Each week, AFLPlayers.com.au looks at the players who flew under the radar in their team’s victory.
Richmond: Trent Cotchin
If there’s a player who typifies the Richmond way more than Trent Cotchin, we’re yet to see them. The Tigers’ skipper isn’t having a huge year numbers wise but his impact on the contest is as great as ever. Cotchin collected 19 disposals, four clearances and kicked a goal on Friday night but it was his game-high nine tackles that set the standard for the flag-favourites.
Hawthorn: Teia Miles
With everything on the line at the MCG on Saturday, both Hawthorn and Essendon turned on a thriller. It was fast, it was end-to-end, and up until the last few minutes, it wasn’t clear who was going to prevail. With the pressure on, Hawthorn needed a number of cool heads, and youngster Teia Miles was certainly one of those, finishing with 18 disposals at 83 percent efficiency.
North Melbourne: Jed Anderson
Jed Anderson has resurrected his career in 2018 and he continued to make it a good one on Saturday in a close encounter with the Lions in Brisbane. The former Hawk collected 25 touches, six clearances, five tackles and was throwing his body everywhere in the last few minutes to help North keep their finals chances alive.
Adelaide: Wayne Milera
With a minute to go and the Crows leading by two points, the Power were making last ditch effort to secure Showdown 45 as they sent the ball their skipper’s way towards centre wing. As the ball was slung Travis Boak’s way, young Crow Wayne Milera read the play and left his man to affect the contest. The result was an ensuing bump and smother before Milera collected the ball and chipped to a teammate.
Western Bulldogs: Caleb Daniel
The Bulldogs wanted the ball in the hands of Caleb Daniel on Saturday night, and he didn’t disappoint. He was crucial to the Dogs pulling away in the third term, with his elite ball use cutting through the Saints. He finished with 29 disposals, at 93 per cent, 10 marks and eight score involvements.
Sydney: Tom McCartin
He may have only had six disposals and was largely a non-factor throughout, but when the moment called, Tom McCartin stepped up. With all the momentum seemingly with Collingwood, Sydney needed something special to pull the rabbit out of the hat, and McCartin’s last-ditch attempt while lying on the ground snatched back the lead and would prove to be the final goal.
GWS: Jacob Hopper
In a 105-point triumph, it’s hard to pinpoint an unsung hero for the Giants, but Jacob Hopper’s 31 disposals (15 contested), 13 score involvements, six marks, five tackles and five clearances was a shining light, as the 21-year-old continues to fly under the radar.
Melbourne: Dom Tyson
Having an indifferent season, Dom Tyson had the chance to get an abundance of the ball against the Suns and that’s precisely how it panned out. The 25-year-old recorded 27 disposals, six marks and three clearances as the Demons did whatever they wanted all over the ground in Round 20.
West Coast: Luke Shuey
Luke Shuey wasted no time getting back into the swing of things after getting back for for the Derby. Shuey collected 26 disposals, 12 of which were contested, and was keen to get his hands dirty as the Eagles never looked in doubt against the Dockers.