Teams have targeted Jeremy McGovern and he's been slow to start the season, but he did as he pleased against Gold Coast.

David Astbury's desperation was admirable, even when Richmond had secured the win.

Sydney and the Western Bulldogs played the match of the round and Dane Rampe was critical. 

Nick Haynes is underrated at Greater Western Sydney – he picked up 29 disposals in the back half and was great again in the air.

Cale Hooker's move to the backline helped Michael Hurley, and Elliot Yeo showed again that he doesn't really have a weakness.

Steele Sidebottom would be in Brownlow Medal contention, and he shut down Rory Sloane.

Richmond captain Trent Cotchin has taken his game to a new level and is much more damaging than he used to be. 

Adam Treloar did it on the inside and the outside and he had a handy partner in Grundy.

Unheralded at Hawthorn is Liam Shiels, who is a tackling machine, while Callan Ward stood up in the absence of Josh Kelly.

Shaun Higgins starred for North Melbourne while Ben Brown excelled in tricky conditions.

After being dropped for Geelong's qualifying final last year, Dan Menzel looks like he's enjoying his football again. 

Stephenson showed he can kick goals on the run, at ground level or in the air. 

Martin cruised around against the Lions while Luke Breust's performance against Melbourne was also impressive.

Once again, Jack Macrae was great – he's been doing it for a while. 

Brandan Parfitt played his best game at the level, while Jaeger O'Meara played his best game for Hawthorn.

West Coast forward Jack Darling has improved and he's a big reason the Eagles look so dangerous going into attack.