Rory Atkins has been rewarded for a career-best performance against Hawthorn with his first selection in AFL Media’s Team of the Week.
Atkins stood tall on the big Friday night stage against the reigning premier in just his 13th AFL game. The left-footer collected a career-high 27 possessions, with 13 of those contested, along with six marks and six inside 50ms.
It was the second week in a row that Atkins has notched career-best numbers. His 25-disposal game against Sydney in Round Four was previously the best output of his short Crows career.
Atkins appears to be growing in confidence with every game. He made his AFL debut in Round 16 last season and played eight of Adelaide’s final 10 games. The 21-year-old has played every game so far this season.
Atkins was named on a half-back flank in the AFL’s Team of the Week for Round Five. He was the only Crow to feature.
The GWS Giants had four representatives in this week’s team, while Hawthorn had three players named. The Western Bulldogs, Carlton, Sydney, North Melbourne, Collingwood, Melbourne all had two players in the side.
Scott Thompson, Josh Jenkins, Rory Laird (twice), Tom Lynch and Eddie Betts are the other Crows who have made the AFL’s Team of the Week through the opening five rounds of the season.
Click here to see the AFL's full Team of the Week for Round Five
