Round 6 Team of the Week

See who made the 22 in the Anzac round.

Published by
Justin McInerney

Defenders

Back Pocket: Nick Vlastuin (Richmond)

Vlastuin arguably played the best game of his career in the win over Melbourne and thwarted a multitude off their offensive thrusts, evidenced by 14 intercept possessions. He also managed 28 disposals, seven marks, five tackles and four score involvements.

Full Back: Alex Keath (Adelaide)

Keath has started 2019 in All Australian form and showcased his ability as an interceptor on Saturday night with eight intercept possessions. He also recorded 21 disposals (18 kicks), 14 marks and 401 metres gained, while holding Josh Bruce to seven disposals and only one behind.

Back Pocket: Bachar Houli (Richmond)

Houli’s run and carry from the backline was on full display against the Demons. He recorded 32 disposals, seven marks, five tackles, 11 intercept possessions and 670 metres gained.

Half Back: Brodie Smith (Adelaide)

In the last couple weeks, it has been obvious that the Crows have wanted to move the ball a lot quicker than they did in the first few weeks. Smith has been at the forefront of the change and recorded 30 disposals, five marks, three tackles and 737 metres gained against the Saints.

Centre Half Back: Tom Stewart (Geelong)

West Coast’s key forwards struggled to make an impact again, while Stewart himself recorded 25 disposals, 13 marks and four tackles.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 18: Tom Stewart of the Cats marks the ball during the round 22 AFL match between the Geelong Cats and the Fremantle Dockers at GMHBA Stadium on August 18, 2018 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Half Back: James Sicily (Hawthorn)

Sicily was a rock in defence against the Blues, particularly in the second half, evidenced by ten intercept possessions. He also recorded 27 disposals (20 kicks), 12 marks and gained 534 metres.

Centre

Wing: Lachie Hunter (Western Bulldogs)

According to the coaches, Hunter was the best player on the ground in the loss to the Dockers, receiving the maximum amount of coaches’ votes, which is rare in a loss. Hunter recorded 32 disposals, eight marks, seven intercept possessions, ten score involvements and 759 metres gained.

Centre: Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood)

“Shame on anyone who boos a champion.” The Anzac medallist recorded 28 disposals, seven marks, six tackles, three clearances and 566 metres gained.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 25: Best afield Scott Pendlebury of the Magpies looks on after he was jeered by Bombers fans on receiving his medal during the round 6 AFL match between Essendon and Collingwood at Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 25, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

 

Wing: Mitch Duncan (Geelong)

Playing a traditional wing role, Duncan was able to rack up the uncontested possessions, recording 28 disposals, 12 marks and five tackles.

 

Forwards

Half Forward: Gary Ablett (Geelong)

Ablett produced a vintage Gary performance on Sunday afternoon, recording 28 disposals and kicking two goals. He also took seven marks and had 11 score involvements and eight inside 50s.

Centre Half Forward: Joe Daniher (Essendon)

In just his second game back from injury, Daniher did absolutely everything he could to get Essendon over the line and despite falling just short; he was one of the best players on the ground. Daniher kicked four goals and managed 28 disposals, eight marks (four contested) and six score involvements.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 09: Joe Daniher of the Bombers celebrates after kicking a goal during the AFL Second Elimination Final match between the Sydney Swans and the Essendon Bombers at Sydney Cricket Ground on September 9, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Half Forward: Sam Gray (Port Adelaide)

Sam Gray has taken his game to the next level over the last two weeks, where he has kicked six goals combined. On the weekend, Gray kicked four goals and recorded 28 disposals, three marks and five tackles.

Forward Pocket: Brandon Matera (Fremantle)

Matera’s five goals were enough to see him included in the team but he also recorded 13 disposals and five marks in a customary small forward role.

Full Forward: Taylor Walker (Adelaide)

Ever since Josh Jenkins was omitted from the side, Tex has been allowed to play deeper in the forward fifty and is beginning to thrive. Walker kicked four goals and had 14 disposals, seven marks (three contested) and seven score involvements.

Forward Pocket: Gary Rohan (Geelong)

The two Gary’s have reinvigorated their careers at Geelong in 2019. Rohan took the game away from the Eagles early kicking three first quarter goals. He finished with four and also recorded 13 disposals and ten marks.

Followers

Ruck: Brodie Grundy (Collingwood)

Grundy dominated the ruck battle on Anzac day, giving Collingwood’s midfield first use of the footy. He had 39 hit outs to go along with 24 disposals and six marks.

Ruck Rover: Tim Taranto (GWS)

Taranto’s strong midfield performance in the Battle of the Bridge earned him the Brett Kirk medal for best on ground. Taranto recorded 30 disposals, six clearances, four marks, ten tackles and kicked a wonderful running goal.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 05: Tim Taranto of the Giants celebrates his first AFL goal during the 2017 AFL round 07 match between the St Kilda Saints and the GWS Giants at Etihad Stadium on May 05, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Rover: Jaegar O’Meara

O’Meara’s 26 first-half disposals kept the Hawks in the game when it looked like the Blues were going to run away with it. He finished with 42 disposals, eight marks, ten score involvements, nine clearances and kicked a crucial goal.

Interchange

Travis Boak (Port Adelaide)

After moving back into the midfield after a few lean years up forward, Boak has started the year in Brownlow Medal form. Against the Kangaroos he recorded 38 disposals, four marks, four tackles, ten clearances and kicked a goal.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 06: Travis Boak of the Power kicks the ball during the round three AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Port Adelaide Power at The Gabba on April 06, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Jono Searle/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

Stephen Coniglio (GWS)

A midfielder kicking four goals usually indicates a pretty special performance. Coniglio also recorded 24 disposals, five marks, three tackles and five clearances.

David Mundy (Fremantle)

In his 300th game, Mundy produced a typical performance where he recorded 28 disposals, four marks, and seven tackles and also kicked two goals.

Liam Shiels (Hawthorn)

Shiels was a crucial component to Hawthorn’s come back in the second half. He kicked three goals running through the midfield and also recorded 26 disposals, seven marks and laid nine tackles.

Published by
Justin McInerney