It was a week for the ruckmen, with three big men making the top-10, whilst a veteran Pie starred in Bucks’ farewell game.
See the full list, and who was judged player of the round below.
10. Jonathon Ceglar (HAW)
Ceglar wasn’t even named when the teams were released, but the late call-up grabbed his opportunity with both hands. Won the ruck battle against an in-form Tom Hickey with 35 hit-outs, also picked up 20 dispsoals – 19 of which were contested – 11 clearances, two contested marks and one goal.
9. Nic Naitanui (WCE)
Naitanui’s decisive tap-work was a feature as always, and he rose late having been stunned by Mabior Chol early, playing a crucial role in a crucial win against the reigning premiers. Won more of the ball than usual with 20 disposals – albeit with a dismal 40% efficiency – plus 15 contested possessions, 31 hit-outs, seven score involvements, five clearances and an impressive goal from the pocket.
8. Tom Mitchell (HAW)
34 disposals is almost a below-par day-out for the ball-magnet, but he ramped up his influence with 16 contested possessions, seven tackles, six intercept possessions, one goal and 440 metres gained.
EUROS: Preview: Germany vs France
7. Jack Steele (STK)
Steele dominating in a side that can’t get the job done is getting repetitive. He’s got the club on his shoulders and is receiving little support. Tallied 34 disposals, 19 contested possessions, 12 tackles, 12 inside 50s, nine clearances, six intercept possessions, five score involvements and 605 metres gained in the loss to Adelaide.
6. Brayden Maynard (COLL)
One of the Pies’ most reliable players, Maynard played arguably his game of the season to farewell outgoing coach Nathan Buckley. Took 13 marks, including a pivotal contested mark in the game's closing stages, had 22 disposals at 91% efficiency, plus nine intercept possessions and five score involvements.
5. Sean Darcy (FRE)
The 23-year-old did a number on the Suns’ inexperienced Zac Smith, and was Freo’s standout player in the win; amassing 40 hit outs, 17 disposals, 13 contested possessions, seven clearances, six tackles, six score involvements and 411 metres gained.
Enjoying this article?
Click here to subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss a thing!
4. Josh Kelly (GWS)
He’s had a quiet season to date, but Kelly starred in the Giants’ breathtaking draw with North Melbourne. Accumulated 39 disposals, 17 contested possessions, two goals, 12 score involvements, eight inside 50s, six clearances, six tackles and 654 metres gained.
3. Josh Kennedy (WCE)
Kennedy was central in West Coast’s thrilling triumph over Richmond, kicking a match-winning snap that bent through with inches to spare in the final minute. That was one of four goals for the stalwart, who also had three goal assists, eight score involvements, six inside 50s and 15 disposals.
2. Jeremy Cameron (GEEL)
Cameron is thriving at the Cattery and forming an ominous partnership with fellow Coleman Medal winning forward Tom Hawkins. Slotted five goals along with two goal assists, 12 score involvements, six inside 50s and 19 disposals at a stellar 90% efficiency in Geelong’s victory over Port Adelaide.
1. Scott Pendlebury (COLL)
Having spent so much of his coveted black and white career with Nathan Buckley, it was fitting the Pies champion wound back the clock to give his coach the send-off he deserved. Pendles played a mammoth game, dominating in the midfield with 31 disposals at an 87% efficiency, 20 contested possessions, and five clearances. He had an impact forward with a goal and seven score involvements, but the most impressive aspect of his game was his defensive work. In the dying stages, the Demons last genuine chance to keep the game alive was killed by none other than Pendlebury, who rose in the pack to spoil the ball through for a behind, and finished with a game-high 12 intercept possessions.
Player of the Season
An accumulative award based on each round’s Player Rankings, with players being awarded points correlating with their ranking. 10 points for 1st, 9 for 2nd, 8 for 3rd and so on.
Have your say in the comments below
Comments