.
Rhyce Shaw (Sydney Swans) – The ex-Pie continued his impressive start with his new club, gaining a team-high 29 disposals against Carlton. His ability to repel from defence (five rebounds) and launch forward thrusts (seven inside 50s) was a highlight.
CENTRES
Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood) – Produced a best-on-ground display against the Lions, racking up 35 disposals – a personal-best. Renowned for his silky skills, Pendlebury's grunt work – winning contested ball, clearance work and tackling were features.
Kane Cornes (Port Adelaide) – The reigning John Cahill Medallist was instrumental in his side's win over the Hawks, stymieing the influence of Hawthorn skipper Sam Mitchell. Cornes gained 26 touches, with Mitchell kept to 16.
Leigh Montagna (St Kilda) – The Saint has been super consistent so far this season. His past two matches against Western Australian clubs West Coast Eagles (31 disposals) and Fremantle (30) have been pivotal in St Kilda's wins.
HALF-FORWARDS
Tarkyn Lockyer (Collingwood) – Played a massive part in his side's come-from-behind win after the Pies trailed in the first two breaks. Lockyer gained 29 disposals, including 26 after quarter-time, and chipped in with two goals.
Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda) – On the back of a tireless performance in round three, the skipper produced a best-on-ground display against Fremantle, booting five goals, including the first two of the match.
Brent Harvey (North Melbourne) – After some close checking from Melbourne's Clint Bartram and the Dogs' Liam Picken in the first two rounds, 'Boomer' bounced back with a best-on-ground 33 disposals, six inside 50s and three goals against Essendon.
FORWARDS
Paul Medhurst (Collingwood) – Proved the match-turner against the Lions with two goals in the first couple of minutes of the third term. This included a stunning snap to put the Pies in front for the first time. He finished with four majors in a top display.
Warren Tredrea (Port Adelaide) – The Power champion backed up his outstanding six-goal performance against Melbourne with another half-a-dozen majors against the reigning premiers. His form has been vintage Tredrea in the past two weeks.
Brad Miller (Melbourne) – The Demon forward worked tirelessly in attack – high and deep – and was a key figure in his side's first win of the season. Miller finished with three goals from six shots and had a hand in three scoring assists. He also took 10 marks.
FOLLOWERS
Josh Fraser (Collingwood) – The Magpie has started the season in excellent form, particularly the past three rounds. His efforts in the second half against the Lions were a major reason for Collingwood's win. He finished with 23 touches and 23 hit outs.
Jarrad McVeigh (Sydney Swans) – After Carlton superstar Chris Judd collected 12 touches in the first term, the gun Swan moved onto him and kept him in check for the rest of the game. McVeigh also kicked three goals in his team's win.
Gary Ablett (Geelong) – Statistically, the champion Cat played his greatest game, amassing a whopping 46 disposals – a remarkable effort. He also kicked three goals and had four scoring assists to be the player of the round.
INTERCHANGE
Daniel Kerr (West Coast Eagles) – The dynamo continued his strong start to the season with 29 disposals (including 17 contested possessions) in his team's win over the previously undefeated Bulldogs.
Nick Dal Santo (St Kilda) – The Saint has started the season in blistering form and is arguably second to only Ablett as the most in-form player in the competition so far in 2009. The silky-skilled midfielder claimed 31 touches against Fremantle.
Adam Selwood (West Coast Eagles) – Along with Kerr, played a pivotal role in his team's win over the Dogs and set the ball rolling with 19 touches in the first half before finishing with 27. He has taken his ball-winning play to another level in 2009.
Joel Selwood (Geelong) – Claimed his best numbers for the season, with 32 touches against the Crows. His first quarter was brilliant (13 touches and more than Ablett during that period) and was crucial to the Cats getting off to a strong start.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
