Standout performances in the VFL will no longer win players selection in the AFL this season, but nevertheless we will give you a snapshot of who performed well from Saturday’s big win over the Northern Blues.

Will Hams

23 disposals (13 kicks, 10 handballs), three goals, four behinds, eight marks, six tackles, three inside 50’s.

Hams spent a lot of time through the midfield but also as a focal point inside forward 50 and looked dangerous whenever the ball was in his area. Marked well in contested situations and worked himself into good positions, receiving some heavy attention from the opposition along the way. Could have had a real day out if not for some wayward kicking.

Shaun Edwards

22 disposals (19 kicks, three handballs), three goals, four marks, four tackles, four inside 50’s, three rebound 50’s.

Got the ball all over the ground and was at his aggressive and creative best when in possession. Kicked a vital goal from outside 50 in the third term when the Blues were still in the hunt, capping off a stellar day with two goals in the last quarter. Has put together some very strong form in the lead up to this Saturday’s elimination final.

Mark Jamar

16 disposals (10 kicks, six handballs), six marks, three tackles, four inside 50’s, two rebound 50’s, 21 hitouts.

The Russian just makes the Dons midfield so much better, but also has a real presence and is a threat when he is forward. Took some great contested marks deep inside the forward 50 but couldn’t finish off his good work.

James Polkinghorne

19 disposals (11 kicks, eight handballs), two goals, one behind, one mark, five inside 50’s, one rebound 50.

Is the most experienced Bombers midfielder and it shows week in, week out. Not his biggest numbers of the season but they were all clean.

Best of the VFL

Nash Holmes

27 disposals (18 kicks, nine handballs), four goals, three behinds, six marks, one tackle, eight inside 50’s, three rebound 50’s.

27 touches and four goals are the types of numbers that all midfielders dream off and is the best Holmes has produced at VFL level. Holmes has become a vital member of the Dons midfield playing mostly from the wing on Saturday and pumping the ball inside 50 or on goal.

Aaron Heppell

28 disposals (12 kicks, 16 handballs), one goal, three marks, five tackles, four inside 50’s.

Was one of the players who relished the early pressure from the Blues and stood out for the duration of the game. Kicked a brilliant second quarter goal when the side needed it and his ability to use the ball is a key feature of his much improved game.

Ben McNiece

18 disposals (11 kicks, seven handballs), one goal, four marks, two tackles, three inside 50’s, four rebound 50’s.

Second game back after a hamstring injury and highlighted his importance and calming influence in the defensive half. McNiece was a solid contributor all day, dour and defence and often a key link in attack. Kicked a massive goal from outside 50 in the fourth quarter.

Ben Dobson

17 disposals (10 kicks, seven handballs), one goal, one behind, two marks, one tackle, five inside 50.

 Continues what has been a great month of footy since moving into the midfield. His marking ability gives an added dimension to the midfield group.

Sam Heavyside

17 disposals (six kicks, 11 handballs), one goal, two marks, two tackles, two inside 50’s.

Small forward who is lively and clean when he gets his opportunities. Has played 15 games this season and his front and centre crumbing work is elite.