aflplayers.com.au has discovered the players that played an underrated hand for their side in round 2. Whether it be a big moment in a close game, or an important role, these are the Unsung Heroes.
Western Bulldogs – Jamarra Ugle-Hagan
The talented young forward is still trying to find his feet at AFL level, but took a step in the right direction in what was his side’s first victory of the year. Ugle-Hagan finished with just seven disposals, but his influence on the game and his want to be involved was at a high level. The No.1 draft pick from the 2020 national draft kicked a goal, laid four tackles and met the ball with energy and fierceness. His contest with Ollie Florent where he did not take a backward step to halve a ground ball in dispute was a great sign of his development.
Melbourne – Ed Langdon
Langdon is becoming the best wingman in the game. The hard-running midfielder’s work rate against the Bombers was a key to Friday night’s victory. His ability to get up and down the ground and keep his width, as well as staying involved in the play makes him a dangerous asset. He finished with 31 disposals, eight score involvements and a brilliant last quarter goal from an impossible angle.
Adelaide – Lachlan Murphy
Jordan Dawson was the hero at Adelaide Oval in the Showdown, but it was small forward Lachlan Murphy who put his head over the footy in the first place to receive a high free kick. Murphy, who has recently returned from a neck complaint, was injured in the exchange but his ability to win a crucial groundball at a vital moment in the game was the reason behind Dawson’s heroics.
GWS Giants – Braydon Preuss
The Giants’ enforcer, Shane Mumford, is no longer there, but they have found their heir apparent in Preuss. Preuss had a great battle with Jarrod Witts in the ruck, with the GWS ruckman finishing with 34 hit-outs, 16 disposals and seven clearances to be an instrumental factor in his side’s victory.
Geelong – Bradley Close
Close has been one of Geelong’s best players this season and he backed up a career-best performance against Sydney with another key role in the Cats’ thrilling win over the Magpies on Saturday night. Close kicked a clutch goal in the final term to spark Geelong’s comeback as he finished the night with 13 disposals.
Brisbane – Zac Bailey
Bailey continues to elevate his game to new heights, with four-goal, 17 disposal display in a big win over North Melbourne underlining his talent. The young Lion is enjoying the most consistent patch of his 73-game AFL career and is an up and coming star of the competition.
Carlton – Zac Williams
Williams played one of his best games for Carlton as he settles into a familiar role across half-back. The former Giant racked up 27 disposals and a match-high 623m gained. Despite being drafted to the club as a midfielder, Williams looks composed in defence and his precision kicking provides the Blues’ backline with a point of difference.
St Kilda – Jack Sinclair
Sinclair has been an important cog in St Kilda’s midfield this season, stepping in there in the absence of Zak Jones and a few others to start the season. He is creative with the football in hand, but important is hard-at-it finishing the game with 11 contested possessions among his 24 for the game.
Fremantle – Jordan Clark
Clark is back home in Western Australia and looks very settled in defence after being traded to the Dockers from Geelong in the off-season. Clark has exceptional speed and a booming right foot, and those traits were on display against the Eagles. The young defender finished with 21 disposals and a clever goal assist as he put the ball out in front of Michael Frederick to run onto the footy going inside 50.