Chris McDermott’s Round 20 Team of the Week
IT was a sensational round with some sensational matches and individual performances — particularly the Showdown — making for a tough time at the selection table for Chris McDermott. See who made the cut and blog live with Bone at 12.30pm today.
BLOG WITH BONE: Chat live with Chris McDermott here at 12.30pm on Tuesday
If it wasn’t, it is surely in the Grand Final.
By Saturday night five of the six completed games were decided by less than a kick.
It went a little pear-shaped on Sunday but it was a sensational round with some sensational individual performances.
And one or two to forget.
BLOG WITH BONE: Chat live with Chris McDermott here at 12.30pm on Tuesday
None rose to the occasion better than Geelong's Tim Kelly in the Friday night blockbuster against Richmond at the MCG.
The 24-year-old has been a mild sensation in his first season at the highest level and only enhanced his reputation gathering 36 possessions in the Cats’ narrow loss to the reigning premiers.
Kelly was joined in this weeks team by his skipper Joel Selwood with Patrick Dangerfield unlucky to miss.
Despite those great performances the Tigers were victorious, thanks to the brilliance of Jack Riewoldt's four goals and the continued strong form of midfielder Kane Lambert.
Lambert accumulated a team-high 31 possessions in the nailbiting win.
Alex Rance was brilliant in defence and also could not be ignored.
Showdown 45 was another thriller here at Adelaide Oval with Josh Jenkins kicking the controversial match winner.
Bryce Gibbs won a place in the team in his 250th game while Showdown medallist Robbie Gray was the Power’s sole representative kicking four goals.
Some familiar faces were at their best again.
Collingwood big man Brodie Grundy could not be ignored with a competition-high 57 hit outs to go with his 24 possessions and nine clearances but also in a losing side.
Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin wound the clock back with his best performance of the season, kicking six goals and having a hand in many others for the victors.
Round 20 was a round for the ball winners and several of them produced big numbers.
Huge in fact.
Brownlow Medal favourite Tom Mitchell was at it again for the Hawks gathering 43 possessions.
Jason Johannisen had 42 for the Bulldogs.
Josh Kelly had 41 for the Giants while Zach Merrett had the same number for Essendon.
St Kilda midfielder Seb Ross was the only 40-possession winner to miss a place in this week’s team but the Saints were soundly beaten and there is not enough room for everyone.
