aflplayers.com.au has discovered the players that played an underrated hand for their side in Round 11. Whether it be a big moment in a close game, or an important role, these are the Unsung Heroes.
Sydney – Jake Lloyd
The Swans mounted a second-half comeback to chase down a 33-point deficit and defeat the Tigers by a single kick. During a dominant third quarter in which Sydney booted four consecutive goals, Jake Lloyd accumulated ten of his 26 disposals. He finished with ten contested and ten intercept possessions to help his side over the line.
Brisbane – Deven Robertson
With injury comes opportunity and Deven Robertson seized his chance when he made his way into the Brisbane side for the first time this season for their clash with the Giants. The third-year midfielder recorded 17 disposals and booted two majors – one particularly special, as he dodged traffic with a blind turn and snapped to finish. His seven score involvements and nine contested possessions played an important hand in shifting momentum when the game was on the line early.
Geelong – Tom Atkins
An enormous 17 tackles headlined Tom Atkins stat sheet – the equal seventh most for an individual in a VFL/AFL match. Pushing into the midfield in the absence of Patrick Dangerfield, Atkins made his presence felt in his team-first display, which also included 37 pressure acts and eight contested possessions from his 14 disposals.
Fremantle – Sean Darcy
There are few tougher opponents in the ruck than Max Gawn, but Sean Darcy was equal to the task as his side ended the Dees’ 17-match winning streak. Darcy finished with 16 disposals, 31 hit-outs and a well-timed third-quarter goal to get the Dockers back on top at the MCG.
Western Bulldogs – Tim English
It was the ultimate team performance for the Dogs, with an equal record 16 individual goal-kickers in their 101-point demolition of the Eagles. Dogs’ ruckman Tim English impressed, returning from five weeks on the sidelines to piece together a performance consisting of a career-best 25 disposals, 28 hit-outs, seven clearances and a goal.
Gold Coast – Charlie Ballard
22-year-old key defender Charlie Ballard continues to quietly get the job done for Gold Coast. Ballard now sits first in the competition for intercept marks, with another six in the Suns’ Round 11 win over the Hawks, to go alongside his 18 disposals.
St Kilda – Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera
The kids are alright at the Saints. First-round draft pick Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera has been travelling beautifully throughout St Kilda’s campaign, with another solid 17-disposal performance against the Kangaroos. His silky disposal and clear decision-making with ball in hand has been a highlight of his season so far.
Collingwood – Nathan Murphy
Nathan Murphy showed how bright his future could become with one of the best performances of his career in just his second game for the season. With Jordan Roughead retiring earlier in the week, Murphy proved himself more than capable of stepping up in Collingwood’s back six, recording 14 disposals, seven marks (three contested) and nine intercept possessions.
Port Adelaide – Trent Dumont
Staring down the barrel of a six-goal deficit at half-time, the Bombers’ third quarter was one of their best for the season and reignited their contest with Port Adelaide. However, it would ultimately be the Power who would run out victorious with their sole goal of the second half coming off the boot of Trent Dumont. The classy set shot kept the margin in double digits and was enough to keep the Bombers at bay.