Geelong v Essendon

Andrew Mackie (Geelong)
Many pundits have begun to write off Mackie as he enters the twilight of his career but his form against Essendon showed he has plenty of life left. His courage has never been questioned but his use of the ball was excellent against the Bombers. He kicked one supergoal and provided poise in a backline now missing Corey Enright.

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (Essendon)
The 23-year-old was a revelation in defence last season for Essendon but has adapted quickly to the small forward role he will play in 2017. In the first half he gained 282 metres as he turned the opposition around in the midfield and roared back inside 50. When he went deep inside 50 he was hard to match up on, running Zach Tuohy ragged when he pushed in behind the key forwards and his tackling pressure made Cats' defenders nervous.