KOROIT export Willem Drew continued his rapid rise up the AFL midfield charts with a best on ground performance last Friday night.
The 22 year-old finished the night with 32 disposals and eight clearances to be Port Adelaide’s best in its 40 point win over Collingwood at Marvel Stadium.
It was undoubtedly the former Saint’s best performance at the elite level in his 28 game career and continues his quick ascension into the Power’s starting midfield.
Drew was one of 11 from the Hampden’s league’s AFL-listed contingent to feature in the top grade and you can read on to find out what did what for their respective clubs:
AFL:
Zach Merrett (Essendon)
Was well held against the Giants, collecting only 20 possessions in his side’s 13 point defeat. Picked up four clearances which showed he was still effective around the stoppages.
Gary Rohan (Geelong)
Kicked a goal to go alongside 12 disposals in the Cats 38 point win in the grand final rematch against Richmond.
Hugh McCluggage (Brisbane Lions)
Celebrated his 100th game with another strong performance. Was a bit wayward in front of the sticks kicking a couple of behinds in the Lions win over Gold Coast, but 23 touches and 661 metres gained showed he was once again very effective for the victors.
Sean Darcy (Fremantle)
Collected 19 possessions alongside 22 hit-outs and five clearances in another strong performance. Finished with a goal also and could have kicked four, but missed three attempts in the Dockers loss to Sydney.
Sam Walsh (Carlton)
Collected 27 touches to go alongside four clearances and was among Carlton’s best in the Blues 39 point loss to North Melbourne.
Willem Drew (Port Adelaide)
Arguably his best game at AFL level. Drew excelled around the stoppages and ensured his defensive efforts (five tackles) and attacking forays (five inside 50s) matched his performance in the clinches.
Josh Corbett (Gold Coast Suns)
Another to produce a strong game. Kicked three goals from 16 possessions in their defeat to Brisbane.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (Western Bulldogs)
Kicked a goal in the Bulldogs 20 point win over Melbourne.
Ben Cunnington (North Melbourne)
The bullocking inside midfielder was at his damaging best around the stoppages in the Kangas’ victory over Carlton.
Finished the contest with 10 clearances, including six out of the centre, and racked up 27 possessions in another strong performance.
However, on Tuesday it was announced Cunnington would be sidelined indefinitely after having surgery to remove a testicular tumour.
The HFNL community sends its best wishes to Ben and his family and hopes the early diagnosis will allow him to make a full and speedy recovery.
State League (VFL, SANFL, WAFL):
Marty Gleeson (Essendon)
Collected 19 disposals and 10 rebound 50s across half back in the Bombers’ narrow VFL defeat to Southport.
Didn’t play:
Easton Wood (Western Bulldogs)
Didn’t play at either level as he continued his return from ankle injury but has been named in the Bulldogs line-up for this weekend’s clash with Adelaide.
Jay Rantall (Collingwood)
Did not play at either level as the VFL was paused for some Victorian and New South Wales sides due to the respective COVID lockdown. Has been named as an emergency for this weekend’s clash against West Coast.
Rowan Marshall (St Kilda)
Was a late withdrawal from the Saints clash with West Coast after it was discovered he had visited a Tier 1 exposure site in the lead-up to the clash and was forced into isolation.
Jamaine Jones (West Coast Eagles)
Still on the sidelines after injuring his ankle against Sydney three weeks ago.
Lewis Taylor (Sydney)
Did not play at either level as the VFL was paused for some Victorian and New South Wales sides due to the respective COVID lockdowns.
