At the completion of Round 5, Melbourne still stand alone as the only team undefeated. The double-header Good Friday games saw two blowouts, while both Carlton and Fremantle sit 4-1.
The traditional Easter Monday clash didn’t disappoint either, with the Hawks overcoming their arch nemesis in a thriller.
With that said, some players stood out with impressive performances such as Matt Taberner (7 goals) and Bailey Smith (43 touches).
However, some players have quietly dropped away while others continue to amaze from behind the scenes.
After round 5, we decided to take a look at whom these might players be.
Who’s flying under the radar?
Jai Newcombe – The emerging Hawthorn midfielder had a day to remember in his inaugural Easter Monday Clash against the Cats. In a midfield alongside Tom Mitchell, Jaeger O’Meara and high-draft pick Josh Ward, it’s easy to misplace Newcombe and his performances. His 31-possession game was second highest on the field (Tom Mitchell 1st – 33) was worth its weight in gold, as he carried the ball over 650 metres forward in a wet and scrappy day. The mid-season recruit continues to impress and take his opportunity at this level, with Monday’s game being arguably his best for the club.
Jack Crisp – The Collingwood midfielder is known for his consistency but his importance to their game is second to none. Surrounded by names like Scott Pendlebury, Taylor Adams and Jordan De Goey, Crisp usually falls through the cracks but is a dangerous weapon to McRae and his team. Against his old side, the running Pie collected 36 touches and 11 clearances as he almost willed his side to another victory in 2022. The 2021 Copeland Trophy winner is renowned for his dependability, playing 163 games consecutively and might start getting the recognition he deserves.
Jack Sinclair – The St Kilda versatility continues to go from strength to strength, becoming a dominant player under Brett Ratten. Sinclair splits his time across halfback and in the midfield, where his speed, good ball use and decision making become a significant factor to the way St Kilda play. Finishing second in the Best and Fairest vote count, the 27-year-old is quickly asserting himself as a force to be reckoned with and turning heads in the process.
Who’s Mr Consistent?
Bailey Smith - Only missing one game since his debut, Bailey Smith can be labelled as Mr Consistent, especially given his output in 2022. In his four game this year, the no.7 draft pick hasn’t dropped under 30 touches, with his round 5 performance more than likely earning him Brownlow votes. Smith collected 43 disposals as the Western Bulldogs ran riot in a Good Friday onslaught of North Melbourne. Listed as elite in most categories, Smith’s significance to Luke Beveridge’s team is great, with his acceleration and strength in close allowing him to be both an inside and outside player for the Dogs.
James Sicily – Pegged to be a captain of Hawthorn, James Sicily has returned nicely from an ACL injury. Missing all of 2021 as a precaution, the intercept defender has been one of the main reasons in the Hawks’ improvement, as they sit 3-2. Sicily averages around 24 touches and nine marks a game, helping win the ball back and using it to get out of the back half. The 27-year-old had 26 disposals and 15 marks in the Easter Monday clash and was pivotal in the Hawthorn upset.
George Hewett – Coming across from the Swans, George Hewett has not looked out of place in the navy blue, being heralded as a key cog in the Carlton machine. Looking for more midfield minutes, Hewett has been able to showcase his craft in tight, collecting an average of 30 disposals this season. Against the Power, the inside midfielder was able to tally 33 possessions, 19 contested as well as game-high 13 clearances. The move to Ikon Park has been good for both parties so far, as Hewett continues to impress week-in week-out.
Who’s fallen away?
Patrick Dangerfield – The Brownlow medallist is not performing to his lofty standards, creating questions for those outside the four walls of Kardinia Park. So far this year, Dangerfield averages only 21 touches and three tackles alluding to the fact that he’s down on form or playing out of position. In a bid to develop some of the younger talent on the list, the former Crow seems to be splitting his time between the midfield and forward line, as some say his weapons can be used inside 50. However, it seems that ‘Danger’ is just struggling at the minute and finding it difficult to have the usual impact he normally does.
Brodie Grundy – The two-time All-Australian seems to be lacklustre in his performances thus far. What we know of Grundy is his strong ability to follow the ball contest-to-contest and outwork his opponent. In season 2022, we have seen almost a deflated star ruckman, whose follow up is near non-existent and his counter part is beaten him around the ground. In round 5, Grundy didn’t register a tackle or mark, which is the second time this has occurred. Although Collingwood is exceeding pre-season expectations, Grundy must improve if they’re to square of their win/loss record come the ANZAC Day clash.
David Swallow – The former captain of the Suns appears to be in a form slump as his output isn’t what his coach expected. Averaging only 14 disposals a game, the running machine usually is able to collect a lot more, having a much greater impact on the game. The last two weeks, Swallow has tallied 13 touches on average and looks a step behind. In key categories, he’s listed as below average for the competition and could be replaced come selection time, as the Suns try get back on the winner’s list.
