The making of lists is the ultimate act in futility, with them always commented on for whom one leaves out, rather than whom one includes. Defying common sense, here are my top 10 players in the AFL as we head into the 2014 season
1. Gary Ablett Junior (Gold Coast Suns)
This genius midfielder will end his career regarded as one of the best ever, and would be a chance to make the greatest ever team.
It is outrageous how profoundly he can dominate games in the midfield and as he gets older and the young Gold Coast midfielders mature, one could see him being a destructive forward.
Similar to how effective Leigh Matthews was when he went forward in his career
2. Joel Selwood (Geelong)
A great player and arguably the best leader in the game.
He always rises to the occasion in the biggest matches, and excels when the game is at its toughest.
3. Jarryd Roughead (Hawthorn)
The modern age is about players who are multi-faceted, with the ability to play in numerous positions.
Roughead is the best at this, being a key forward that can ruck, excel as a big onballer or even play as a key defender.
It will be interesting what role he plays in 2014, but if persisted with in the midfield, one could see him emulating Adam Goodes in that role.
4. Patrick Dangerfield (Adelaide)
Devastating player, built like a Mack truck, pace to burn as well as sublime skill, allowing him to get the ball in tight and then burst into space with his speed and power.
As dangerous as a forward, where the combination of his power overhead and natural goal sense makes him a nightmare match-up.
5. Scott Pendelbury (Collingwood)
Beautiful player who is all about time, in respect to his ability to be unhurried as if he is on a different clock to all others.
He has it all as a midfielder, and one can bank that 2014 will see him ascend to the ranks of being one of the game’s best leaders.
6. Nat Fyfe (Fremantle)
A contested ball winning genius that has pace, strength, and very strong overhead. He is lethal in the midfield as well as deadly dangerous resting forward.
If he improves his skill by foot, he will ascend to the top of most lists.
7. Jeremy Cameron (Greater Western Sydney)
Fans will scoff at rating this youngster so highly, but I do so out of respect for his outrageous gifts as a forward as seen in his elite contested marking, full proof kicking for goal, completed by his ability on the ground.
He dominated the league as a boy in a team that finished bottom of the ladder, think of his upside when his body matures and he’s supported by a better team.
8. Ryan Griffen (Western Bulldogs)
Went from being in the best outside midfielder in the game to adding an inside aspect to his game.
Add it to his pace and game breaking kicking skill, and he belongs among the elite.
9. Scott Thompson (North Melbourne)
Having Thompson at 9 will raise a few eyeball, but it just highlights how underrated defenders are.
In the case of this key back, he spent 2013 fixing up all the great forwards in the league, regardless of their size, shape, pace or any other attribute.
10. Grant Birchall (Hawthorn)
I see this exceptional running defender as the most underrated player in the game.
As a defender, he is equally adept at marking smalls, mid size or talls, but it is how expertly he transitions defence into an attack that is his main strength.
In an age where half backs are surrogate midfielders, he devastates with his pace and long accurate kicking.
Ben
Guest
1.gary Ablett 2.patrick Dangerfield 3.
Jack
Guest
I am impressed. Jarryd Roughead is very underrated, but I don't know if he is worthy of a Top Ten spot at the moment. He was definitely worthy of a place last year when he hit that freaky purple patch of good form, which I think is where you're coming from (the guy got the Coleman medal, enough said). I am waiting for him to hit that good form for 2014, but I think the Hawke focus is on sharing around the ball in the forward line ... seems to be the focus of most elite teams. Nat Fyfe is my favourite player, so I am glad I am not the only one who rates that bloke so highly. Patrick Dangerfield is also another favourite, but unfortunately he is stuck playing with a garbage football team.
me, I like football
Guest
I've got timber that I would like to exchange for money.
Jack Smith
Roar Guru
This depends...10 players in the AFL right now or based on form (at end of last year). I would put Kieran Jack in the mix somewhere. His ball skills, kicking ability and tackling pressure are amongst the best in the game (based on form). I understand defenders are oft misunderstood and underrated but still would not put Birchall or Thompson in top 10. There are defenders miles ahead of both. Malceski, Ted Richards (I know Swans but top defence team), Gibson, Carlisle (and he plays two positions), Fletcher, Hunt..plenty ahead of those two. Where was Thompson when his team was being mauled in numerous last quarters and the DEFENCE didn't stand up? In Birchall's own team there are plenty of better defenders than he (but he could become one, but wouldn't rank as top 10 now).
