Carlton – Tom De Koning

Without Marc Pittonet due to injury, Tom De Koning has taken the responsibility of being the main ruckman and is showing his talent. De Koning finished with 23 hit-outs against the Swans and was influential when the game was on the line, taking four contested marks in the last quarter as Carlton hung on to an important victory.

Geelong – Brandan Parfitt

Parfitt produced his best game for the season against Port Adelaide and his role on the inside of the contest was crucial in Geelong’s win. The emerging midfielder gathered 25 disposals (nine contested) and laid a match-high eight tackles as the Cats’ ability to beat Port at the coalface was a vital element in the victory.

Western Bulldogs – Ed Richards

Richards is enjoying his most consistent AFL season and was again superb against Gold Coast in Ballarat. The speedy defender racked up 20 disposals (nine contested) and 412m gained to be among the Bulldogs’ best players.

Melbourne – Luke Dunstan

After playing against North Melbourne for Casey in the VFL the week prior, Dunstan came back into the Demons’ side for Saturday’s match against the AFL’s Kangaroos and fitted into the midfield nicely. Dunstan gathered 22 touches (11 contested) as he underlined exactly why Melbourne has the deepest list in the AFL.

St Kilda – Mason Wood

The former Roo has become an important contributor for St Kilda in a role on the wing and up forward. Wood picked up 13 disposals and kicked a pivotal goal in the context of the game, as the Saints escaped with a win over Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.

Richmond – Robbie Tarrant

Tarrant returned to Richmond’s side after a month out and played his best game in his new colours. Tarrant spent a fair portion of the game of in-form forward Peter Wright keeping him goalless and to just nine disposals.

GWS Giants – James Peatling

Peatling racked up a career-high 23 disposals and booted three goals against West Coast in what was his best game at AFL level in his young career. Peatling also had five inside 50s and two goal assists to emphasise his influence on the game and start Mark McVeigh’s reign in the interim coaching role on a positive note.

Hawthorn – Harry Morrison

The hard-running Hawks wingman didn’t have a heap of the footy against Brisbane (14 disposals), but it was influence in kicking a classy left-foot goal that highlighted his impact on the contest. Morrison has missed just one game this season as he appears to be a

Collingwood – John Noble

Noble’s defensive heroics in the final term need to be lauded. The defender first chased down Sam Switkowski, before laying a courageous smother after getting up off the ground. Moments later he dived in front of Rory Lobb to affect a spoil to prevent a certain mark.