Essendon ruckman Patrick Ryder took on and beat West Coast stars Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui
RED and Blue hearts beat true as three Demons force their way into our Round 14 Team of the Round.
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RED and Blue hearts beat true as three Demons force their way into our Round 14 Team of the Round.
The ever-reliable Tom McDonald edges teammate James Frawley for a defensive spot, Nathan Jones not surprisingly bobs up in the midfield and Jack Watts is named as a forward in a game where he displayed desperation for his jumper.
Coaching them this week is Chris Scott, who was selected over James Hird, John Longmire and Ken Hinkley for the role.
All had excellent credentials but for Scott to mastermind a complete demolition of Fremantle gave him the nod.
Captaining the side is who else but Jobe Watson, a player in the Shane Warne-mould of sportspersons who can focus solely on the job ahead?
And there are the regular faces, men such as Harry Taylor and Patrick Dangerfield who have been in this side at least seven times each in 2013.
Does that equate to Brownlow medal votes? It certainly will for midfielder Dangerfield but as history shows defenders do not win Brownlows. Sadly.
ROUND 14 Team of the Round:
B: Tom McDonald (Melbourne): Has continued from the excellent base he established last year.
Scott Thompson (North Melbourne): Gone from a dour stopper to a prolific ball-winning rebounder.
Lachie Henderson (Carlton): Was the inspiration for getting the Blues back in the contest.
HB: Craig Bird (Sydney): The harder the better for the boy from Nelson Bay.
Harry Taylor (Geelong): Needs to fall over to miss a second All-Australian selection.
Daniel Jackson (Richmond): An integral part of the new-look Tigers, and kicking well.
C: Brad Ebert (Port Adelaide): Another vital member of a midfield that runs 9-10 deep.
Jobe Watson (Essendon, captain): Some sportspersons seem to thrive when the heat is turned to boiling point.
Dion Prestia (Gold Coast): Of the initial Gold Coast crop, Prestia is the one who has truly emerged.
HF: Nathan Jones (Melbourne): Just did what he does every week, head over the ball.
Jack Watts (Melbourne): Could this be the turning point. He actively pursued physical contact.
Brad Sewell (Hawthorn): Completely team-orientated and capable of big numbers in short periods.
F: Brent Harvey (North Melbourne): Forget next year, why shouldn’t he play another couple?
Tyrone Vickery (Richmond): For the Tigers to make any September inroads, Big Ty is vital.
Allen Christensen (Geelong): The lad known as Bundy is on an upward career track.
R: Paddy Ryder (Essendon): To take on the twin towers on their home patch and beat them says it all.
Patrick Dangerfield (Adelaide): If football players were cars, Paddy would be a Ferrari.
Matt Priddis (West Coast): Might look like a surfer but plays like his life depends on it.
I: Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn): Should he end up with the 2012 Brownlow, his name would sit proudly among the great winners.
Luke Parker (Sydney): With Jude Bolton in his final year the Swans have a like for like long-term replacement.
Matthew Broadbent (Port Adelaide): One of those unsung types who doesn’t play too many bad ones.
Substitute: Matt Wright (Adelaide): Got his chance and plucked it to ensure no vest next week.
Coach: Chris Scott (Geelong): He won his coaching clash with Ross Lyon by a clear margin.