EASTERN Ranges might not have recorded a win this season, but midfielder Joel Burleigh had a massive day out on Saturday, producing one of the best midfield performances of the season in the Ranges’ loss to Gippsland Power to earn him the title of AFL Draft Central TAC Cup Player of the Week for Round 5.

Burleigh had a mind-boggling 40 disposals, seven marks, six clearances, three inside 50s, four rebounds and booted three goals to be the clear best on ground throughout the day. Defensively he laid a game-high 12 tackles, taking over the mantle as the most fierce tackler in the team in the absence of Lachlan Stapleton. He won almost half of his possessions in a contest, yet ran at an elite 85 per cent disposal efficiency. For those into fantasy football, his performance would have netted you 190 Dream Team points.

The performance was by far the best of Burleigh’s TAC Cup career, with the Eastern midfielder coming into the game averaging just 16 disposals from four matches so far in 2018. Eastern will be hoping the game is the start of something special, with the Ranges searching to kick-start their season and build some momentum.

TAC CUP SCOUTING NOTES: ROUND 5 

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

Round One: Bailey Smith (Sandringham Dragons)

Round Two: Max King (Sandringham Dragons)