NEVILLE JETTA (Melbourne): Continued his run of impressive performances in defence with 14 disposals at 92 per cent efficiency and five marks. Most importantly, his vital spoil and second effort helped Melbourne cling on to victory in the dying minutes of the game. 

JAKE LEVER (Adelaide): Showcased some elite decision-making when it came to helping out his fellow defenders. Finished with 22 touches, 11 marks and eight one-percenters.

RORY LAIRD (Adelaide): The consistent backman was typically efficient with the footy as he notched up 32 disposals, 12 marks and 651m gained.

CONNOR BLAKELY (Fremantle): Coming off a club-imposed ban after going for a surf, the youngster played as a loose man down back and collected 32 disposals, 12 marks and seven rebound-50s.

MICHAEL HURLEY (Essendon): Missing all last year hasn't hurt the key defender as he continued his fine season with 30 disposals, 11 marks and eight rebound-50s against Collingwood.

DANE RAMPE (Sydney): Was dominant over Gold Coast powerhouse Tom Lynch during the second quarter and kept him quiet for the rest of the game. Amassed 25 disposals and 13 marks proving his importance in the Swans' resurgence.

MITCH DUNCAN (Geelong): Another excellent performance in what has been an impressive season. He racked up 38 disposals, eight clearances and a couple of goals against the Lions. 

PATRICK DANGERFIELD (Geelong): Only two days after the birth of his first child George, the superstar Cat turned it on and was prolific alongside a host of good Geelong players. Finished with 38 disposals and three goals.

JACK STEVEN (St Kilda): Was prolific through the midfield with 33 disposals, 14 contested possessions, seven clearances and five inside-50s. An impressive fend-off and goal added to his contribution to the Saints' surge in the second quarter.

DAYNE ZORKO (Brisbane Lions): Was highly influential in a losing team. An explosive game across the ground saw him gather 36 touches, four goals, 10 clearances, 12 tackles and 726m gained. 

TAYLOR WALKER (Adelaide): Up against the reigning premier, the skipper led from the front. He picked up 18 disposals, 13 contested possessions and slotted three goals, while he was prolific in the aerial stakes.

GARY ROHAN (Sydney): Showcased his overhead strength and his role up forward earned praise from coach John Longmire. Finished with five goals, 12 score involvements and nine marks (four inside 50).

ORAZIO FANTASIA (Essendon): The electric small forward was at his best on the weekend with an equal career-high haul of five goals. He helped the Bombers get over the line with eight score involvements and five tackles.

JONATHON PATTON (Greater Western Sydney): Dominated in the Giants' second draw in as many weeks with 10 marks and booted five goals – two of which came during the final term.

CHARLIE DIXON (Port Adelaide): Last year wasn't great for the Power forward but he's living up to his big contract in 2017. Slotted five goals and gave Paddy Ryder some relief as a back-up ruck in an influential performance.

MATTHEW KREUZER (Carlton): Up against reigning All Australian ruckman Max Gawn, Kreuzer comprehensively took the points for his work around the ground. He had 18 disposals, 11 contested possessions and a goal. 

NAT FYFE (Fremantle): This was the game that showed the Dockers superstar was back. He played a vintage first half on his way to picking up 33 disposals, 18 contested possessions and a goal.

MARC MURPHY (Carlton): Injury struck the Blues when Patrick Cripps and Simon White left the field in the second term against Melbourne, unable to return. The skipper stood up in their absence to finish with 35 disposals and two goals.

TOM MITCHELL (Hawthorn): The ball magnet broke an AFL record of reaching 30 disposals or more for the 12th game in a row. Also finished with nine tackles, 10 clearances and kicked an excellent goal.

SEB ROSS (St Kilda): Dominated the midfield alongside Jack Steven with 33 disposals, 10 contested possessions, eight tackles, 10 score involvements, five clearances, five inside-50s and a goal.

BRAD EBERT (Port Adelaide): Lined up against his former side, the midfielder had a game-high 31 disposals, 11 contested possessions and eight clearances.

The fans' pick

NICK RIEWOLDT (St Kilda): Slotted three goals and shut out Richmond backman Alex Rance to edge Demon Tom McDonald with 57 per cent of the Twitter fan vote.