Narrowing down the substantial list of midfielders was the toughest task when it came to picking the round 15 Team of the Week.

Patrick Dangerfield, Dustin Martin and Luke Parker were all enormous in tough games on the road, while Jarryd Lyons and Andrew Gaff were too good to ignore in a round of dominant midfield performances.

Carlton's Bryce Gibbs could count himself very unlucky not to make the 22 after picking up 30 disposals and 15 tackles against Adelaide, while teammate Liam Jones continued his remarkable transition to key defender as he collected 19 disposals and 15 intercept possessions in another outstanding performance to command the full-back spot.

Sydney superstar Lance Franklin and Gold Coast co-captain Tom Lynch were also unlucky, but it was impossible not to select Eric Hipwood, who was electric in the comeback victory against Essendon.

In the battle of the brothers, Adelaide onballer Matt Crouch (54 per cent) edged out Brad (46 per cent) in the fan vote

RYAN BURTON (Hawthorn): After his stellar performance in the win over Adelaide, the young gun was composed and notched up a career-high 29 disposals against the Pies. He helped nullify opponents both tall and small. 

LIAM JONES (Carlton): The reborn defender saved the Blues on several occasions in their brave performance. Ultimately, it wasn't enough but he picked up 19 disposals and 10 one-percenters against the Crows in an impressive display.

BRODIE SMITH (Adelaide): The dashing Crow provided the run he is known for on the way to racking up 30 disposals, 617m gained and a goal in the win over the Blues.

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NATHAN WILSON (Greater Western Sydney): An important driver off half-back and used the ball well with 80 per cent efficiency from 25 disposals. Also kicked an impressive goal on the run from outside 50m in the thrilling draw against Geelong. 

JAKE CARLISLE (St Kilda): A crucial cog to helping the Saints snap a six-game losing streak in Western Australia, the intercepting defender helped stop the Dockers and also slotted a couple of important goals. 

JEREMY McGOVERN (West Coast): Named in defence but could've been picked anywhere after the versatile tall also spent time forward and in the ruck. Finished with 15 touches and 10 marks – the last of which was a ripping pack mark late in the game to hold off the desperate Dogs.

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ANDREW GAFF (West Coast): Was best afield in the Eagles' win and picked up a career-high 42 disposals. Also created plenty of scoring opportunities with 11 score involvements and 10 inside-50s.

PATRICK DANGERFIELD (Geelong): Stood tall in the absence of skipper Joel Selwood and a huge second half saw him finish with 45 disposals, 13 clearances and a goal.

JARRYD LYONS (Gold Coast): An awesome display from the former Crow with 39 disposals, 23 contested possessions and 10 clearances. He was seemingly involved in everything.

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DUSTIN MARTIN (Richmond): Was the catalyst for Richmond's win over Port and his trademark 'don't argue' came to life as he set an AFL record of eight broken tackles. Also gathered 36 disposals, eight marks and a goal. 

ERIC HIPWOOD (Brisbane Lions): One of the most exciting young players to watch in the competition. His cracking goal on the run in the last quarter brought the Lions within a point of the Bombers and he finished with four in the stunning upset. 

CHAD WINGARD (Port Adelaide): Played his best game since switching into the midfield with 39 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 10 clearances, 14 inside 50s and 1000 metres gained.  

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JACK DARLING (West Coast): Stood tall in the absence of Josh Kennedy and a host of other Eagles. Was the primary target in attack and finished with three goals, seven marks (five inside 50) and 12 score involvements.  

JONATHON PATTON (Greater Western Sydney): A huge presence in the forward line, the No.1 selection in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft bagged four goals, including the one to put the Giants ahead by a point late in the game.

MICHAEL WALTERS (Fremantle): Made up for a costly missed goal last week with the best performance of any player this week. Did all he could against the Saints with 32 disposals, six goals and six marks.  

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MATTHEW KREUZER (Carlton): The in-form Blue had the better of his former teammate Sam Jacobs and collected 14 disposals, eight marks and 42 hit-outs.

TOM MITCHELL (Hawthorn): Was a major ball-winner for the second time this season against the Pies with 35 possessions, 12 contested possessions, seven clearances and seven marks. Also booted two important last-quarter goals.

LUKE PARKER (Sydney): Back to his best form after a stellar performance through the midfield. Finished with 38 disposals, 19 contested possessions, nine clearances, 11 score involvements and a goal.

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SAM MENEGOLA (Geelong): Dangerfield was heroic but the journeyman was clearly the second-best player in an understrength side. Won 33 disposals and slotted a goal.

LEWIS TAYLOR (Brisbane Lions): In a game that was sloppy at times, the zippy Lion's ball use stood out in what was one of the best games of his career. Had three goal assists.

KANE LAMBERT (Richmond): The unfashionable Tiger picked up 33 disposals, 12 contested possessions, six inside 50s and 569m gained in Richmond's hard-fought win over Port Adelaide.

The fans' pick

MATT CROUCH (Adelaide): The tough onballer just edged out his brother Brad for a spot in the team with 54 per cent of the Twitter fan vote. His stat line of 29 disposals and nine clearances was hard to deny, while his goal in the last quarter helped his side break away from the brave Blues.