aflplayers.com.au has discovered the players that played an underrated hand for their side in Round 6. Whether it be a big moment in a close game, or an important role, these are the Unsung Heroes.
Richmond – Jayden Short
It wasn’t difficult to find exceptional performances across the ground in Richmond’s 109-point demolition of the Eagles. Amongst the bags of goals, it was Jayden Short who shifted into the midfield in the absence of Trent Cotchin and got the job done in unfamiliar territory. Short was a cut above, with 31 disposals, nine inside 50s and 792 metres gained.
Fremantle – Alex Pearce
Perhaps the win of the round, the Dockers kept Geelong goalless from the 28-minute mark of the first quarter until the 20-minute mark of the third, to claim the four points at Kardinia Park. Stand-in skipper Alex Pearce was a rock in defence once again, holding off a Geelong onslaught in the final term and winning the battle against spearhead, Tom Hawkins. Pearce conceded two early goals before keeping Hawkins quiet for the rest of the game, retaining Fremantle’s position as having conceded the second fewest points in the AFL this season, behind only reigning premiers Melbourne.
GWS Giants – Tom Green
There’s no shortage of big names in the Giants’ midfield, but amongst the possession-getters, Tom Green is quietly becoming one of Greater Western Sydney’s most dominant on-ballers. Green finished with 24 disposals at 88 per cent efficiency and put in the hard yards against the Crows, with 17 contested possessions and five clearances.
Melbourne – Toby Bedford
It’s always going to be difficult to break into a premiership-winning side, but with five Demons withdrawn due to health and safety protocols, Toby Bedford got his chance. Melbourne’s hard-fought win over the Hawks marked Bedford’s ninth match, but just his fourth actual run due to lining up as the medical sub. Bedford slotted two goals for the day, including the very first of his AFL career.
Port Adelaide – Robbie Gray
In an ugly contest in the wet at Cazaly Stadium, a Robbie Gray behind from the boundary proved to be the difference. Gray nursed the ball through to give his side a one-point lead over the Saints, before taking a clutch mark to run the final seconds off the clock. While it was his final efforts which sealed the result, Gray booted two majors throughout, which were instrumental in a low-scoring affair.
Carlton – Jack Carroll
Blues fans have been waiting for Jack Carroll to be given his chance on the AFL stage and the youngster wasted no time before making an impact, sealing his first goal with his very first kick to boot the opening goal of the game. It continued to be an impressive debut for Carroll, recording eight score involvements and four clearances from his 19 disposals.
Collingwood – Darcy Cameron
When Brodie Grundy went down with a PCL injury in Collingwood’s ANZAC day clash, the question on everybody’s lips was just how the Pies would plug such a significant hole. Collingwood restructured their ruck plans with Darcy Cameron splitting his time in the ruck and up forward, holding his own against the formidable Jarrod Witts and booting two goals along the way.
Western Bulldogs – Lachie McNeil
You’d be forgiven for thinking that if Aaron Naughton had been held goalless it may not have been the Dogs’ day, but it was a career-best three goals to Lachie McNeil that steered the Dogs to victory over Essendon. Among ten individual goal-kickers, McNeil led the way as he made the most of his opportunities and piled on the pressure inside forward 50.
Brisbane – Dayne Zorko
Back in the midfield and wreaking havoc, Dayne Zorko broke the game open in the second quarter to set up a lead which the Lions would hold on to, to run out victors over the Swans. Zorko booted two goals from outside 50 to put his team on top, finishing with 22 disposals and eight score involvements.