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AFL Round 8 heroes and villains

Jake Stringer needs to fire for the Doggies to have a chance this weekend. (AAP Image/Julian Smith)
Roar Rookie
16th May, 2016
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Round 8 of the AFL saw Geelong continue their strong form by defeating the Crows in Adelaide, the Dockers remain winless, and Richmond emerge as one-point winners against a potent Swans outfit.

Oh, and the Blues made it four wins in a row in a brilliant contest against the Power!

But who were the standout heroes and villains in the four closest matches of the weekend?

Adelaide Crows 11.6.72 defeated by Geelong Cats 13.20.98

Hero: Steven Motlop
On every occasion where Adelaide got close, Motlop kept his side composed. He finished with four goals straight, but he did so much more, his running throughout the match was key to the away victory.

Villain: Brodie Smith
A dismal performance from the midfielder, racking up just six disposals, significantly lower than his average of 20.5 disposals so far this season.

He wasn’t the only player with a below-par performance, but was without doubt the standout villain for the Crows.

Richmond Tigers 14.17.101 defeated Sydney Swans 15.10.100

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Heroes: Sam Lloyd and Ben Griffiths
It was a great team performance from the Tigers, but Lloyd and Griffiths instigated the remarkable victory. Lloyd kicked three goals, including the match-winner after the final siren, while Griffiths kept his side within touching distance all match with a personal best performance of five goals, 20 disposals and seven marks.

The pair’s combined eight goals compensated for Jack Riewoldt’s one goal and Tyrone Vickery’s goalless outing.

Carlton Blues 14.9.93 defeated Port Adelaide 13.13.91

Hero: Matthew Kreuzer
Five of the top six disposal getters were Carlton players, but the standout was Kreuzer. Despite getting injured in the second quarter, he emerged from the bench to lead the Blues with 15 disposals, 38 hit-outs and two goals, including the match-winner.

Villains: Travis Boak and Chad Wingard
The two star-midfielders had a shocker, mustering up just 23 disposals between them (Wingard 11) (Boak 12). They couldn’t generate enough service to their key forwards.

Melbourne Demons 12.10.82 defeated by Western Bulldogs 17.12.114

Hero: Jake Stringer
‘The Package’ produced another impressive display, following his four goals in Round 7 with another five against the Demons, in a performance that proved the difference in the contest.

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Villain: Max Gawn
Won the hit-out count but he had just six disposals, seven fewer than his average, and didn’t have much of a say in proceedings.

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