The top ten swing-men in the AFL

With the fast paced nature of elite football these days, dual position players are now extremely important for all teams striving to play in September.

These players are the men who can swing the match in their favour, men like Harry Taylor who can go and kick a much-needed goal and then stop the other team’s key forward from doing the same, absolutely priceless.

But what makes a great dual-position player?

If you look at all the best swingman in football they share one thing in common, they excel in both their positions, they are in fact good enough to play solely one position and manage a long and decorated career.

Here are my top ten dual-position players in the AFL:

10. Craig Bird – Sydney Swans (Midfield/forward)
Craig is a vital part of the Swans team with an elite kicking style, and the ability to shut down the best of the best, whether it is in a tagging midfield role or a more defensive forward.

Bird has that knack for shutting down opponents similar to his predecessor Brett Kirk.

9. Dustin Martin – Richmond (Midfield/forward)
Now one of the best young players in the league, Dustin can always find a way to get into space and either score a goal or deliver a beautiful kick to hit Riewoldt or Vickery on the chest.

Normally playing as a midfielder, his average of more than a goal a game for his career is well above average.

8. Tom Rockliff – Brisbane Lions (Midfield/forward)
Initially overlooked by recruiters as a junior, Tom has become an important part of the midfield mechanics at the Lions.

Averaging just under 25 disposals a match, Rockliff would be much further up the list if only he kicked straighter, with only 7.8 for the year.

7. Ash McGrath – Brisbane Lions (Defender/midfield)
Ash is one of few players who at over the age of thirty can still perform at an extremely high level.

When starting his football career, McGrath made his name as a handy small forward for the Lions before adding another string to his bow as a strong, rebounding defender.

Ash has recently played on the wing as well, making him what recruiters call a triple threat.

6. Charlie Dixon – Gold Coast Suns (Defender/midfield)
Although he’s only played six games this year because of injury, Charlie has shown what he’s made of kicking 11 goals while playing primarily in defence.

Once back from injury Dixon will be a force to be reckoned with, rounding off an already talented Suns team.

5. Cyril Rioli – Hawthorn (Midfield/forward)
Cyril is best known for his forward line magic but after recently becoming a major contributor in the midfield he could quite possibly be in the All-Australian team for a second year in a row.

With an amazing career goal tally of 153 from 113 matches, it would be hard to believe a player could achieve this while juggling midfield responsibilities.

4. Lachie Henderson – Carlton (Forward/defence)
Probably one of the most underrated players in the AFL, Henderson has shown that he can match it with the best at both ends of the field.

As part of the Brendan Fevola trade many were sceptical that he would ever come close to the heights of the power forward they were losing, but after a shaky start Lachie developed in defence before his transition back in as a part time key forward.

He showed again on Saturday his ability, kicking four goals even though he spent half the match in defence, his efforts earned him a wrap from fellow defender Michael Jamison, Michael said he believes that Henderson is Carlton’s most important player right now.

3. Dean Cox – West Coast Eagles (Ruck/forward)
As one of the best big men in the comp, his goal-kicking ability is a massive bonus for an already complete player.

Averaging a crazy 26.5 hit outs a game, a stat alone that would be enough to guarantee him a spot in the side for as long as he wanted, he also has a very handy 11 goals to go along.

2. Harry Taylor – Geelong (Defender/forward)
Many believe Harry is the best dual position player in the AFL with his ability to score a quick goal when his team is in need.

Along with this Taylor is one of the best fullbacks in the league shutting down players like the number on my list.

1. Jarryd Roughead – Hawthorn (Forward/ruck)
Jarryd Roughead is the best dual position player in the AFL, leading the Coleman medal and also putting in valuable work in the middle.

Ranked second in the AFL for marks inside fifty, there is little doubt this Hawks gun should be anywhere but number one.

Who would be in your top ten? Comment below.