We are now 16 Round into a 2021 season that has produced plenty of surprises and upsets.
Whilst several teams have shot their way up the ladder, we want to look at the players who have been driving this success.
Now that we have a big enough body of work, it's time to laud the performances of the players who have been each club's biggest improvers.
As always, let us know who we have overrated and who we have snubbed.
Essendon
Darcy Parish
There has been widespread improvement for the Bombers this season, with a number of players putting together their best campaigns of their career.
'Moneyball recruit' Nick Hind has been one of the stories of the season after being picked up from St Kilda for peanuts. The speedster has exploded to become of the leagues best rebounding defenders.
SEE ALSO: Essendon urged to pursue Suns' crown jewel Ben King
Kyle Langford and Jayden Laverde are putting together career-best seasons, whilst skipper Dyson Heppell's return from injury and positional switch have been crucial.
However, it is the rise of Darcy Parish which has been most impressive, with the star Bomber bursting into Brownlow Medal contention.
It took a Dylan Shiel injury in Round 2 to give Parish a permanent midfield spot, but since then, he has averaged 34.4 disposals and has led the league for clearances.
The 23-year-old's best-on-ground performances on Anzac Day and Dreamtime suggest he will have plenty more big games in the weeks and years to come.
