Hard-running forward Tom Lynch has been recognised in the AFL’s Team of the Week for the first time this season.

Lynch collected 23 possessions, eight marks and kicked three goals – including a Goal of the Year contender – against the Lions on Saturday night.

The 26-year-old was rewarded with a spot on a half-forward flank in the AFL’s Round Nine Team of the Week.

Fellow goalkicker Eddie Betts was also named in a forward pocket for his influential showing against Brisbane.

Betts booted three goals from 16 possessions but, as usual, went out of his way to bring his teammates into the game. He had nine score involvements and four direct goal assists.

It’s the second time Betts has been selected in the AFL’s Team of the Week.

Rebounding backman Rory Laird was the third and final Crow named in the side.

The former rookie, who is ranked second in the AFL for total disposals (300) after nine rounds, added another 37 touches to his tally on Saturday night at an elite 84 per cent efficiency. He also had seven rebound 50ms, six marks and five inside 50ms.

Laird nailed down a spot on the half-back line in his third Team of the Week appearance of 2017.

Essendon led the way with four representatives in the Round Nine Team of the Week, ahead of Round Ten rivals Adelaide and Fremantle with three players apiece. Sydney, North Melbourne and Geelong had two players feature while Richmond, Greater Western Sydney, Collingwood, Melbourne, Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs all had a single representative.

See the AFL’s Team of the Week in full

CROWS IN AFL MEDIA’S TEAM OF THE WEEK
R1 v GWS: Rory Laird, Rory Atkins, Charlie Cameron
R2 v Hawthorn: Daniel Talia, Sam Jacobs, Rory Sloane
R3 v Port Adelaide: Kyle Hartigan, Rory Sloane, Taylor Walker
R4 v Essendon: Taylor Walker, Eddie Betts, Rory Sloane
R5 v Gold Coast: Rory Sloane, Matt Crouch
R6 v Richmond: Rory Laird, Sam Jacobs, Rory Sloane
R9 v Brisbane: Rory Laird, Tom Lynch, Eddie Betts