Invergordon’s Lachie Ash lapped up the torrential rainfall at Giants Stadium on Sunday afternoon to play a key role in GWS’s 22-point win over Hawthorn.
The Giants’ fifth triumph of the season, Ash was in everything across half-back, picking up 21 disposals and constantly repelling Hawthorn’s attacking forays.
Most impressive about the 21-year-old’s performance was his ball use, going at 71 per cent efficiency in what were incredibly trying conditions.
He also showed he was willing to get his hands dirty, laying five tackles and picking up 10 contested possessions as he continues to develop into a quality running defender.
Benalla’s Harry Morrison continued his breakout campaign for Hawthorn.
Making the high half-forward role his own this season, Morrison was another who thrived in the rain-soaked conditions, collecting 25 disposals with 22 of those kicks.
He also made his presence known around the goals, making the most of his scoring opportunity to finish with one major and was a menace with his forward pressure, laying six tackles.
Across the Nullarboor, Echuca product Ollie Wines put together an epic 39-disposal performance as the Power fell just short of a memorable come-from-behind victory against Fremantle.
Needing a win to keep their season alive, the reigning Brownlow medallist rose to the fore, winning 17 contested possessions, five clearances and taking six marks in what was a herculean effort.
A feature of Wines’ game was his ability to go back and help his defence, registering seven intercept possessions and taking some pivotal marks in defence.
For Fremantle, Shepparton’s Will Brodie added yet another chapter to his story.
Proving pivotal in the trenches, Brodie recorded 27 disposals, four clearances and nine tackles as Fremantle prevailed in the gripping contest at Optus Stadium.
Brodie was supported through the midfield by Seymour veteran David Mundy, who once again showed that age is just a number.
Bringing some much-needed class on the outside of the contest, Mundy picked up 19 touches and cut the Power up with his ball use going at an elite 79 per cent disposal efficiency.
Finley’s Tom Hawkins shot up into the top three of the Coleman Medal standings, booting six goals in Geelong’s 112-point win over North Melbourne.
Provided silver service from his dominant midfielders, Hawkins capitalised, taking 10 marks and producing an accurate return of 6.3.
Along with his ability to hit the scoreboard, the 33-year-old was pivotal in setting up his teammates, notching up 14 score involvements and two goal assists.
And while it was yet another disappointing day for the Kangaroos, Mooroopna product Jy Simpkin could hold his head high, battling all night to finish with 27 disposals and seven tackles.
Up north, Tallygaroopna’s Steele Sidebottom showed his class and experience as Collingwood defeated Gold Coast by five points in a Saturday night classic at Metricon Stadium.
Continuing to thrive on the wing, Sidebottom collected 27 disposals, took three marks and laid five tackles in what was a vintage performance by the 279-game veteran.