WESTERN Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has labelled Easton Wood's form "off the charts".

It's hard to argue with the first-year coach after Wood reeled in 13 marks, seven of which were intercepted, in the Dogs' round 13 win against St Kilda on Saturday night.

It was the latest in a string of standout performances from the former Camperdown defender who, until now, has battled consistent hamstring injuries which have limited his output.

Wood is in All-Australian form and is working in tandem with Bulldogs skipper Bob Murphy at half back.

The pair are contrasting defenders. Wood uses his athleticism to hurt the opposition, while Murphy's poise and kicking set him apart.

Together, along with Hamilton export Liam Picken, they're leading the Bulldogs up the ladder towards a potential finals campaign - their first since 2010.

Wood and Picken are among a number of south-west Victorians making their mark in the AFL this season.

If there was an under 21 All-Australian side selected Zach Merrett might stake a claim for captain. 

The Essendon midfielder is one of the under-performing Bombers' most consistent players, with his tackling pressure and pin-point skills his main strengths.

Merrett's 2013 draft contemporary, Brisbane's Lewis Taylor, is another to avoid the dreaded second-year blues.

The Terang Mortlake export is gathering momentum - just look at his statistics over the past month.

Taylor has gathered 32, 31, 26 and 27 touches in his past four games.

Then there is Koroit's Martin Gleeson, who along with Merrett, has established himself in Essendon's best 22.

The rebounding defender looks comfortable at the elite level and is now adding weight to his lean frame, which will only help him handle the rigours of the elite level even more. 

Some of the region's elite have found the going tougher - Melbourne's Jordie McKenzie (Terang Mortlake), Geelong's Billie Smedts (North Warrnambool Eagles) and Gold Coast's Louis Herbert (South Warrnambool) have combined for just three games in the first 13 rounds.

Earning a recall for their respective teams will be high on their priority lists in the second half of the season. 

Matt Maguire, Brisbane 

Home club: South Warrnambool.

AFL career games: 170.

2015 games: 2.

2015 highest disposals: 9.

2015 average disposals: 8.5.

Justine McCullagh-Beasy says: Called time on his AFL career a week ago citing ongoing effects from concussion. The key defender managed two games in his final season. Provided a steadying influence in an inexperienced back line during his five seasons at the Lions.

Lewis Taylor, Brisbane Lions 

Home club: Terang Mortlake.

AFL career games: 34.

2015 games: 12.

2015 highest disposals: 32.

2015 average disposals: 21.8.

Justine McCullagh-Beasy says: What second-year blues? Has played every game since debut in round one last year. Taylor's consistency is the trademark of his performances. The 2014 rising star winner has increased his output the past four weeks, tallying 32, 31, 26 and 27 possessions respectively. The impact of his disposals was called into question recently - does he get enough penetration on his kicks being the main nagging point - but there is no doubting his effectiveness and decision-making. A clean ball-user who makes the right choices under pressure.

Sam Dwyer, Collingwood 

Home club: South Warrnambool.

AFL career games: 38.

2015 games: 4.

2015 highest disposals: 16.

2015 average disposals: 9.5. 

Justine McCullagh-Beasy says: Tough season for the former Port Melbourne jet. Dwyer is biding his time in the VFL, waiting for an opportunity to rejoin the Magpies' in-form top-level team. The rise of Tim Broomhead and Taylor Adams, two similar-sized players, might be counting against him. Dwyer's most recent AFL appearance was in round six. Can make an impact as a sub, given his running capacity which could prove his way back into Nathan Buckley's line-up.

Martin Gleeson, Essendon 

Home club: Koroit.

AFL career games: 21.

2015 games: 12.

2015 highest disposals: 20.

2015 average disposals: 14.2.

Justine McCullagh-Beasy says: A breakout season for the whippet from Koroit. Gleeson has played every game, showing poise as a rebounding defender. Bombers coach James Hird has used him as a sub at times but he appears a better fit in the starting 21. Has gathered a career-high 20 touches on three occasions - against Collingwood in round four, St Kilda in round six and Hawthorn in round 13. 

Jackson Merrett, Essendon 

Home club: Cobden.

AFL career games: 33.

2015 games: 5.

2015 highest disposals: 15.

2015 average disposals: 11.4.

Justine McCullagh-Beasy says: Long-term future at Bomberland is assured, having inked a new two-year deal. But Merrett's short-term future is clouded. Had to work his way into Essendon's best 22 via the VFL and played four games before he was dropped. Regained a spot against Hawthorn in round 13 and gathered a season-high 15 touches to go with his two goals. A classy wingman-cum-forward who is working towards consistency. 

Zach Merrett, Essendon 

Home club: Cobden.

