The last week of the bye rounds resulted in more tight contests and the Demons launching up the ladder, and Aflplayers.com.au have found those who flew under the radar in Round 13.

West Coast: Mark Hutchings

The tag has come back with a bang in recent weeks and Mark Hutching’s effort against Joel Selwood was among the best this season. While he collected only five disposals of his own, the 26-year-old was as influential as any of his teammates. Selwood struggled to work his way into the contest, gathering 19 disposals — well below his season average of 28.4 and 68.4 per cent disposal efficiency.

St Kilda: Jack Sinclair

In a game marred by skill errors and sloppy decision making, Jack Sinclair’s disposal stood out above the rest. The third-year player is building nicely for the Saints this season, and his 21 disposals — at 80 percent efficiency — and one goal helped guide St Kilda to an important victory.

Sydney: Nic Newman

With the game hanging in the balance and the Tigers on the attack in the final minute of the game, Nic Newman trailed the dangerous Daniel Rioli on centre wing. Not only did Newman manage to nullify the Richmond speedster, he also won the ball and rebounded himself, which eventually led to a Sydney sealer.

Port Adelaide: Darcy Byrne-Jones

With Jasper Pittard omitted, Darcy Byrne-Jones was tasked with greater responsibility in the defensive half of the ground in Round 13 and the 21-year-old thrived. The former Oakleigh Charger collected a career-high 25 disposals at 76 per cent disposal efficiency. Usually known for his intercept possessions across half-back, Byrne-Jones proved to be just as an impressive threat going forward finishing the game with six inside 50’s, the equal second most of any Port player.

Carlton: Jed Lamb

Now in his seventh season in the AFL and his second at the Blues, Jed Lamb had a late start to 2017 with a knee injury but has returned to the Carlton side at an opportune time. The 24-year-old picked up 17 touches, five tackles and kicked the goal that put the result beyond doubt against the Suns on Saturday night.

Melbourne: Cam Pedersen

Fighting to stay in the side with the return of Max Gawn looming, Cam Pedersen put in career-best numbers in Sunday’s win. Collecting 24 disposals — 13 of which were contested — the Demon big man continues to show his worth around the ground as a mobile ruckman and couldn’t have put in a better performance as the selectors contemplate how to fit Gawn back into the fifth-placed side.