Each week of the 2021 season, four members of the Zero Hanger team have caste their 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 votes for the best players on the ground, with players able to obtain a maximum of 20-votes (4 x 5-votes) in every game of the season.
From there, the votes are collated to decide the Zero Hanger MVP, with the leaderboard updated following the conclusion of each round.
As the home and away season has officially reached it's half way point, we thought that the time was right to break down how we've gone so far.
With Round 12 set to start this Friday night, here are the players that have caught our attention so far this season.
50. Callan Ward [38 votes]
Although no longer a Bulldog, the 31-year-old definitely doesn't lack any bite.
Currently averaging 24.6 disposals in a talented GWS Giants midfield, Ward enjoyed his best game of the year last week against the Brisbane Lions with 32 disposals, two goals and eight marks.
49. Hugh Greenwood [38 votes]
Since crossing from the Crows, Greenwood continues to be a tackling machine for the Gold Coast Suns, averaging 8.5 tackles per game.
The 29-year-old Tasmanian's peak came against Geelong in round 10 when he managed to wrap 16 Cats up at the coal face.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
Greenwood is also no stranger to the Sherrin, as attested with his average of 19.4 disposals per game in 2021.
48. Jack Darling [38 votes]
Despite standing alongside talented Eagles forwards, Josh Kennedy and Oscar Allen, the 28-year-old titan has still managed to produce a career best average of 2.5 goals per game this season.
Darling's best outing across the first 11 weeks came against the Adelaide Crows in Round 9, when he slotted five goals in just 15 minutes and recorded 12 Zero Hanger votes for the week.
47. Harry McKay [40 votes]
As the current Coleman Medal leader with 38 goals through 11 games for the Blues, it is clear that Harry McKay knows how to find the goals.
The budding spearhead's season best bag came in Round 3 with seven majors against a Fremantle defense that was truly out of it's depth.
46. Brandon Ellis [42 votes]
After proving his credentials at Punt Road, Ellis' form has continued north of the Tweed Heads border, with the midfielder averaging an impressive 25.1 disposals for the Suns this season.
The inked-up Victorian is damaging both inside the contest and out on the wing, and was at his most damaging in a win over Collingwood in round 7 where he collected 35 disposals, five tackles and a goal
With these numbers in mind, it was hardly surprising to see the 27-year-old rack up 143 Supercoach points and 19 of our Zero Hanger votes.
45. Ben Cunnington [42 votes]
As North Melbourne fans - or his opponents for that matter - and they will tell you that Ben Cunnington is as hard as nails.
With current means of 27.4 disposals and 4.6 tackles per game, the country boy is a weapon with and without the ball.
The 29-year-old was at his bruising best in a win against the Hawks down in Tasmania, where he collected 37 disposals [27 contested], 13 clearances, five inside 50's and five score involvements
Again, it should surprise nobody that the former first round draftee finished the clash with 134 Supercoach points and 15 Zero Hanger votes.
44. Dom Sheed [43 votes]
Even though he will forever be remembered for his heroics in the 2018 Grand Final, Dom Sheed has stepped up to the plate for West Coast this season due to the midfield absences of Luke Shuey and Elliot Yeo for much of the year.
With a current average of 27.2 disposals per game so far this season, the bald Eagle found a way to haunt the Magpies again in Round 5, with a 28 disposal, three-goal match winning effort that also saw him land 12 Zero Hanger votes.
43. Brad Crouch [44 votes]
After proving himself as a consistent ball-winner during his tenure in the city of churches, Brad Crouch has doubled down on his efforts since joining the Saints.
Whilst the accumulator may be down on his usual average disposals from last season's mean of 20.2 disposals with the Crows, Crouch has been sublime when St Kilda is without the ball and is currently averaging 6.1 tackles per game.
Brad's 2021 best came in a big win over West Coast in Round 4, with his 36 disposals and 12 tackles leading to 137 Supercoach points and 18 votes here at the Hanger.
42. Darcy Moore [44 votes]
With current averages of 16.8 disposals and 8.5 marks per week this season, Darcy Moore is arguably the defender in the contemporary game.
