This week's top of the table clash lived up to all exciting expectations, ending in a thrilling draw against Essendon at Box Hill City Oval.

A determined Hawks outfit powered forward to a blockbuster finish, narrowly missing a last ditch effort from the Bombers to leave both teams level after the final siren.

Here’s coach Cherie O’Neill's top picks for this week's best on ground.

Isabelle Porter

“Porter had a fantastic game. We did give her a little bit of a role today and she played that really well. She just stood up when she needed to and took the game on. She just continues to grow each week, so she’s one to watch for the future.” 

Abbey Holmes

“We thew Abbey in with the mids to get some dynamic and a bit of run. And she did really well with us for that, she’s another one that played her role extremely well.” 

Ainslie Kemp

“Kemp was again solid down back. She likes some intercept marking. She just shows that little bit of leadership down there."

Emma Humphries

“Humphries always gives us some great runs - we've been really trying to utilise her for that. She adds some drive from behind the footy and gives us a bit of pace forward."

Ellie McLinden

“Ellie was great down the back. She’s been fighting for her spot and today she just proved to me and everyone that she deserves her spot like everybody else. I just love her fight in the game. She took some great intercept marks and takes the game on."

Sarah Perrott

“Sarah was really good in the ruck, she showed some great body work around there. She becomes another on-baller really after that ruck contest, so she provides a good drive for us through the middle.”