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With one round of action concluded, here is the team of the round which comprises the best of the best so far in the AFL in 2015.
Back Pocket: Josh Gibson
Gibson is probably the best third tall defender in the competition and now, after being freed up thanks to the acquisition of James Frawley, has the chance to play this position each week. He started the season in brilliant fashion, collecting 11 marks on his way to 26 disposals at 92 per cent efficiency. His 6 one percenters supported his case as the best performing third tall in Round 1.
Full-Back: Tom McDonald
There were few outstanding defensive performances against premier key forwards in the first round, with Daniel Talia and Brian Lake playing in dominant teams that conceded few scores while Tom Lonergan and Harry Taylor were dominated by the Hawks talls.
As such, McDonald, who had 26 disposals, 12 marks and 7 rebound 50s, claims the full-back position in the Round 1 team of the week.
Back Pocket: Luke Brown
Against the Roos, Brown was able to keep Lindsay Thomas, who kicked 45 goals last year, goalless until he was subbed off early in the fourth quarter with a cork. After this, Thomas went on to kick two, highlighting the effect Brown had on him throughout the first 3 goals.
Half-Back Flank: Shannon Hurn
Hurn was solid in his first game as captain, collecting 22 disposals at 73 per cent and 5 rebound 50’s. His elite kicking gets him into the team ahead of Brodie Smith, Kade Simpson and Claye Beams.
Centre-Half Back: Jeremy McGovern
McGovern was outstanding in an undersized Eagles defence after Brown went down in the first quarter with a season ending knee injury. He was best on ground, collecting 26 pivotal disposals (15 contested) as a key defender.
He collected 12 marks including a round high 5 contested. His 9 one percenters underlined him as the best performing key defender of the opening round.
Half-Back Flank: Daniel Rich
Rich was remarkable in his comeback from a knee reconstruction, collecting 29 disposals in the wet and nearly pushing the Lions over the line on Saturday night. His kicking was as dangerous as ever, kicking two long range goals as well as delivering the ball out of his defensive 50 7 times and into his forward line 6 times.
Wing: Jordan Lewis
Lewis was best on ground in the Hawks demolition of the Cats, with an equal round high 35 disposals at 71 per cent disposal efficiency. His four score assists cemented him in the starting 18.
Center: David Mundy
Along with Fyfe and Pavlich, Mundy propelled the Dockers to victory with a 29 disposal, 10 clearance performance. Amazingly, his 29 possessions (15 contested) came at almost 80 per cent disposal efficiency, the highest of any of the top 20 contested possession winners.
Wing: Jarred Polec
Polec was the best performing winger during the first round of football for 2015, collecting 29 disposals (22 uncontested) at 83% disposal efficiency. He was key to the Power’s run and carry throughout the game and has just nudged out Isaac Smith.
Half-Forward Flank: Patrick Dangerfield
Dangerfield was outstanding in the opening half of the game, collecting 18 disposals (11 contested) and kicking a goal. By half-time the game was decided, meaning Dangerfield was sent to the forward line for the majority of the second half, keeping him to just 25 disposals and 2 goals. He was second best on ground and cannot be ignored this week.
Centre-Half Forward: Matthew Pavlich
The ‘Pav’ was as inspirational as Walker and his four goals proved to be the difference between the two teams on Sunday night. Each of his 19 disposals were influential and as such he is named the vice-captain of the team.
Half-Forward Flank: Luke Bruest
Bruest was again brilliant, kicking 5 goals as part of his 11 score involvements (equal fourth highest of the round). He also had 10 pressure acts to put him into contention for the best small forward of the round.
Forward Pocket: Eddie Betts
Was stuck in the shadows of ‘Tex’ but still kicked 4 goals and was involved in 12 scores, the second most in the competition. Each of his 21 disposals were dangerous, even as he drifted through the midfield, giving him the nod over Garlett and Bruest as the best small forward of the round.
Full-Forward: Taylor Walker
Walker was, without doubt, the best performing forward of the round. His 6 goals (11 scoring shots), 2 assists, 7 inside 50s and 15 marks (3 contested and 9 inside 50) speak of the complete game in which he was the inspirational captain which the Crows needed. As such, he is named at full-forward in the team of the week and as captain. He was involved in 14 scores, the most of any player in Round 1.
Forward Pocket: Jack Riewoldt
Reiwoldt was the third best forward of the round, taking 8 marks (3 contested) on his way to 4 goals.
Ruck: Nic Naitanui
Naitanui was the standout ruckman, collecting more hit-outs (38) and disposals (15) than any other ruckman. He also chipped in for a goal.
Ruck Rover: Josh Kennedy
Once again collected the most contested possessions of the round with 24, 5 higher than any other player in the competition. He was a presence around the stoppages all day, with 9 of his 30 touches clearances.
Rover: Nat Fyfe
Fyfe is sure to earn the three votes after his 31 disposal performance against the Power. He was strong on the ground, collecting 15 contested possessions, as well as in the air with 2 contested marks and 2 marks inside 50.
Interchange: Robbie Gray
Robbie Gray is stiff to miss out on a starting position in the side after his 31 disposal (16 contested) game which included 9 clearances. He misses out on a starting position because he lacked his usual damage with no goals or goal assists and only 5 score involvements.
Interchange: Luke Parker
A concussion stopped Parker from being the player of the round after he a knock early in the fourth quarter. He still managed to amass a equal round highs in disposals (35, 17 contested) and clearances (10).
Interchange: Dylan Sheil
Sheil had another strong game for the Giants in which he was best on ground with 28 disposals at 82 per cent disposal efficiency, 6 clearances and a goal. Narrowly beats team mate Adam Treloar for a spot in the team.
Interchange: Dion Presita
Prestia played a lone hand in the Suns midfield with skipper Gary Ablett obviously still injured despite playing the game. He had eight more possessions than any of his team mates and his eight clearances were important. Just nudges out Richard Douglas (31 disposals, 9 clearances, 10 score involvements).
Round 1:
B: Gibson, T McDonald, L Brown
HB: Hurn, McGovern, Rich
C: Lewis, Mundy, Polec
HF: Dangerfield, Pavlich (vc), Bruest
F: Betts, Walker (c), Reiwoldt
FOLL: Naitanui, Kennedy, Fyfe
INT: Gray, Parker, Sheil, Prestia
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