Predicted AFL team of the week: Round 22

This team consists of players I predict to be the best performers in round 22.

B: Jack Crisp (Magpies), Aliir Aliir (Swans), Nic Newman (Swans)
HB: Rory Laird (Crows), Robbie Tarrant (Kangaroos), Hayden Crozier (Bulldogs)
C: Lachie Hunter (Bulldogs), Tom Mitchell (Hawks), Jack Sinclair (Saints)
HF: Toby Mclean (Bulldogs), Lance Franklin (Swans), Sam Menegola (Cats)
FF: Robbie Gray (Power), Marcus Bontempelli (Bulldogs), Jade Gresham (Saints)
Foll: Rory Lobb (Giants), Patrick Dangerfield (Cats), Liam Shiels (Hawks)
Int: Justin Westhoff (Power), Clayton Oliver (Demons), Angus Brayshaw (Demons), Caleb Daniel (Bulldogs)

Backs
Jack Crisp should show why he has been such an important part of the Magpies back six against the Power. There is an opportunity for Aliir Aliir to display why he has been such a revelation for the Swans since fighting his way into the side in his duel with Giants tall forward Jeremy Cameron.

Nic Newman was one of the better players for the Swans in Round 21 and needs to follow that up in Round 22 if he is to cement his spot in the Sydney line-up. Rory Laird always manages to provide a lot of run off half back for the Crows and the game against the Kangaroos is a chance for him to continue providing that drive for his team.

There is an opportunity for Hayden Crozier to be considered one of the best recruits in the competition if can replicate his performance from Round 21.

(AAP Image/Daniel Munoz)

Midfielders
Lachie Hunter played an outstanding game against the Kangaroos, winning plenty of the ball. He should be able to follow that up against a hapless Blues outfit. Tom Mitchell will probably win the Brownlow Medal this year and has a chance to get the three votes this weekend against an out-of-sorts Saints outfit. Jack Sinclair is an instrumental part of the Saints team and should show why against the Hawks this Saturday night.

Forwards
Toby Mclean is one of the most important players for the Bulldogs, which he has the opportunity to substantiate this weekend. Lance Franklin needs to have a good game for the Swans to be victorious against the Giants and also to keep alive his slim chances of winning this year’s Coleman Medal.

Sam Menegola is a pivotal player for the Cats and it’s essential that he puts in a good performance if Geelong are to get the four points in Round 22. Robbie Gray is one of the elite players of the competition against the Magpies this weekend.

Marcus Bontempelli is also one of the best players in the AFL – he’s able to play as a key forward in spite of being undersized, which he emphasised last Sunday when he kicked four goals and should dominate against the Blues in Round 22.

Jade Gresham is one player who can hold his head up high for the Saints this season and has the chance to back that up this weekend.

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Followers
Rory Lobb had possibly his best performance of the season in Round 21 and should relish the experience to show his wares as the Giants number one ruckman in Round 22, just as he did last Saturday night.

Patrick Dangerfield was brilliant against the Hawks and could well the repeat his performance this Saturday. Liam Shiels often goes under the radar, but he is one of the most underrated players in the competition, which he may well validate against the Saints.

Interchange
Justin Westhoff is a versatile player for Port Adelaide. He may have to pinch hit in the ruck and kick some goals up forward given the Power are set to be without Charlie Dixon.

Clayton Oliver and Angus Brayshaw can play pivotal roles for the Demons with Andrew Gaff missing for the Eagles through suspension. Caleb Daniel plays an integral part in the Bulldogs team, which could be the case against the Blues, which should find it tough to get a suitable match-up to curtail the influence of the talented Bulldogs.