THE QUIET ACHIEVERS OF THE AFL FINALISTS
ADELAIDE: Luke Brown. Age: 24: Games played: 112. Finals: 4 (2 wins 2 losses). The unsung defender gets a tough task every week: contain the most dangerous small opposition forward. And he rarely lets the Crows down, displaying impeccable concentration and using his silky skills with effect.
GEELONG: Tom Stewart. Age: 24. Games: 18. Goals: 2. Finals: 0 (0 wins 0 losses). Finals goals: 0. Stewart has slotted seamlessly into the Cats' back six in his first year at the elite level. He's worked closely with Matthew Scarlett and Corey Enright so it shouldn't surprise that he's strong in the air and rarely makes mistakes.
RICHMOND: Dylan Grimes. Age: 26. Games: 101. Goals: 3. Finals: 3 (0 wins 3 losses). Finals goals: 0. The versatile defender has had his issues with injury, but managed to play all 22 games this season for the first time in his career. Whether on tall or small opponents he goes about his business with a minimum of fuss.
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY: Nick Haynes. Age: 25. Games: 78. Goals: 8. Finals: 2 (1 win 1 loss). Finals goals: 0. Coach Leon Cameron once described the defender as the team's "quiet assassin". The foundation Giant has become one of the league's best intercept marks with few people outside the club noticing.
PORT ADELAIDE: Tom Clurey: Age: 23. Games: 40. Finals: 0. The unheralded backman is enjoying a breakout season, playing all 22 games. Can play on talls and smalls and invariably shuts them down with minimal fuss.
SYDNEY: Jake Lloyd. Age: 23. Games: 90. Goals: 22. Finals: 9 (4 wins 5 losses). The rebounding defender lacks profile but is every chance of a podium finish at the Swans' best and fairest. Has taken his game to another level this year.
ESSENDON: Mark Baguley. Age: 30. Games: 103. Goals: 3. Finals: 1 (0 win 1 loss). Finals goals: 0. There are more creative players in the Bombers' back six, but Baguley can be counted on to work tirelessly all day. Played 21 games this season and is in good form heading into September.
WEST COAST: Brad Sheppard. Age: 26. Games: 129. Goals: 17. Finals: 4 (2 wins 2 losses). Finals goals: 1. Jeremy McGovern, Elliot Yeo and Tom Barrass are the ones who take the fancy marks in defence but Sheppard's role is just as important in keeping the opposition's best small forward quiet. Sheppard's pace also offers the Eagles good rebound out of defence.
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