With seven of the nine ANZAC Round games completed, AFLPlayers.com.au takes a look at those who flew underrated the radar in Round 5.
Adelaide: Hugh Greenwood
If the undermanned Crows were going to be triumphant at the SCG, they were going to need to take their chances, and they were going to have to match the Swans for toughness. Hugh Greenwood may not be a prolific accumulator, but he has the ability to contest, and did exactly that with 13 of his 16 possessions being contested, to go along with a game-high 11 tackles.
St Kilda: Brandon White
Playing on Ryan Griffen, who had proved to be a dangerous forward the week before, Brandon White had his work cut out for him. Viewed as a damaging half-back when the footy is in his hands, White had to play for of a defensive role and Saturday afternoon, often switching between Griffen and Toby Greene. The 21-year-old finished the game with 14 disposals at 92 per cent efficiency, to go along with seven tackles.
GWS: Nick Haynes
After suffering what looked to be an extremely painful corky following a collision with Jeremy Cameron, it appeared as if Nick Haynes’ afternoon was over. He headed to the bench and could barely lift his legs, but managed to soldier on and play through the pain. He may not have had as big of an impact as usual, but he kept GWS’ rotations going and provided a lift for his teammates.
West Coast: Chris Masten
Often maligned for his ball use, Chris Masten enjoyed one of his better performances in recent times for the Eagles. The 28-year-old gathered 27 disposals at 85 per cent efficiency, and kicked a goal as West Coast held off Carlton by 10 points at the MCG on Saturday to improve to 4-1.
Geelong Lachlan Fogarty
It’s amazing to think that Lachlan Fogarty has played just five senior games. The Cats’ first-year star looks incredibly accomplished already, and his grunt work proved pivotal against the Power. The 19-year-old gathered 17 disposals, kicked a goal, and laid a game-high 10 tackles on Saturday night.
Fremantle: David Mundy
Mundy’s versatility has long been lauded, and he continued this on Saturday night. The dynamic midfielder-turned-forward laid eight tackles, won the footy 21 times, was involved in seven scores and went at 85 per cent efficiency as the Dockers improved to 3-2.
North Melbourne: Cameron Zurhaar
North Melbourne youngster Cameron Zurhaar doesn’t mind throwing his weight around but it was his coolness in front of goal that mattered most against the Hawks. In the 19-year-old’s first game for the season, North were in need of a major to stop Hawthorn’s momentum in the last term and Zurhaar delivered from a set shot to ice the match with less than six minutes to play.
Gold Coast: Touk Miller
Not many typify hard working and unassuming more than Touk Miller. With the Q-Clash down to the last two minutes, Gold Coast held a five-point lead but the Lions were pressing hard. Jacob Allison, one of the Lions’ bigger kicks, was steaming towards the 50 metre arc and keen on having a shot before a desperate Miller flew across his boot to effect the biggest smother of the game.