IF the past fortnight is anything to go by, Liam Jones may have finally discovered the consistency he has been craving.
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?The 23-year-old from West Moonah was a power of strength in the final term of the Bulldogs' comeback win against Greater Western Sydney, taking two strong contested marks in attack, with the resultant goals giving the Dogs the lead and some breathing space.
Jones, who was opposed to Sam Frost, finished with 3.0 from 13 possessions (eight contested), five marks and had five score involvements, and it is the second time in as many weeks that his work in front of the sticks has been vital in a Dogs win after his 3.0 against the Tigers in round 3.
In an age of inaccuracy, Jones has kicked 7.0 for the year and the past two weeks have marked the first time in his 59-game career that he has managed to have a significant scoreboard impact in successive weeks.
Comeback kid George Burbury was outstanding in his second senior outing since returning from his broken jaw in Geelong's big win over West Coast.
Playing the defensive-forward role on the likes of Xavier Ellis, Burbury kicked 1.1 and had eight score involvements from his 13 disposals and five marks.
He laid a very impressive seven tackles, but did give away four free kicks.
At Metricon Stadium, Devonport's Grant Birchall and the player tipped to match his high standards, Launceston's Kade Kolodjashnij, shared ground-time in Hawthorn's demolition of the Gold Coast.
Kolodjashnij actually eclipsed Birchall when it came to disposal efficiency (82.4 per cent to 77), but the Hawk won the disposal count 27 (21 uncontested) to 17 (11 uncontested), with both having roles off half-back and on the wing.
Birchall also had seven score involvements to Kolodjashnij's zero.
Hobart's Aaron Hall soured a good personal night by giving away six free kicks.
Apart from that, he had 17 touches, took four marks, laid two tackles, kicked 1.0 and had three inside-50s.
Burnie's Luke Russell played on Cyril Rioli, collecting five disposals, until he was subbed at half-time.
Dodges Ferry's Jeremy Howe again started in defence as Melbourne broke through against Carlton, but collected just eight disposals and two score involvements.
Lauderdale's Mitch Robinson was a late withdrawal for the Blues.
Ryan Harwood, of Glenorchy, tried hard in Brisbane's big loss to Port Adelaide, collecting 18 touches at 89 per cent disposal efficiency rate.
Evandale's Nathan Grima was part of a strong defensive unit that limited Sydney to just six goals on Sunday.
Grima was brilliant running off the resting ruckman, collecting 20 touches (16 uncontested), with nine rebound-50s, two inside-50s, four marks and two tackles.
Burnie's Eli Templeton was well held by Luke Brown in the Crows' thrashing of St Kilda on Sunday. Templeton had just eight possessions and six marks, while Glenorchy's Jimmy Webster had 13 disposals while trying to keep Jared Petrenko quiet.
The slippery conditions at the MCG on Friday helped make life difficult for Clarence's Jack Riewoldt in Richmond's loss to Collingwood.
Despite close checking from Jack Frost, Riewoldt managed four set shots, kicking 2.2 (and one goal assist) from 13 possessions and five marks with four tackles, and seemed to spend more time in the attacking 50.