Fans Players

Unsung Heroes – Round 19

aflplayers.com.au has discovered the players that played an underrated hand for their side in round 19. Whether it be a big moment in a close game, or an important role, these are the Unsung Heroes.

Port Adelaide – Willem Drew

Despite cementing his spot in Port Adelaide’s best-22 this year, Willem Drew continues to fly under the radar. In a star-studded midfield of Ollie Wines, Travis Boak and Karl Amon, Drew stood tall against Collingwood on Friday night. The 22-year-old collected 32 disposals, eight score involvements, eight clearances and five inside 50s as the Power looked to lock in their top-four spot.

North Melbourne – Jaidyn Stephenson

It’s been a mixed bag for Jaidyn Stephenson in his first season in the royal blue and white stripes, but the 22-year-old is starting to recapture some of the form that saw him win the 2018 Rising Star. In the Roos’ upset victory over Carlton, Stephenson kicked three goals to go with his 24 disposals, eight marks and seven score involvements, proving just how damaging he can be.

Brisbane Lions – Oscar McInerney

As the Lions were staring down the barrel of three consecutive losses, Oscar McInerney stood up in the ruck to help lead a second-half revival for Brisbane. ‘Big O’ had an enormous 39 hit-outs, coupled with 18 touches and a game-high 12 clearances (the next best was six), as Brisbane ran over the top of the Suns to win by 49-points.

West Coast – Jeremy McGovern

In his first 149 games, McGovern has cemented himself as one of the best intercept defenders in the competition. But, in his milestone match he played a new-look role supporting Nic Naitanui in the ruck. With the Saints missing Marshall, McGovern helped give the home-team the edge collecting 10 disposals and nine hit-outs.

Western Bulldogs – Josh Schache

Josh Schache has struggled to cement himself in the Bulldogs’ best-22, but with a new role in defence, he may be able to do so. In Saturday night’s top of the table clash, Schache was ultra-impressive with 17 touches, six marks and four rebound 50s.

Adelaide – Billy Frampton

Billy Frampton has been building nicely in his second season at West Lakes. Against the Hawks on Saturday night, the 24-year-old was an important cog in the Crows’ defence, having 10 touches at 100 per cent efficiency, taking seven marks and four rebound 50s in a gritty 19-point win.

Sydney Swans Errol Gulden

In his first season at the elite level, Gulden has looked at home. With the Swans pushing for a finals berth the 19-year-old impressed with 23 touches, six score involvements, five marks, five tackles and four clearances. Gulden looked the complete footballer as the Swans beat Fremantle by 40 points and all but secured finals.

Geelong – Quinton Narkle

Coming on as the medical-sub halfway through the third quarter, replacing injured captain Joel Selwood, Narkle had an immediate impact. The 23-year-old had 12 disposals, a game-high eight clearances and kicked a goal, proving his worth in a Geelong midfield that’s difficult to break into.

GWS Giants – Callan Ward

With a top-eight spot on the line, Callan Ward helped lead the Giants’ comeback against Essendon on Sunday evening. The former captain had 17 touches, four marks, four inside 50s and kicked an important goal as the Giants secured a much-needed 13-point victory.