IT DIDN'T take long for the competition's elite to stamp themselves on the season, with eight players from Sunday's Fremantle-Port Adelaide clash named in the round one Team of the Week, brought to you by Accor Hotels.
The usual Hawthorn suspects appear, but Melbourne also provides a large chunk of this week's team after its brilliant win over Gold Coast.
TOM McDONALD (Melbourne) - The Demons defender was a brick wall on Saturday, roaming the backline and cutting off Gold Coast entries. He took 12 marks and finished with 26 disposals, including seven rebound 50s.
LUKE McPHARLIN (Fremantle) - Proved he is not a spent force with a shutdown job on Port Adelaide sharpshooter Jay Schulz. The 33-year-old held Schulz to one goal and two marks, playing a key role in the Dockers' seven-point win.
LEE SPURR (Fremantle) - An underrated cog in Freo’s backline, Spurr's marking and attack on the ball make him a valuable medium defender. Had 21 possessions (10 contested) and seven marks against the Power.
MATTHEW BOYD (Western Bulldogs) - The former captain has been redeployed to half-back, where he racked up 33 possessions at almost 76 per cent efficiency. Now sets up play for the Dogs' attacking youngsters further up the field.
JEREMY McGOVERN (West Coast) - Was one of only two tall defenders selected by West Coast and the other, Mitch Brown, was cut down by a knee injury in the first quarter. Stood tall to shut down Tom Boyd and finished with 26 possessions and 12 marks.
SHAUN BURGOYNE (Hawthorn) - A class act at 32, Burgoyne barely wasted one of his 18 possessions against the Cats, and also shut down opponent Nakia Cockatoo. Continues to do the little things as well as anyone, laying six tackles.
PATRICK DANGERFIELD (Adelaide)- The star Crow was explosive against North Melbourne, getting his highlights reel for the year underway with two goals – including a gem on the run – and 25 possessions (16 contested).
DAVID MUNDY (Fremantle) - The clearance specialist was at his best in the final term, winning 13 of his 29 possessions and five of his 10 clearances to keep Fremantle's noses ahead. His 10 clearances were the highest in the League this round.
JORDAN LEWIS (Hawthorn) - The triple premiership Hawk had a game-high 35 possessions against the Cats and seemed to be everywhere, with six inside 50s and six rebound 50s. Just keeps getting better.
JACK WATTS (Melbourne) - Saturday's effort would have been in the best handful of performances Watts has produced for Melbourne. His 17 touches had an impact and his third goal came at a crucial time against Gold Coast.
MATTHEW PAVLICH (Fremantle) - Two clutch goals from the skipper in the final term ensured Fremantle got over the line in a thriller against Port Adelaide. He kicked four for the match and pushed up the ground a handful of times when needed.
ROBBIE GRAY (Port Adelaide) - Could almost be considered a pure onballer now but fits best into this team across half-forward. More than half of his 31 possessions against the Dockers were contested, with nine clearances and eight tackles.
EDDIE BETTS (Adelaide) - For just the third time in his 207-game career, Betts had more than 20 possessions and booted four goals. Still provides relentless pressure as a tackling small forward.
TAYLOR WALKER (Adelaide)- Was unstoppable in his first game as Adelaide captain, booting 6.5 and taking 15 marks. He also set up teammates and led superbly, ending any doubts about his suitability for the role.
LUKE BREUST (Hawthorn) - Kicked a game-high five goals against the Cats, and led up well to also take five marks inside 50. A match-up nightmare for opposition defences.
MARK JAMAR (Melbourne) - The big ruckman set the tone for a harder Melbourne performance with his bullocking efforts against Zac Smith. Neither big man had many possessions around the ground, but the Demons onballers did.
BRAD EBERT (Port Adelaide) - Has taken another step at the Power, becoming a ball-magnet. Racked up 34 possessions and 14 marks against the Dockers, also laying seven tackles.
JACK VINEY (Melbourne) - Had the job of shutting down Gold Coast superstar Gary Ablett and kept him to 19 possessions. Won 24 touches himself with six clearances and five inside 50s.
OLLIE WINES (Port Adelaide) - Still just 20, Wines went toe-to-toe with the Dockers' big-bodied midfielders. He finished with two goals to go with 27 possessions and five inside 50s.
ADAM TRELOAR (GWS) - The young Giant stood out with his ball-use against the Saints, going at 78 per cent despite a highly contested game. Had a game-high seven clearances.
TAYLOR ADAMS (Collingwood) - Had the big job of running with former teammate Dayne Beams, but added plenty offensively. Didn't allow Beams an easy kick and racked up 31 possessions, eight clearances and seven inside 50s.
NAT FYFE (Fremantle) - A key reason for Fremantle's clearance dominance, Fyfe was also freakish around goal, turning opponents inside out and punishing the Power with his second efforts.
