As we grow closer to crowning 2018’s champions, AFLPlayers.com.au found those who flew under the radar during the first weekend of finals.

Richmond: Kamdyn McIntosh

Great teams have a number of role players who can step up and fill the void at crucial stages, and the Tigers are exactly that. In tough conditions on Friday night and with Jack Riewoldt held goalless, Kamdyn McIntosh was the next man up, kicking three important goals in a low-scoring encounter.

Melbourne: Alex Neal-Bullen

Alex Neal-Bullen picked a good time to have one of his best performances for the season. The 22-year-old gathered 20 disposals, laid nine tackles, kicked 1.3 and led the Demons for score involvements with seven. Had he kicked straight, he might have been knocking on the door for best-on-ground honours.

GWS: Nick Haynes

Perennially selected by this panel, Nick Haynes got the job done once again on Saturday. He had the football in his hands 20 times, and went at 85 percent efficiency, took eight marks and seven rebounds as the Giants comfortably booked an appointment in the second week of the finals.

West Coast: Dom Sheed

Sheed had the ball on a string on Saturday night, with 23 of his 27 disposals being effective, to go along with a goal, seven score involvements, seven clearances and six inside 50s. With the likes of Elliot Yeo, Jack Redden and Luke Shuey gaining most of the attention, Sheed may prove pivotal again as the Eagles push deep into September.