DEFENDERS
Jeremy Howe (Collingwood)
Howe was brilliant down back in Collingwoodโs big win over the Crows. The Pies' high flyer had 23 touches and 11 marks in a standout performance, helping to keep the Crows' forward line quiet in front of their home crowd.
Marcus Adams (Brisbane)
Was Brisbaneโs stand out player in their top of the table win over Geelong. Not only did Adams keep Geelongโs champion forward Tom Hawkins goalless, but the former Bulldog gathered 10 marks of his own, eight spoils and 19 possessions in a dominant game down back.
Dylan Grimes (Richmond)
When Alex Rance went down in Richmondโs first game of the season, many wrote off Richmondโs premiership credentials. Up stepped Dylan Grimes, who this season has developed into one of the leagueโs top defenders. Thrust into a high-pressure situation, Grimes has stood tall for Richmond all year, with his performance against the Eaglesโ on the weekend highlighting his individual growth. Grimes took eight marks and finished with 17 disposals at 100 per cent efficiency, to keep the prolific Eaglesโ forward line relatively quiet after quarter time.
Bachar Houli (Richmond)
An underrated star of the competition, Houliโs class was once again personified by his performance on the weekend, with the hard-running defender collecting a huge 34 disposals, nine marks, six inside 50s and three rebound 50s in the Tigersโ crucial win.
Shannon Hurn (West Coast)
Despite falling short against the Tigers, West Coastโs skipper put up a strong performance at the 'G on Sunday. Hurn collected 24 disposals, had 10 marks and 12 rebound 50s in the Eagleโs narrow, six-point loss.
Dane Rampe (Sydney)
One of the Swansโ shining lights in a disappointing season, Rampe was a dominant force down back in Sydneyโs win over the Demons on Friday night. Rampe had 22 touches, took eight marks, and gained 516 metres in another impressive individual performance.