Brendon the 1st
Guest
Nice list, for what it's worth, I agree with Birchall, he once ran at 100% efficiency and got 30 disposals against my Port, killed us. Dangerfield is a great player but I watch him a lot being from SA and he has poor foot skills a lot of the time, not in the top ten yet for mine. Here goes, in order from 1 to 10. Ablett Pendlebury Cox (maybe not this year, but up until now, what an amazing ruckman) Watson (Hate this guy, but he's good) Taylor (Best back in the game) Mitchell (Never makes a mistake, it's amazing to watch) Fyfe Mcveigh Birchall Stevie J Knocking on the door - Dangerfield, Wingard, Nic Nat, S Motlop, Cameron, Lewis Jetta, Jack & both the Kennedy's from WC and the Swans. Buddy's to big a tool to be in any list and Roughie plays to much for free kicks, both are very good players though. In a few years time - Wines, O'meara, Grundy, Toumpas. and hopefully Rohan if his knee holds up, Also Vardy from the cats ditto with the knee.
Floyd Calhoun
Guest
Agreed. Nothing against Birchall, but over 50 players gained more Brownlow votes than he. The umpires aren't that poor in their judgement surely.
Trev
Guest
Might be harsh but I can't see who I'd replace him with, maybe Jack but I think Jack is very much underrated.
Trev
Guest
Would have had both Lake and Scarlett in my top 10 a few years back.
Al
Guest
Cant consider Fyfe at this stage until he cleans up his disposal. His clanger count is horrendous. I would add Chris Mayne to the list, incredibly underrated player. Cant give Birchall consideration either as he is next to useless when targetted by a defensive forward. Nick Riewoldt also still needs to be considered coming off an immense season.
KENNY
Guest
Roughead Rioli Hodge Mitchell Lake Gibson Birchall Gunstan Sewell & Hale
SteveOL
Roar Pro
Miles off, Tim. Swan is as good a burst gut runner as there is in the game. And quick with his weird-arsed running style. You'll find his hard ball gets and efficiency are comparable to Little Gaz and he is bloody strong in a marking contest. He influences games and drags Collingwood along with him in final quarters. So yep, he is most definitely in the top 10. As is Luke Hodge. There are at least 10 blokes in the league who can win a game themselves through effort and brilliance. They should make up a top 10 player list.
Mango Jack
Guest
Agree, he's really getting past his used by date.
Mango Jack
Guest
Buddy would not even have been top 5 of Hawthorn. Brilliant moments but rarely turns a game.
Ryan
Guest
Birchall in your top 10 is just a bizarre one, and cheapens the whole list in my opinion. Roughead at 3 is massively overrating him. Dangerfield, Watson, Barlow, Jack, Cotchin, Mundy and Mitchell are all leagues above Birchall. I feel like you may have been trying to avoid a list of midfielders but if its a top 10, you got to pick the top 10.
alicesprings
Guest
No selwood??
Brian
Guest
That's a historical list. No way Goodes or Bartell are near the 2013 top 10, you might as well put in Judd.
Tim Holt
Roar Guru
Hannebary is an absolute gem...I think that Walters at Freo is bound for stardom too. He gets over shadowed by all the attention that spud Ballantyne gets, but Walters is the real deal
Chris Widjaja
Roar Rookie
I'm a big fantasy sports buff and had in my squad and he ripped it up in the 2nd half of the year. So underrated he didn't even feature in the Top 10 of the Brownlow! Stevie J as well if he can stay out of trouble is always a smokie for the Charlie. Wanted to put Naitanui in there as a ruck representative but struggled too as its a midfielders game. Couple of youngsters in Hannerberry and Rockliff who should feature in coming years
Steele
Guest
Jobes a top five for mine, and I hate Essondon! Your opinion I know, however I think defense is he easiest position to play and realistically Watson would probably kick you 50 goals a year as a permanent forward, despite being easily one the most damaging Midfielders. I like that you've acknowledged Roughhead and Fyfe though. Fyfe has been a gun since his first game. Not too many players dominate games like he does at such an early stage in their careers. And like you say Roughy has an impact wherever he goes. Two defenders in your top ten is just ridiculous though. Stop goals and creating off the half back is a lot easier than being the playmaker. Do you think any team in he comp would pick Thompson or Birchall over much maligned forwards such as Cloke and Reiwoldt? No way, they might be innacurate but very few players can take a contested grab. It's a rare skill.
Tim Holt
Roar Guru
Great list Chris, and i really wanted to include stevie J, especially now he can run amok in the midfield Good to see you appreciate Griffen too- I think he is such an under rated star