Team of the week: round 14

Today's headlines

• Hard work ahead for Saints
  Fri, Jul 30, 10
• Saints fall to Bombers again
  Fri, Jul 30, 10
• GAME DAY - follow the action
  Fri, Jul 30, 10

Today's videos

• Rd18 Press Conference: St K
  Sat, Jul 31, 10
• Ess v St K: Match Summary
  Fri, Jul 30, 10
• Ess v St K: 1st half
  Fri, Jul 30, 10

Brian Harris (Western Bulldogs) – Although he suffered a knock in the eye and had three Warren Tredrea goals kicked on him in the final term, was again one of the Bulldogs' best, providing great drive out of the back half with 25 disposals.

Sam Fisher (St Kilda) – Provided enormous rebound – nine rebounds out of defensive 50 – while collecting 30 touches and an equal career-best 14 marks against the Pies. Topped the Champion Data player rankings in round 14. 

HALF-BACKS
Paul Wheatley (Melbourne) – Statistically, produced his finest AFL effort with 29 disposals against Carlton. Rebounded and sent the ball into attack with purpose, claiming six inside 50s. His disposal efficiency was first class at 93 per cent.

Matthew Egan (Geelong) – Has been an structurally crucial member of his side's back half this season. Again displayed courage and strength against the Bombers, while his tussle with Scott Lucas was a beauty.

Andrew McLeod (Adelaide) – Continued his outstanding season off half-back with career-best disposals against Hawthorn – winning 39 touches (including 25 in the second and third terms). Remains one of the game's best rebounding defenders.

CENTRES
Simon Goodwin (Adelaide) – Won 33 possessions – equalling his best effort in round two this season – with another top-class midfield display against the Hawks. Was superb with his hands and dominant in the clearances, winning eight.

Brett Kirk (Sydney) – The Sydney Swans co-captain has been one of the form players of the competition since round 10. Was best-on-ground against Fremantle on Sunday, winning 24 touches – including 17 contested possessions.  

Nigel Lappin (Brisbane Lions) – Like Kirk, has been in blistering form since round 10, and was best on ground in the stunning upset win over West Coast. Followed up his 36 disposals in round 13 with 33 touches at Subiaco Oval.   

HALF-FORWARDS
Scott Thompson (Adelaide) – Another Crow to rack up career-best stats in round 14. Amassed 39 possessions in a cracking display against the Hawks. His ability to send the ball into attack with vigour was backed up statistically with his 10 inside 50s.

Cameron Mooney (Geelong) – Never stopped presenting against the Bombers, taking 11 marks including five contested grabs. His accuracy was a little astray, but with nine scoring shots still managed 3.6.

Paul Chapman (Geelong) – Best on ground against Essendon, displaying strength and leadership both in the middle and up forward. Had 34 disposals – including 15 in the final term – and booted three goals. 

FORWARDS
Dale Thomas (Collingwood) – Stepped up when needed most in the final quarter against St Kilda. Although denied one of the goals of the year, his two last term majors sealed a come-from-behind Magpie win.

Drew Petrie (Kangaroos) – Backed up a career-best seven goals against the Western Bulldogs last round with six against Richmond – giving him 13 goals straight. A remarkable purple patch.

Jared Brennan (Brisbane Lions) – Played a significant role in his side's epic win over West Coast, kicking four goals from seven scoring shots. Aerial marking was a feature of his play; he took eight grabs.

FOLLOWERS
Dean Cox (West Coast) – His top-notch ruckwork continued against the Lions. Won 21 hit-outs and 26 touches, five of which came from free kicks.

Simon Black (Brisbane Lions) – Another instrumental Lions performer in the win over West Coast. His ability to win the ball out of the middle (28 disposals) and send it inside 50 (seven times) was a major factor in the win.

Tyson Edwards (Adelaide) – Like McLeod, won career-best touches in round 14. Both players made their AFL debut in 1995. Amassed 41 touches – equal-best of any AFL player in 2007 – as a dominant midfielder.

INTERCHANGE
Brent Harvey (Kangaroos) – His best on ground display against Richmond further enhanced his Brownlow Medal prospects. His work-rate was again the highlight of his play, as he won 32 touches.

Domenic Cassisi (Port Adelaide) – That he has taken his game to another level in recent times has been particularly evident over the past three rounds. Playing in the middle against the Bulldogs, he racked up a career-best 38 disposals and added two goals.

Dane Swan (Collingwood) – Continued his outstanding season with another hard-at-it showing against St Kilda. His contested ball-winning was a standout – he won 12 of 29 possessions, plus 11 marks.

Jeff White (Melbourne) – Dominated against an undermanned Carlton ruck division, winning 44 hit-outs – the most for the round. It was also his second-best effort in 245 AFL matches.

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.