TOUGH inside midfielder Callum Porter was the clear best on ground in Gippsland Power’s thrilling five-point win over Geelong Falcons, earning him AFL Draft Central’s TAC Cup Player of the Round.

Porter amassed 36 disposals (66 per cent efficiency), of which 23 were kicks, including seven long effective kicks. Along with his leather poisoning, he took 10 marks, four of which were contested, had eight clearances, five inside 50s, two rebounds and booted four goals. Undoubtedly he will take home the three votes from the match, having received six free kicks on the day.

His work in and under was superb, with 23 of his possessions contested, laying 12 tackles, including four in the opening minute, signalling his intent on the contest. While many of his teammates struggled in front of goal, Porter booted 4.1 in a low-scoring contest to help Gippsland win 9.16 (70) to 10.5 (65).

If his efforts were not already considered one of the best performances of the year, then his fantasy efforts will be. The nuggety midfielder racked up 201 Dream Team points. The previous record in season 2017 was Hamish Brayshaw’s 158 against Murray in round seven.

In a touch of irony, Callum Porter’s opponent for the day was last round’s AFL Draft Central Player of the Round in Harry Benson. While Benson still had an impressive performance of 27 disposals, three clearances, three marks and nine tackles, Porter took the points in that duel with his huge performance, albeit playing around the ground.

Porter’s previous season average was 19 disposals (10 contested), four marks, eight tackles, four clearances, four inside 50s, two rebounds and he had kicked four goals. He becomes the second Gippsland Power player behind Will Stephenson in round three to win the award.

AFL Draft Central’s TAC Cup Player of the Round:

Round One: Max King (Sandringham Dragons)

Round Two: Lachlan Fogarty (Western Jets)

Round Three: Will Stephenson (Gippsland Power)

Round Four: Aaron Trusler (Sandringham Dragons)

Round Five: Jordan Johnston (Greater Western Victoria Rebels)

Round Six: Sam Hayes (Eastern Ranges)

Round Seven: Thomas North (Eastern Ranges)

Round Eight: Harry Benson (Geelong Falcons)

Round Nine: Callum Porter (Gippsland Power)