The lad with the long locks was thrown forward of the ball for a few weeks, but proved that he belongs in the backline, with his 28 disposal, 19 mark and 130 Supercoach point outing against the Kangaroos in Round 8.
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With such staggering numbers, we here at Zero Hanger felt compelled to award Moore 15 votes that afternoon.
41. Jack Billings [44 votes]
As a midfielder, Jack Billings is currently averaging 21.6 disposals per game in 2021.
As a forward, the 25-year-old has recorded a mean of a goal a game this season.
As a restricted free-agent at the end of this season, if the former first round draftee keeps up this current form, he can expect to be very well remunerated by the start of the 2022 season.
Billing's current best so far this year came against the Suns in Round 8 with his 25 disposals, two goals and 15 Zero Hanger votes.
40. Josh Dunkley [45 votes]
Dunkley is just one of the many fantastic midfielders at the Bulldogs and has once again proved his quality by averaging 29 disposals across his six outing this season.
However, due to a shoulder injury that has ruled him out for at least three months, Bulldog's fans will have to wait to see their triple threat back on the park.
The 24-year-old's best game this season also came against the Suns, when he amassed a staggering 38 disposals, eight tackles and two goals.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
Bearing these statistics in mind, there were no surprises as to why he ended Round 5 with 148 Supercoach and 19 Zero Hanger votes.
39. Tom Stewart [46 votes]
As a consistent performer in the backline for the Cats, it is exceedingly rare for Stewart to have have a poor game.
The two-time All Australian is currently averaging 24.7 disposals and is yet to have dropped below 20 disposals all season.
Stewart's 2021 summit was climbed against the Kangaroos in a match where he collected 30 disposals, 11 marks, six rebound 50s, 152 Supercoach points and 18 votes from us.
38. Luke Parker [48 votes]
Luke Parker may fly under the radar from time to time due to calling the harbour city home, but the uber consistent and hard-nosed veteran midfielder is still averaging 26.8 disposals for the Swans in 2021, along with 4.5 tackles per game.
Parker's peak this season came in Round 4 against the Bombers, when the 28-year-old posted 32 disposals [16 contested], six tackles, seven marks and a goal.
This haul was enough to earn 151 Supercoach and a perfect 20 Zero Hanger votes from us.
37. Adam Treloar [48 votes]
Since being discarded by the Pies and becoming a Dog, Adam Treloar has proven adept both inside and outside of packs.
The former under-age selection is currently averaging 25 disposals at his third home, and has shown that he can hit the scoreboard, with his 27 disposal and three goal effort in the Bulldog's big win against North Melbourne in Round 3.
36. Tim Taranto [51 votes]
After being taken with the 2nd pick of the 2016 draft, Tim Taranto has developed into a sublime footballer.
Currently averaging a career high 29.7 disposals, the Giants midfielder continues to improve from his best and fairest win in 2019.
The 23-year-old was at his best this season in a big win over the Crows in round 7 where he posted 35 disposals, seven tackles, 139 Supercoach points and 18 Zero Hanger votes.
35. Christian Salem [51 votes]
Salem is another former top 10 draftee and another name that is enjoying a career year.
The rebounding defender not only provides run for the ladder-topping Demons, but also holds a current 26.5 disposals per game this season.
The Sandringham Dragons product had a day out against the Tigers in Round 6, with 39 disposal, 167 Supercoach points and a perfect 20 Zero Hanger votes in the Redlegs' win over the Tigers.
If the 25-year-old can maintain this type of upward trajectory for the remainder of the season, then a debut All-Australian blazer surely beckons.
Defender
Disposals
Marks
Rebound50s
34. Isaac Heeney [52 votes]
Despite injuries, the Swans' exciting and flashy half-forward has managed to average 15 disposals and 1.8 goals per game this season.
The New South Welshman has a keen knack for impacting games, as the Blues found out just last week, with Heeney's three goal, 22 disposal and 14 mark performance in Sydney's to a win over the Blues at the SCG.
This Round 11 masterclass was enough for the 25-year-old to earn 128 Supercoach points as well as 19 Zero Hanger votes from us.
33. Nat Fyfe [52 votes]
Although the two-time Brownlow medallist is enjoying a solid season - with averages of 26 disposals and 4.8 tackles per game - it hasn't been without it's hitches.
