Brownlow Medal votes don’t often fall the way of the game’s key defenders so it will be interesting to see how the officials adjudicate this match when their views are revealed on football’s night of nights.

Eagles full-back Tom Barrass was simply outstanding and inspirational.

Pitted against Hawthorn key forward Mitch Lewis, the intercept marking specialist produced one of the best games of his career.

Not only did he hold Lewis goalless, but he reeled in 18 marks (eight of them intercepts) and racked up 30 possessions.

His presence in the back half has become even more important in the absence of close mate Jeremy McGovern, whose trademark is also the ability to anticipate where the opposition might send the ball inside their attacking arc.

While the Eagles lost the game Barrass could lay strong claim to being the best player afield.