Chris McDermott: Round 19 Team of the Week
WATCH BONE’S CHAT — At the pointy end of the season the stars came out to play to steer their clubs to victory, including some more big hauls up forward. See who made the cut — and one of the most prolific benches you will see.
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AT the pointy end of the 2018 season the stars came out to play to steer their clubs to victory in round 19.
Tom Hawkins was at it again, single-handedly steering Geelong to victory over a plucky St Kilda.
Hawkins took eight marks inside 50 and kicked another seven goals as the Cats shrugged off a plucky Brisbane at GMHBA Stadium.
He is in rare form and Geelong is a different team as a result.
Gary Ablett’s return to form didn’t hurt either with the “Little Master” picking up 38 disposals at 84 per cent efficiency.
On the home front the Power braved wintry conditions in Ballarat to overcome the Western Bulldogs and keep their top-four hopes alive.
With Paddy Ryder back in the 22, Charlie Dixon returned to his full-time gig at full forward and kicked a season-high five goals while Jared Polec continued his impressive season picking up 32 possessions and handling the ball like it was a dry day.
Brad Ebert returned to form with a very solid display and just missed a berth in the TOTW 22.
The Crows’ loss to Melbourne at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night was a costly one and it looks to have ended their faint finals hopes.
Matt Crouch and Rory Laird played well as usual while Wayne Milera was excellent off a half back flank. But all missed selection in the final team.
Melbourne midfielder Clayton Oliver secured his place with a round-high 25 contested possessions and 14 clearances while teammate Christian Petracca may be a shock inclusion for some but his physical impact on this game cannot be denied.
The gun youngster finished with 21 quality possessions, including four goal assists, to be a key match winner for the Demons.
Around the country there were several brilliant individual performances.
Brodie Grundy was a standout in Collingwood’s loss to Richmond, giving his midfield an armchair ride from stoppages with 48 hit outs to go with his 23 possessions
David Astbury was an even bigger star in defence for the Tigers.
Aliir Aliir was in similar form for the Swans in their loss to Essendon, intercept marking at will to repel countless forward attacks from the Bombers. Teammate Jake Lloyd was similarly impassable alongside him on a half back flank with 12 rebounds from the defensive 50 but somehow the Swans found a way to lose.
Michael Hurley was at his best for the Bombers holding Buddy Franklin to just twp goals.
The interchange bench takes the spotlight this round with Patrick Cripps (37 possessions), Tom Mitchell (47 possessions), Gary Ablett (38 possessions) and Paul Ahern (37 possessions) occupying the four spots in the most talented and in-form bench in history!
