Each week, AFLPlayers.com.au looks at the players who flew under the radar in their team’s victory.
Richmond: Alex Rance
While he had his hands full with lance Franklin throughout the night, Alex Rance was at his intercepting best when it mattered most. With the Swans continuing to bomb down the line while trailing in the last quarter, they played right into the superstar defender’s hands and he was able to cut the ball off often to put the result beyond doubt.
Western Bulldogs: Brad Lynch
The Bulldogs have found another one in Brad Lynch and we love him already. Making his AFL debut, Lynch, who turns 21 in nine days, attacks the ball with speed and ferocity and he neatly compiled 18 disposals and three rebounds in a heated contest against a great side.
Port Adelaide: Jack Trengove
This may be partly because of his incredible story but Jack Trengove didn’t look out of place on the AFL field on Saturday. Collecting 21 touches, eight marks, four tackles, four rebounds and four inside 50s, the former Demon skipper put in a solid performance and we’re expecting him to pull the Power jumper back on next weekend.
Adelaide: Rory Sloane
In his return match, Rory Sloane didn’t have the huge disposal numbers we’ve grown accustomed to but he was working as hard as ever. Playing 82 per cent of game time, Sloane didn’t dominate after an extended time off but still registered 14 touches, 13 of which were contested, seven clearances and eight tackles in one of the season’s great victories.
Collingwood: Brayden Sier
As far as debut games go, the Pies would have been delighted with what they saw from Brayden Sier. The youngster looked as composed as ever on the big stage, finishing the game with 19 disposals at 84 per cent efficiency as Collingwood climbed to second spot.
GWS: Rory Lobb
Needing to make a stand to stun the seemingly finals-bound Hawks, Rory Lobb well and truly made his mark. Kicking three opening quarter goals, Lobb got the Giants off to the perfect start and the Hawks never fully recovered, playing catch-up from the first term onward.
St Kilda: Jack Steele
In game 50, Jack Steele delivered in spades for the Saints. The 22-year-old played a physical role on Clayton Oliver around the stoppages, laying a game-high 11 tackles to go along with 20 disposals and a goal as St Kilda surprised Melbourne by two points.
Essendon: Andrew McGrath
After admitting to slightly losing his way earlier in the season, Andrew McGrath has definitely found his mojo. Collecting 22 disposals, the second-year Bomber was doing it all over the ground against the Kangaroos on Sunday, picking up four clearances, five rebounds and kicking a goal.
Brisbane: Hugh McCluggage
After a lean month of footy, Hugh McCluagage came roaring back to form last week against the Giants and he continued that trend against the Dockers on Sunday. Now in his second season, the hard-working Lion managed 24 touches and seven tackles as Brisbane never looked like losing in Perth.