AS far as recruits go, Michael Barlow is paying off big time.

The Werribee Tiger was named best on ground for his side in their one goal loss to Geelong on Saturday – backing up his massive 44 possessions against Box Hill the previous week.

In his second year at the VFL club, Barlow’s reputation for a consistently high work rate continues to grow and with an increased effectiveness in disposals he is fast becoming an important link in the Tigers mid-field chain.

Recruited from Shepparton United in the Goulburn Valley Football League, Barlow had a successful debut year for the Tigers in 2008 culminating in the Best First Year player award at the end of the season.

Werribee coach Simon Atkins praised Barlow’s gut running against Geelong after criticising his effectiveness in the Box Hill match.

“I was probably a little bit critical of his 44 possessions last week but his 36 possessions this week were all of high quality,” he said. “He was probably the hardest worker on the ground – he had seven tackles. It was a big ground and he really worked hard. Geelong tried a few people on him and I reckon he burned a few opponents.”

Atkins noted Barlow’s rapid improvement in his time at Werribee.

Barlow again proved his worth running rampant to be named best on ground against Geelong with Adam Obst, Michael Rockefeller, and Dominic Gleeson also performing well.