Fyfe was at his best this season against the Hawks in Round 4, when he amassed 31 disposals.
However, it is worth noting that the superstar kicked six behinds in this game, so he could have had one of the great all-time performances if he kicked straight!
Still, despite his waywardness, the Lake Grace lad was good enough to accumulate 133 Supercoach points and a perfect 20 Zero Hanger votes from the team here..
32. Shai Bolton [53 votes]
The exciting forward for the Tigers has elevated himself into one of the more dynamic and damaging players in the game, with averages of 21.9 disposals and 1.2 goals per game.
Bolton can hurt you in the midfield and down forward, and he did that against the Bulldogs in round 7, amassing 22 disposals and three goals in a match winning effort.
The Western Australian's second-half masterclass was enough to claim 121 Supercoach and 17 Zero Hanger votes.
31. Taylor Walker [54 votes]
The veteran key forward for the Crows has revived himself this season, averaging a career- high 3.4 goals per game and sits second only to Harry McKay on the Coleman Medal leaderboard.
Walker is well and truly aware of how to kick a bag, and did just that against the Suns in Round 3, with six goals, 24 disposals, 130 Supercoach points and a perfect 20 Zero Hanger votes in the Crows' win.
30. Ed Langdon [57 votes]
Since crossing the Nullarbor, Ed Langdon has become a consistent winger for the Demons that plays his role very well.
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The former Docker currently averages 23.7 disposals this season, and has only dropped below 20 disposals twice.
Langdon's peak this season came against the Kangaroos in Round 7, with 25 disposals, 12 marks and a goal. This outing in Hobart was enough to see the All-Australian hopeful earn 120 Supercoach points and 15 Zero Hanger votes.
29. Jack Steele [58 votes]
The St Kilda skipper has been a shining light for the Saints who have had a disappointing season so far.
The former Giant currently averages 26.3 disposals and 7.5 tackles per game, and like Crouch, saved his best for West Coast in Round 4.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
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Across said contest, the Saints' man of Steele recorded 33 disposals, six tackles and a goal, showing why he has turned into one of the best midfielders in the competition. The Canberran's demolition job on the westerners was enough to earn 154 Supercoach points and 16 Zero Hanger votes.
28. Joel Selwood [58 votes]
The hard nosed leader of the Cats has enjoyed another consistently strong season so far, averaging 25.2 disposals and 5.2 tackles per game.
His best game came in a win against the Suns in round 10, recording 39 disposals, 10 clearances and 7 tackles. This day out saw the skipper score 131 Supercoach points and a perfect 20 Zero Hanger votes from us.
27. Rory Laird [59 votes]
The half-back flanker, under the tutelage of Matthew Nicks, has turned himself into a handy midfielder for the Crows in the past couple of seasons.
This move to the middle has has seen the 27-year-old average 30.4 disposals in 2021 to go along with a career-high 5.8 tackles per game.
Laired showed his best form in the Crows' narrow win over the Demons in Round 10by posting 35 disposals, seven tackles and 123 Supercoach points.
26. Tom Mitchell [60 votes]
Although he looks in pain this season, the 2018 Brownlow medallist continues to be a ball-magnet, averaging a huge 33.5 disposals per game.
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Mitchell's best outing for the lowly Hawks came in Round 1 in a big come from behind victory over the Bombers where he recorded 39 disposals [31 coming in the second half], five tackles, 135 Supercoach and a perfect 20 Zero Hanger votes.
25. Karl Amon [62 votes]
The Port Adelaide wingman has improved greatly over the past couple of seasons, and averages a career high 23.2 disposals in 2021 in a talented Port midfield alongside the likes of Ollie Wines and Travis Boak.
Defender
Disposals
Marks
Rebound50s
The All-Australian aspirants best performance of the year came against the Saints in Round 6 - a game in which the Victorian amassed 34 disposals, 123 Supercoach points and 19 Zero Hanger votes in the Power's surging win.
24. Daniel Rich [63 votes]
Daniel Rich has always been both an outstanding defender for the Lions and one of the best kicks in the game.
