RORY LAIRD (Adelaide): The ultra-consistent backman racked up 34 disposals, 14 contested possessions and nine rebound-50s as the Crows overcame a plucky Melbourne outfit. 

LACHIE HENDERSON (Geelong): The defender was seemingly everywhere helping stop the Luke Hodge-inspired Hawks. He picked up 23 disposals, 10 marks and eight intercept possessions.

ALEX WITHERDEN (Brisbane Lions): In just his fourth career game, the youngster was elite with his kicking in collecting 28 disposals and 551m gained. Earned the NAB AFL Rising Star nomination for his efforts.

SHANNON HURN (West Coast): Was the unanimous choice for the Ross Glendinning Medal with a game-high 15 intercept possessions, and was instrumental in helping keep the Eagles ensconced in the finals race.

MICHAEL HURLEY (Essendon): No surprises here – the Bomber was once again superb down back, this time against St Kilda. Notched 27 disposals, 10 intercept possessions and a goal.

LIAM DUGGAN (West Coast): Playing across half-back, the improving Eagle was excellent with his ball use. Had 31 disposals, 12 contested possessions and 11 intercept possessions in the derby win.

ZACH MERRETT (Essendon): St Kilda had no answer for the classy left-footer, whose first half helped set up a thumping win. Won 37 disposals, 15 contested possessions and laid 10 tackles.

DUSTIN MARTIN (Richmond): Tore the Lions apart with a brutal third quarter. Racked up 40 disposals, 14 clearances and snagged a couple of goals and paid scant attention to anyone who tried to stop him.

JACK MACRAE (Western Bulldogs): One of a few really important contributors who helped the Dogs record a much-needed win. Picked up 31 disposals and won 61 per cent of his disposals in the forward half.

CHAD WINGARD (Port Adelaide): Running through the midfield and across half-forward, the star Power player had 30 disposals, 18 contested possessions and three goals.

LANCE FRANKLIN (Sydney): Demanded a spot after another magnificent performance. The match-winner against Greater Western Sydney with 18 disposals, 10 score involvements, four goals and 607m gained.

TOM LYNCH (Adelaide): His return from viral meningitis went as well as he could have hoped. Notched 27 disposals, 11 marks, 11 score involvements, booted three goals and gained 580m.

TAYLOR WALKER (Adelaide): Formed a dangerous combination with Lynch to help down the Demons. The captain's stat line of 21 disposals, 12 score involvements, eight marks and four goals was impressive. 

PATRICK DANGERFIELD (Geelong): It seems the reigning Brownlow medallist can do just about anything on the football field. Booting five goals from 11 shots on one leg was, quite frankly, absurd. 

JOE DANIHER (Essendon): Will potentially be a very worthy second place when it comes to deciding who has taken the Woolworths Mark of the Year, behind Collingwood's Jeremy Howe, after he soared over St Kilda's Jake Carlisle. Slotted four goals to continue a career-best season.

PADDY RYDER (Port Adelaide): Up against the best ruckman in the competition a couple of years ago in Todd Goldstein, the Port big man absolutely had his way with the Roos.  

MARCUS BONTEMPELLI (Western Bulldogs): Hardly a shock that the superstar stood up when required. Had 30 disposals and bagged a couple of goals to help defeat Carlton. 

TOM MITCHELL (Hawthorn): Booted a goal within the first minute of the game, on his way to 19 disposals in the first quarter alone. Finished with 43 and won the clearance that set up Isaac Smith's shot for goal that, if converted, would have been the game-winner.

BEN CUNNINGTON (North Melbourne): Outstanding in a losing side. Collected a match-high 33 disposals and 26 contested possessions. Couldn't have done much more.

TAYLOR ADAMS (Collingwood): Just shaded Steele Sidebottom as the best Magpie against Gold Coast. Finished with 31 disposals and 17 contested possessions. 

CALLAN WARD (Greater Western Sydney): The hard-headed co-captain was immense with 32 disposals, 18 contested possessions and a mammoth 15 clearances.

The fans' pick

GARY ABLETT (Gold Coast): Tireless in tough conditions. The numbers read 41 disposals, 11 clearances and two goal assists as rain bucketed down at Metricon Stadium against Collingwood. Beat Fremantle superstar Nat Fyfe in the fan vote with 64 per cent of the vote.