Early risers: who's on fire in 2013?

Steven Motlop, Jake Carlisle and Trent Cotchin have been on fire. Source: FOX SPORTS

We take a look at the players who have hit the ground running and taken the AFL by storm in the opening three rounds.

Who has been the surprise packet so far in 2013? Who has elevated their game to a new level? These players can be the difference between a good start to the season and a sloppy one.

Do you agree? Tell us who you think has been the standout performer so far this season by leaving a comment at the bottom of the page.

Justin Westhoff
The Power key forward has been on fire in the opening three rounds. Finally settled in the forward 50m after being tried in various positions, Westhoff's marking power and athleticism has been too much to handle for opposition defenders. A key reason why Port Adelaide are undefeated this season, Westhoff has been getting much deserved credit with 10 goals - he's also kicked 10 behinds - and an average of 10 marks per game. Those are elite numbers.

Trent Cotchin
OK, the Richmond captain is not a surprise packet but you can't deny he has been red-hot in the opening few rounds. The Tigers are enjoying their best start to a season since 1995, a year when they finished third and made the preliminary final and it is no coincidence Cotchin is the Brownlow Medal favouite. The midfielder leads the league in disposals with an average of 33 and six clearances per game. Such is the Tigers' form, Cotchin's teammates Brett Deledio, Dustin Martin or Luke McGuane could also have easily made this list.

Jake Carlisle
The Bombers key defender has played all three games and come away the victor every time. In round one he contained Taylor Walker until a couple of late goals, in round two he had the better of Mitch Clark - though the Demons didn't have the ball in their forward line very often - and in round three he blanketed Dockers captain Matthew Pavlich. Early days, but Carlisle is probably leading the race for All Australian centre half-back.

Lindsay Thomas
Often troubled by "the yips", Thomas has stormed out of the blocks in 2013 and is the co-leader in the Coleman Medal with 12 goals. Despite North Melbourne's troubled start to the season, Thomas has been a shining light in the forward line as the tall timber struggle. If the Kangaroos can improve their second halves and provide Thomas with even more opportunities, a win won't be far away.

Steven Motlop
Injuries curtailed Motlop's impact at Geelong in his first few seasons but 2013 looks like being a breakout for the livewire winger. The Cats were knocked for lacking speed even in their premiership years but Motlop gives them a genuine line-breaker who can deliver the ball or kick the goal himself. Alongside Motlop, the likes of Allen Christensen, Billy Smedts and Josh Caddy are forming a potent attacking brigade.

Ollie Wines
Port Adelaide's first-round draft pick already looks like a seasoned professional. Another illustration of the difference between the Power and Melbourne as the Demons took Jimmy Toumpas at No.3 instead of Wines. Toumpas has hardly got near it so far while Wines picked up the first round NAB Rising Star nomination. It will be interesting to see how far he can go this season.
 

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