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Team of the week: Round 23

Published by
Georgie Dennis

Defenders

Back Pocket: Jake Lloyd

Yet another sensational game from the Swans half back. 31 touches and nine marks but it just wasn’t enough to get his team over the line.

Full Back: Tom Stewart

Stewart showed once again why he is one of the most improved players in the competition with 22 disposals and 13 marks in the Cats’ backline.

Back Pocket: Aaron Francis

The young Bomber’s marking ability is very impressive. He took 11 marks, six of which were contested and one that will give Isaac Heeney a run for his money for Mark of the Year.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 24: Aaron Francis of the Bombers behind Chad Wingard of Port Adelaide during the round 23 AFL match between Port Adelaide Power and the Essendon Bombers at Adelaide Oval on August 24, 2018 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

Half Back: Rory Laird

34 touches, 10 marks and a goal to finish the year from Laird. Consistent as always.

Centre Half Back: Joel Hamling

The Freo defender was their best on ground and was rock solid in defence for the entire game.

Half Back: Isaac Heeney

Heeney had another great game this week with 18 touches, 11 contested, and two goals.

Centre

Wing: Stephen Coniglio

Coniglio was the Giants’ best by a lap of the MCG. 32 touches, nine marks and two goals.

Centre: Patrick Cripps

Imagine what would happen to Carlton if they didn’t have Patrick Cripps essentially carrying their midfield all year. 37 possessions, 23 were contested.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 25: Patrick Cripps of the Blues clears the ball out of the centre during the round 23 AFL match between the Carlton Blues and the Adelaide Crows at Etihad Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Wing: James Harmes

James Harmes has been flying under the radar recently. He had 29 touches, seven marks and kicked a goal in the Dees’ big win over GWS.

Followers

Ruck: Max Gawn

Max Gawn was simply too good for Rory Lobb winning the hit-out tally 37 to 12.

Rover: Patrick Dangerfield

Patty Dangerfield reminded everyone just how much of a superstar his is on the weekend with 34 disposals, nine marks and four goals.

GEELONG, VICTORIA - AUGUST 25: Patrick Dangerfield of the Cats runs with the ball and kicks a goal during the round 23 AFL match between the Geelong Cats and the Gold Coast Suns at GMHBA Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Ruck Rover: Jack Macrae

Macrae had another 43 touches against Richmond on the weekend and if he hadn’t had missed a month of footy, he’d be right up there in the Brownlow. Outstanding year.

Forwards

Half Forward: Jamie Cripps

Cripps starred for the Eagles on the weekend with 23 disposals, eight marks and three goals.

Centre Half Forward: Brody Mihocek

This time last year, Brody Mihocek was playing in the VFL and now he’s a key cog in Collingwood’s premiership tilt. He kicked three goals including the sealer.

Half Forward: Christian Petracca

Petracca has found his groove at AFL level as a dangerous forward who can float through the midfield. He had 20 touches and kicked three goals.

Forward Pocket: Liam Ryan

Liam Ryan continued his good run of form in his breakout year with another three goals.

Full Forward: Josh Jenkins

Jenkins kicked a handy seven goals in the Crows’ 104-point belting of the Blues.

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA - AUGUST 25: Josh Jenkins of the Crows marks the ball during the round 23 AFL match between the Carlton Blues and the Adelaide Crows at Etihad Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Forward Pocket: Justin Westhoff

When the Power looked to be done and dusted, the Hoff stood up and kicked three goals straight to get his side back in the game.

Interchange

George Hewett

Hewett has made a name for himself at AFL level as a tagger. He shut down ball magnet Tom Mitchell who only had 24 touches which is well below his average for this year.

Trent Dumont

North Melbourne have found one in Trent Dumont who had 37 touches against the Saints to finish the season.

Brodie Grundy

He’s had a superb year and has hardly played a bad game and this was no different. Sean Darcy won the hit-out count but Grundy was completely dominant around the ground.

Steele Sidebottom

With another 32 touches, Steele Sidebottom has been making a great case for the AA all year.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 25: Taylin Duman of the Dockers tackles Steele Sidebottom of the Magpies during the round 23 AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Collingwood Magpies at Optus Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Published by
Georgie Dennis