THE BEST individual performance of the season came from Richmond star Jack Riewoldt, and he slotted straight into my round 21 Team of the Week, brought to you by AccorHotels.
His 10-goal haul in the Tigers' win over Gold Coast was more impressive than silky Greater Western Sydney midfielder Josh Kelly's 41-disposal display against Carlton the week prior, Lance Franklin's eight-goal haul as Sydney beat West Coast in round one and even Riewoldt's own effort against the Swans in round 15, when he had 23 disposals, 16 marks and three goals.
In terms of unlucky players this week, Caleb Daniel was on the brink for the Western Bulldogs, Taylor Adams was great for Collingwood while speedy Hawthorn wingman Isaac Smith wasn't far away either.
Read: Worpel named Round 21 Rising Star
All of Hawthorn's defenders were impressive, none more so than Ryan Burton, who returned to form. Port Adelaide's backline held firm until the final minute as West Coast had a massive 65 inside 50s with Tom Jonas really solid and Tom Clurey keeping Jack Darling goalless. Sydney also had a pair make the team, with Jake Lloyd his typical unassuming self, while Isaac Heeney saved the game against Melbourne behind the ball. Lachie Whitfield is probably on track to win the Giants' best and fairest, which is amazing considering he hadn't previously played in defence.
The Western Bulldogs midfielders were given too much space by North Melbourne and Jackson Macrae and Lachie Hunter took advantage. Dayne Beams was excellent in a losing Brisbane outfit against Collingwood. At Geelong, Gary Ablett hasn't tackled well this year but he was on in that regard against Hawthorn. There weren't many ruckmen to fire this week but Todd Goldstein stood up for the Roos. For Fremantle, Lachie Neale was the catalyst to help the Dockers overcome a slow start and beat Carlton.
Coming off a very good month is Marcus Bontempelli, whose ball use means he doesn't need as much of the football as others to make an impact. Lock in three Brownlow votes for Riewoldt. His teammate Dustin Martin has another gear to go to but he's nevertheless been very good in 2018. Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti was incredible as he slotted five goals in Essendon's victory over St Kilda. Jordan De Goey returned for the Pies as if he hadn't spent any time on the sidelines, while Jaidyn Stephenson has the NAB AFL Rising Star locked up.
Cats superstar Patrick Dangerfield was a workhorse, doing plenty of work inside the contest. Zach Merrett was influential through the midfield for Essendon, while Luke Shuey's clearances were important as the Eagles pulled off an after-the-siren victory. That contest against Joel Selwood from James Worpel was as good as I've seen from a young player. I loved what he produced in an important clash.
