Geelong secured the minor premiership, Richmond a double chance and the Western Bulldogs a finals spot in round 23, and all have been rewarded with three players each in AFL.com.au’s Team of the Week
The Bulldogs ran the legs off Adelaide and it was the usual midfield suspects that did the damage, led by Marcus Bontempelli (31 disposals, 10 tackles and one goal) and Jack Macrae (36 and nine clearances), while Bailey Dale was also selected for his five-goal haul.
Despite Carlton's heavy defeat at Geelong, Blue Jacob Weitering could hold his head high, locking down the fullback spot by keeping Tom Hawkins to just seven disposals and no goals. Grimes was magnificent in nullifying dangerous Lion Charlie Cameron, while Vlastuin racked up seven intercept marks to control the air. Connor McKenna (35 disposals and 710m) was at his electric best off half-back in Essendon's loss, while Darcy Byrne-Jones continued a strong season for Port and Stewart enhanced his strong reputation against the Blues.
The ruck was possibly the hardest spot in the team to select, with Max Gawn edging Brodie Grundy. Gawn was sublime against in-form Todd Goldstein, racking up 26 disposals (20 contested) and kicking three goals in Melbourne's narrow loss. In the same game Jared Polec gained in excess of 700m from his 29 disposals and two goals, while Scott Pendlebury (33) was exquisite in the Magpies' win. Lion Lachie Neale racked up video-game numbers against Richmond, finishing with 51 touches (25 contested) and 14 clearances, while Sydney's Josh Kennedy (32 and two goals) ensured his great mates Jarrad McVeigh and Kieren Jack went out winners. Dangerfield might have clinched the Brownlow Medal with a certain three votes against Carlton.
A couple of superstars headline the bench this week, with Martin (21 and two goals) explosive against the Lions and Patrick Cripps (35 and 13 clearances) at his bulldozing best against the Cats. Macrae made the team for the fourth time in five weeks and Chad Wingard (28 disposals and seven clearances) played one of his best games in Hawthorn colours.