AFL career games: 32.

2015 games: 12.

2015 highest disposals: 31.

2015 average disposals: 22.2.

Justine McCullagh-Beasy says: One of the competition's rising stars. Essendon landed a bargain when it used pick 26 in the 2013 draft on this ball-winning midfielder-forward. Merrett has played all bar two games since debut, quickly establishing himself as a tackling machine. Hunts the contest and uses his clean hands to give his more speedy teammates a chance to run and carry. 

Billie Smedts, Geelong 

Home club: North Warrnambool Eagles.

AFL career games: 35.

2015 games: 2.

2015 highest disposals: 14.

2015 average disposals: 11.5.

Justine McCullagh-Beasy says: Horror start for the much-maligned utility. Smedts spent a week on the sidelines with suspension and then injured his collarbone. Returned via the VFL a fortnight ago and made a positive impression, gathering 20 touches and seven handball receives. Smedts is out of contract at season's end and will no doubt want to stake a claim for a senior recall in the latter stages of the season. 

Louis Herbert, Gold Coast 

Home club: South Warrnambool.

AFL career games: 3.

2015 games: 0.

Justine McCullagh-Beasy says: Spent the season to date in the NEAFL despite the Suns' long injury list. Second year on the rookie list for the utility who broke through for three senior appearances in 2014. Will be eager to crack a recall under Rodney Eade. Can play forward and back.

Jeremy Cameron, Greater Western Sydney

Home club: Dartmoor

AFL career games: 63.

2015 games: 12.

2015 highest disposals: 21.

2015 average disposals: 10.4

Justine McCullagh-Beasy says: Working well in tandem with fellow Giants forward Cam McCarthy. Has kicked 35 majors, including a seven-goal haul against reigning premier Hawthorn as GWS stormed to an unlikely win. Sits equal third on the Coleman Medal tally, nine behind West Coast sharpshooter Josh Kennedy. 

Jordan Lewis, Hawthorn 

Home club: Warrnambool.

AFL career games: 226.

2015 games: 9.

2015 highest disposals: 41.

2015 average disposals: 30.7.

Justine McCullagh-Beasy says: The Hawk hard nut is enjoying another solid season, playing a key role in the reigning premier's engine room. A consistent performer who is integral to the Hawks' flag quest. A two-week suspension, for striking North Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein in round five, his only blemish. 

Jordie McKenzie, Melbourne 

Home club: Terang Mortlake.

AFL career games: 79.

2015 games: 1

2015 highest disposals: 9.

2015 average disposals: 9.

Justine McCullagh-Beasy says: Difficult season for the tagger, having managed only one game when he made an appearance as the sub against ladder-leading Fremantle in round five. The Demons' strengthened onball brigade of Nathan Jones, Bernie Vince, Dom Tyson, Angus Brayshaw and Jack Viney is making it hard for the tackling machine to crack a game. 

Ben Cunnington, North Melbourne 

Home club: Cobden.

AFL career games: 111.

2015 games: 12.

2015 highest disposals: 26.

2015 average disposals: 22.6.

Justine McCullagh-Beasy says: Slightly down on his 2014 club best and fairest form but this ball-winner is still playing a key role in the Roos' midfield. The clearance specialist must play a big part if North Melbourne, struggling at 6-6, is to make finals.

Gary Rohan, Sydney 

Home club: Cobden.

AFL career games: 55.

2015 games: 12.

2015 highest disposals: 20.

2015 average disposals: 12.5.

Justine McCullagh-Beasy says: The speedy utility played every game - a perfect confidence-booster for the supremely talented Swan – before injuring his hamstring in Sydney’s win over Port Adelaide on Thursday night. He's kicked 11 goals and provided a spark in numerous contests. Rohan only needs a handful of possessions to make an impact, such is his creativity. 

Liam Picken, Western Bulldogs 

Home club: Hamilton.

AFL career games: 140.

2015 games: 11.

2015 highest disposals: 33.

2015 average disposals: 21.7.

Justine McCullagh-Beasy says: This tagger-turned-ball winner is enjoying a purple patch. Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has given the veteran more freedom, allowing him to become a more offensive threat. Picken was the match-winner in the Dogs' upset against the Swans in round five, gathering a season-high 33 touches in wet conditions.  

Easton Wood, Western Bulldogs 

Home club: Camperdown.

AFL career games: 76.

2015 games: 11. 

2015 highest disposals: 20.

2015 average disposals: 17.4

Justine McCullagh-Beasy says: Pushing his case for an All-Australian berth with a string of damaging performances across half back. Is the Dogs' number one intercept marker and is top 10 in the AFL for contested grabs. Bulldogs would be thrilled they wrapped him up for a further three years earlier this season.