As he does so often, Marcus Bontempelli stood tall when in counted for the Western Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon, and for that he’s been rewarded with a position in the AFL’s Team of the Week.

Having just missed out after Round 19, his 23 disposals, seven marks, six clearances, five tackles, five i50s and two goals ensured the selectors would have to find a spot for the 21-year old this week.

HEATH SHAW (Greater Western Sydney): Was helped out by fellow defenders Zach Williams and Nathan Wilson in keeping Jeff Garlett to one kick. Also took eight marks and contributed with five one per-centers.

ALEX RANCE (Richmond): Excellent, along with Dylan Grimes, in marshalling the Tigers' backline. Had nine one per-centers and was a crucial cog in the Tigers' miserly defence against Hawthorn.  

DYLAN ROBERTON (St Kilda): Influential down back for the Saints with six intercept possessions and four contested marks. Moved the ball well from his 20 disposals and took eight marks all up.

LUKE RYAN (Fremantle): Took a round-high 16 marks; nine of which were intercepts. Didn't waste many of his 28 disposals with an efficiency rating of nearly 86 per cent.

LIAM JONES (Carlton): Overcame a shaky start when it looked like Joe Daniher was going to dominate, and reduced the Bomber's influence. Ended as one of Carlton's best with eight marks; five of which were contested.

SAM DOCHERTY (Carlton): Another strong performance against the Bombers. Had 27 possessions and six rebound 50s, and, along with Sam Kerridge, got the Blues moving when they wrestled the game onto their terms.

DION PRESTIA (Richmond): Came off a one-week rest to play the best game of his season. Had a game-high eight clearances and also won 31 possessions – 13 of which were contested.

DYSON HEPPELL (Essendon): The Bombers' match-winner. Had a good all-round game, but was integral in the last quarter when the four points were up for grabs. Had 11 disposals, seven contested possessions and three clearances in that term alone. 

JOSH KELLY (Greater Western Sydney): Continues to do his stocks no harm with another eye-catching performance. Has spent more time forward in recent weeks and it paid off against the Demons for three goals, 27 touches and eight tackles.

ANTHONY McDONALD-TIPUNGWUTI (Essendon): Combined with Heppell to break the Blues' hearts. Was electric in the final term and kicked the sealer at the 27-minute mark. Gave the Dons the spark they needed.

TAYLOR WALKER (Adelaide): An inspirational captain's game in the Showdown. Booted three goals, took five contested marks and racked up 23 possessions, 16 contested. Beat two defenders and lead from the front.

MARCUS BONTEMPELLI (Western Bulldogs): In a triple act with Jack Macrae and Toby McLean, made life difficult for the Lions with 23 disposals, two goals and six clearances – but admittedly could have really blown the game apart if he'd kicked straight, as he shanked four behinds and one out on the full.

EDDIE BETTS (Adelaide): Had Crows' fans delirious with delight with his goal-kicking antics, including an along-the-ground stunner from the boundary in the third quarter. Kicked 4.4 in an impressive display on return from appendix surgery.

JOSH KENNEDY (West Coast): Beat Nathan Brown to kick five in the Eagles' loss to the Saints and keep the race for the Coleman Medal interesting. Is second on 54 behind Daniher (56) and ahead of Lance Franklin (52). 

JOSH CADDY (Richmond): Played deep forward and kicked four in a career-best haul. Also had 28 possessions, six inside 50s and took nine marks. His best game as a Tiger came in timely fashion.

SAM JACOBS (Adelaide): Won his third Showdown Medal for beating in-form ruckman Paddy Ryder with 42 hit-outs, 12 disposals, six tackles and two goals in the Crows' heavy win.

LUKE PARKER (Sydney Swans): Coach John Longmire conceded it was an even performance from his team, but Parker was impressive with his 23 disposals and 13 tackles, with the Swans' pressure a large factor in the Cats' undoing.

JACK STEELE (St Kilda): Best on ground with 26 possessions – 20 contested – 12 tackles, 10 clearances and two goals, including an impressive snap in the last quarter after a one-handed pick-up.

LACHIE NEALE (Fremantle): Had an enormous first half in the Dockers' win to finish with 32 disposals, nine marks, 11 clearances, 10 tackles and one goal. 

DANIEL RICH (Brisbane Lions): Moved the ball well with 24 disposals at an efficiency rate of 83 per cent. Also took eight marks and had eight inside 50s while also contributing two goals against the Dogs.

ADAM TRELOAR (Collingwood): It wasn't much of a game, but Treloar was the architect in the Pies' midfield despite being dazed in a tackle in the first quarter. Had 34 touches and kicked a goal.

The fans' pick

RORY SLOANE (Adelaide): Narrowly got over the line against Nat Fyfe in the fan vote after his commanding game against the Power. Drove the ball inside 50 a massive 10 times, won nine clearances and took five marks on his way to 30 disposals.