Like his Lions, the Western Australian is currently enjoying a great season and is averaging a career-high 26.3 disposals - 22.1 of which are kicks - per game.
Rich's best came against the Dockers in Round 8, when he collected 31 disposals, 28 kicks, 10 marks, 7 rebound 50's, 138 Supercoach points and 16 Zero Hanger votes.
23. Mitch Duncan [63 votes]
Duncan is without doubt one of the most underrated players in the competition, as the Western Australian able to fly under the radar due to playing under the likes of Dangerfield, Ablett and Selwood the past few seasons.
An ultra reliant and damaging footballer, Duncan currently averages 26.9 disposals in 2021 and hasn't gone under 21 disposals all season - except for the Cats clash with the Suns, when he suffered a concussion.
The 29-year-old was at his brilliant best against West Coast in Round 6 grabbing 26 disposals and a lazy 4 goals to go with it.
Such was his brilliance, the performance saw him claim 149 Supercoach points and a perfect 20 Zero Hanger votes.
22. Josh Kelly [64 votes]
Kelly is a silky and skilled midfielder who knows how to find the footy and use it well.
As one of the leaders of the Giants midfield - as well as ahead of the ball at stages this season - Kelly is averaging 24.5 disposals and 4.5 tackles per game.
The Victorian was at his damaging best against the Tigers in Round 9, with a big 27 disposals, eight tackles, 132 Supercoach points and a goal.
21. Dayne Zorko [65 votes]
Zorko is an ultra consistent hybrid midfielder/small forward who is damaging in the engine room and in front of the sticks.
With a current average of 24.9 disposals each week this season, The Lions' skipper produced his best game last week against the Giants with 35 disposals, two goals and 162 Supercoach points in Brisbane's big win.
20. Andrew Gaff [65 votes]
A consistent ball-magnet for the Eagles on the wing, Gaff uses the ball well and is currently averaging 28.7 disposals per game this season.
The multiple All-Australian provided Adam Simpson with his best game in 2021 against the Hawks in Round 8, when he amassed 38 disposals, 12 marks, 10 score involvements, 133 Supercoach points and a perfect 20 Zero Hanger votes from the team here.
19. Dustin Martin [65 votes]
Dustin Martin is arguably the best player in the game, and is without a doubt the ultimate big game player.
'Dusty' is currently averaging 23.3 disposals and a goal a game in 2021, which may seem slightly down on his usual averages. But after returning from concussion, the Tiger has been back to his damaging best.
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Martin's peak this year came against the Giants in Round 9, when he slotted four goals and collected 28 touches in a come from behind victory.
This virtuoso performance saw the triple Norm Smith medalist grab 121 Supercoach points, as well as a perfect 20 Zero Hanger votes.
18. Tim Kelly [67 votes]
The talented West Coast Eagles midfielder has enjoyed another great start to the season, and is currently averaging a career-high 25.8 disposals to go along with 3.5 tackles per game.
Kelly saved his best for the derby, a game in which he put in a best on ground performance, collecting a huge 42 disposals and nine tackles in the win over the Dockers.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
This standout performance on his home deck also saw the Western Australian collect 131 Supercoach points and a perfect 20 votes from us here at the Hanger.
17. Andrew Brayshaw [68 votes]
The young midfielder continues to impress for the Dockers, averaging a career-high 28 disposals per game.
Brayshaw's best came in Round 2 against the Giants, a match in which he dominated, grabbing 32 disposals, six tackles, two goals, 132 Supercoach points and a perfect 20 Zero Hanger votes.
16. Christian Petracca [70 votes]
After a stellar season in 2020, Christian Petracca proved that he is without doubt one of the most impactful players in the competition.
When he plays well, it's easy to see his influence which can be expressed by his brute force in the midfield or his ability to kick goals inside 50.
Currently averaging 28.5 disposals and a goal a game, Petracca's best came against the Cats in Round 4, with a 36 disposal and two goal effort in the club's win on a soggy day.
This particular outing saw Petracca claim 146 Supercoach points and a perfect 20 Zero Hanger votes.
15. David Mundy [72 votes]
In his 17th season, the Fremantle midfielder is again proving that he is akin to a fine wine in that age only seems to enhance his performance.
