aflplayers.com.au has discovered the players that played an underrated hand for their side in round 12. Whether it be a big moment in a close game, or an important role, these are the Unsung Heroes.
Melbourne- Tom Sparrow
Melbourne’s first pick of the 2018 draft has had an interrupted start to his career, including a season-ending knee injury in 2019 and a broken collarbone last year. This season, he has featured as the medical sub on multiple occasions. But with full game time on Friday night, the 21-year-old combined 19 disposals with five tackles and a goal.
Sydney Swans- Tom McCartin
McCartin burst onto the scene as one of the brightest young key forwards in the game, but has escaped recognition since being shifted back. The 21-year-old has already played 59 games and appears set for many more as a key defender. In the Swans’ nail-biting win over St Kilda on Saturday, McCartin took 10 marks and had 18 disposals at 83 per cent efficiency in another assured performance.
Collingwood- Callum Brown
He might have played the best 44 minutes of his career on Saturday. Coming on as the medical sub for the injured Brayden Sier, Brown did not waste a moment of his limited game time and played a crucial role in the Magpies’ pressure-relieving win with seven tackles and 11 touches in only a quarter-and-a-half of football.
Richmond- Mabior Chol
It was just his second game of the year, but it didn’t stop Chol from piecing together the most prolific performance of his career. Chol assumed prime ruck duties in the absence of the injured Toby Nankervis and showed he was not out of his depth with 19 disposals, six marks (two contested), six inside 50s and 19 hitouts.
West Coast- Harry Edwards
Filling the shoes of the injured Jeremy McGovern is no simple task, but fifth-gamer Harry Edwards is showing just how deep the Eagles’ key defensive stocks run. Putting in a McGovern-like stat sheet, Edwards took nine marks (two contested), while 13 of his 15 disposals proved effective.
Western Bulldogs- Mitch Hannan
Hannan did his chances of solidifying his spot in the Bulldogs’ rampaging line-up no harm on Sunday. Applying the pressure with five tackles, all within the Dogs’ forward 50, the 27-year-old also booted two-goals-two and took five marks.