Fans Players

Unsung heroes — Round 10

Each week, AFLPlayers.com.au looks at the players who flew under the radar in their team’s victory.

Collingwood: Josh Thomas

What a story Josh Thomas has been. After an indifferent first year back in the system, Thomas has well and truly found his feet in 2018. The 26-year-old kicked two important goals and collected 14 touches and four tackles as the Magpies continued their solid form.

Richmond: Toby Nankervis

The battle between Toby Nankervis and Tom Hickey was an intriguing one but the Richmond big man was a class above, collecting 19 disposals — at 84 per cent efficiency — nine marks and four inside 50s as the Tigers proved too much for the Saints.

Sydney: Dane Rampe

It’s hard to believe Dane Rampe has only been an All-Australian once. The stoic Swan was at his usual best on Saturday, collecting 16 touches, at 87 per cent efficiency and six rebounds as Sydney took care of the young Lions in a low scoring affair.

Geelong: Mitch Duncan

With the focus on Dangerfield, Selwood and Ablett, it’s easy to forget how good Mitch Duncan is. Apart from missing a few games early in the season, the 26-year-old is having a super consistent season and Round 10 was no exception. Duncan recorded 27 touches, seven marks and seven rebounds as the Cats accounted for the wayward Blues.

Essendon: Orazio Fantasia

What a difference Orazio Fantasia makes to the Bombers’ side. While he’s not hitting the scoreboard as much as he would like, the young forward’s impact goes beyond that. Fantasia collected 15 disposals, six tackles and six inside 50s to go with one goal as John Worsfold’s men continue their winning trend.

West Coast: Dom Sheed

Dom Sheed is becoming a unsung hero regular in 2018. The 23-year-old Eagle is relishing being part of an in-form midfield and he collected 22 disposals — 13 of which were contested — five clearances and five tackles as his side again proved their premiership contention.

Melbourne: Bayley Fritsch

Since returning to the side in Round 6, Bayley Fritsch has found his feet in Melbourne’s forward half. The mature-age recruit knows where the big sticks are but he’s proven to be more than just a goal-kicker, recording 24 touches — at 83 per cent efficiency — and six marks while venturing further up the ground in Round 10.

North Melbourne: Jamie Macmillan

With North Melbourne humming along nicely, Jamie Macmillan played an underrated hand in Round 10. Part of the leadership group, Macmillan was the Kangaroos’ most efficient player on the ground with 86 per cent of his 21 disposals reaching their intended target in tough conditions.