Currently averaging 25.8 disposals and 4.5 tackles per game, Mundy is showing no signs of slowing down.
The 35-year-old was at his best against the Kangaroos in Round 6, amassing 30 disposals and three goals in a winning display that also saw him rack up 145 Supercoach points and 17 Zero Hanger votes.
14. Touk Miller [74 votes]
Miller has taken his ball-winning skills to a whole new level in 2021, averaging an impressive 29.8 disposals per game, which is up from 22.4 disposals per game in the full length contests of 2019.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
The Suns' best performance this season came against the Hawks in Round 11, when he posted 37 disposals, seven tackles, and eye watering 153 Supercoach and a goal in a win.
There were no surprises when the dynamo collected a perfect 20 Zero Hanger votes.
13. Zach Merrett [80 votes]
Merrett has once again proven why he is one of the best midfielders in the competition, as can be seen from his career-high mean of 31 disposals a game to go along 4.6 tackles per contest.
The baby faced Bomber was at his damaging best against the Giants in Round 8, when he collected 37 disposals, 13 inside 50's, nine score involvements, 131 Supercoach and 18 Zero Hanger votes.
12. Cameron Guthrie [84 votes]
Following his inaugural All-Australian jacket last season, Guthrie has continued to maintain his elite output in 2021.
The Geelong midfielder is currently averaging 31.1 disposals and 4.5 tackles per game, which has once again catapulted him into AA contention. Guthrie has never averaged more than 23 disposals per game in a season, so this is a massive improvement for him.
The hairy Cat's best came against Hawthorn in Round 3, when he found the footy a whopping 44 times, grabbed 11 marks and ripped away 10 clearances in a win.
This gargantuan effort was enough to also claim 163 Supercoach points and a perfect 20 Zero Hanger votes.
11. Jarryd Lyons [87 votes]
Despite being seen as surplus to requirement by the Suns, Lyons is an ultra consistent performer in the Lions' engine room, and has stepped up big time in Lachie Neale's absence.
The midfielder is currently averaging a career high 27.8 disposals per game, with his scintillating form providing a big reason why Brisbane are one of the in-form teams in the competition.
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Lyon's 2021 peak came against Fremantle in Round 8, when he grabbed 29 disposals, plucked six clearances, was involved in 11 score involvements and also slotted a goal in his team's win.
These mammoth numbers were enough to see him end the day with 145 Supercoach points, as well as 18 Zero Hanger votes.
10. Travis Boak [88 votes]
As an ultra consistent, high-quality midfielder for Port Adelaide, Boak has enjoyed another stellar season, averaging 28.4 disposals per game.
Boak's best came in the Power's opening game against North Melbourne, where he posted 27 disposals, 12 score involvements, seven clearances and two goals in a performance that saw him start 2021 with 160 Supercoach points and 19 Zero Hanger votes.
9. Max Gawn [89 votes]
As the premier ruckman in the competition, Gawn has enjoyed another impressive season and leads an impressive midfield unit for the Demons.
The viking like big man is currently averaging a career-high in disposals, with 19 a game, whilst also recording a strong mean of 33.5 hitouts per game.
Gawn's best came against Hawthorn in Round 5, when he dominated with 26 disposals, 24 hitouts, 10 marks and a goal in the Dees' big win.
These numbers saw the skipper collect a whopping 172 Supercoach points and a perfect 20 Zero Hanger votes from us.
8. Callum Mills [97 votes]
The skilled Swans' defender has turned himself into a high quality midfielder in 2021, averaging a career-high 26.3 disposals, and using them to good effect.
Mills is also hard inside the contest, averaging 5.7 tackles a game.
The 24-year-old's seasonal summit came in the schedule's first week when the Swans upset the Lions. Across this upset in Queensland, Mills posted 29 disposals, eight marks, 10 score involvements and two goals.
Naturally, these number saw him perform well on the fantasy platform - 154 Supercoach points - and with us - 18 Zero Hanger votes.
7. Sam Walsh [103 votes]
Having played just 50-games in his brief career so far, the former number one pick has not only elevated himself into the AFL's elite status, but has arguably surpassed Patrick Cripps as the best midfielder at Carlton.
