Each week, AFLPlayers.com.au looks at the players who flew under the radar in their team’s victory.
Sydney: George Hewett
The Swans have made a living out unassuming role players and George Hewett fits this to a tee. The 22-year-old collected 21 disposals and a game-high nine clearances as the Swans comfortably accounted for the Blues on Friday night.
Melbourne: Max Gawn
He’s often the club’s barometer and Max Gawn had another dominant outing against the Bulldogs. The Demon ruckman recorded 57 hit outs to Jordan Roughead and Tom Boyd’s 25 and also 19 disposals, four contested marks and five tackles, one of which directly resulted in a Melbourne goal when scores were tight in the second quarter.
Hawthorn: James Frawley
It wasn’t a great day for Charlie Dixon, and James Frawley went a long way to making it that way in Launceston. He doesn’t always get the plaudits he deserves but Frawley took eight marks, three contested, and had seven one-percenters as he put he clamps on Dixon.
Geelong: Tom Stewart
Tom Stewart did what we wanted on Saturday against the Suns at Metricon. The mature-age recruit and All-Australian contender was one of the most efficient players on the ground with ball in hand, going at 93 per cent for his 28 disposals and grabbing 10 marks and seven rebounds.
Richmond: Brandon Ellis
There were consistent performers across the board for the reigning premiers on Saturday, so it was difficult to select just one unsung hero. Brandon Ellis has had to fight for his spot in recent weeks but responded with one of his best performances of 2018, collecting 25 disposals (92 per cent effective) to go along with a goal in the Tigers’ thumping win.
West Coast: Tom Barrass
It’s easy to forget Tom Barrass when he’s standing next to Jeremy McGovern, but the 22-year-old played a vital role on Saturday night. Rarely beaten in the contest, Barrass took 11 marks and distributed at 87 per cent in the Eagles’ 13-point win over the Saints.
North Melbourne: Jy Simpkin
Things were ever so close to clicking for youngster Jy Simpkin. The 20-year-old, second-year Kangaroo had four shots at goal for one major on Sunday but it was his work across the ground that impressed, collecting 21 touches, four clearances and leading North for tackles with six.
Collingwood: Jack Crisp
He constantly flies under the radar, but Jack Crisp put in another strong effort on Sunday as the Pies comfortably accounted for the Dockers. The fleet-footed 24-year-old with the booming left foot gathered 30 disposals — 26 of which were effective — in the 61-point triumph.
GWS: Sam Taylor/Zac Langdon
Two pivotal moments defined the Giants unlikely victory against the Crows on Sunday. With the Crows surging inside 50 while holding a three-point lead, first-gamer Sam Taylor was as calm as a veteran and affected an Adelaide ball in defence. While at the other end of the ground, Zac Langdon exploded through a handful of Crow defenders to goal and put the Giants up by nine points with nine minutes to play.