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With the Camperdown kid currently averaging a career high 30.3 disposals in just his third season, Walsh has cemented himself as possibly the most important cog in Carlton's future successes.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
His seasonal peak came against the Bombers in Round 7, when he amassed 33 disposals, 6 marks, 5 tackles, a goal, 130 Supercoach points and a perfect 20 Zero Hanger votes.
6. Ollie Wines [106 votes]
Ollie Wines is a bull of an inside midfielder for Port Adelaide that consistently wins it at the source and is a big reason as to why Port are such a strong clearance team.
Averaging an impressive 31.3 disposals per game along with 4.3 tackles, the Victorian has proven why he is such a consistent and high quality midfielder.
Wines' best was against the Saints in Round 6, when he not only collected 36 disposals, seven marks, five tackles and eight clearances in a win, but also managed 143 Supercoach points and 17 Zero Hanger votes.
5. Marcus Bontempelli [106 votes]
It can be argued that 'The Bont' is the best player in the game, and it would be tough point to disprove given his influence on games. The deadly Dog's skills are sublime and he always seems to rise in the big occasions.
Currently averaging 26.9 disposals, 4.9 tackles and 1.4 goals per game, Bontempelli appears able to do it all.
The Bulldogs' star's best game in the season so far, came against the Eagles in Round 2, when the skipper stuffed the stat sheet with 30 disposals, six marks, 14 score involvements, seven inside 50's and 3 goals in a big win over a quality opponent.
These astronomical figures were enough to see the Northern Knight's product credited with 145 Supercoach and 19 Zero Hanger votes from us.
4. Darcy Parish [107 votes]
The talented Dons' midfielder has taken his game to new heights in 2021, becoming both a ball-magnet and a game changer for the Bombers.
With a current average of 30.3 disposals a game, it would be hard to leave Parish out of the All-Australian side if it were selected today.
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The other baby faced Bomber's best came against the Magpies in the annual Anzac Day clash.
Parish tore the Pies apart with 42 disposals, 11 score involvements and two goals to not only claim the Anzac Medal for best-on-ground, but also 162 Supercoach points and a perfect 20 votes from us.
Midfielder
Disposals
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Clearances
3. Hugh McCluggage [110 votes]
After being taken with a top three selection by the Lions, Hugh McCluggage has develped into a dynamic impact player who is so damaging both in the middle and in front of the sticks.
The 23-year-old has stepped up along with Lyons in Lachie Neale's absence to take control of the clearances in the middle, with Brisbane benefiting greatly from McCluggage's production so far this season.
Currently averaging 25.2 disposals and just a tad under a goal a game, McCluggage steps up in big moments, justifying his high position on the MVP ranking.
His best came against Carlton in Round 6, when he collected 33 disposals on 599 metres gained and 10 score involvements in a win.
His output against the Blues also saw the youngster awarded with 128 Supercoach points and a perfect 20 Zero Hanger votes.
2. Jack Macrae [119 votes]
Jack Macrae could well be the definition of ultra consistent.
Through 11 games, Macrae is yet to drop under 30 disposals in a game, with his current average sitting at an insane 35.1 disposals per game - a number which is on track for the most ever in an AFL/VFL season.
The accumulator delivers week in week out, with his best coming against the Saints in Round 10, in a performance where he grabbed a lazy 41 disposals, nine tackles, six marks, 14 score involvements and nine clearances in an 111 point win.
The above may seem ridiculous, but it has genuinely become a standard stat line for Macrae these days.
With his performances standing out like his red hair, it is none other than Clayton Oliver, the star Demons midfielder, that sits atop the Zero Hanger MVP rankings so far in the 2021 season.
And with good reason.
Oliver is enjoying his best season to date, averaging an impressive 32.1 disposals and 6 tackles per game. He is so consistent and impactful with the way he can win the ball inside, gain territory for his team and also hit the scoreboard.
Oliver's best game ironically came in Melbourne's only loss this season - a one-point defeat against the Crows - where he gathered an 38 disposals [27 contested], 11 score involvements, 13 clearances, eight inside 50's and 3 goals.
It was one of the great individual games of the modern era, and proves why he is currently the best player in the competition, and why his team sits atop our leaderboard.