Since 1991 Mike Sheehan has been charged with the duty of compiling a top-fifty list of the AFL’s best players for the season ahead.
When referring to the list, he, and others, throw around phrases like ‘difficult job’ and ‘unenviable task’.
Unenviable task? Mike, I love reading your thoughts on the game, but please, spare me the sympathy card.
You get paid good money to share your thoughts. Hell, I’ll do it for free! Here’s my (smaller) version of who I think will be the top players in 2014.
10. Marc Murphy (Carl)
A bit of a bolter to start with.
The Blues’ skipper experienced a difficult first year leading the club. Injury, heavy tags and the weight of expectation took its toll and it wasn’t until late in the season that he really seemed at ease with himself and he eventually showed us why he deserves the captaincy.
He’s ready to explode and become the player we keep hearing he’s going to be. Last year’s challenges will spur him on for a big year and, though I may wear egg on my face, this time next year I think he’ll be in most top 10 lists.
9. Patrick Dangerfield (Adel)
This will be a massive year for him. The Adelaide media already have him dubbed a superstar (surprising, I know), but I don’t think he’s there yet – he has little competition as their best midfielder.
However, by the latter part of the coming season I’ve little doubt he’ll match the hype.
For someone built so solidly he’s incredibly quick, and I really enjoy watching him grab a contested footy and smash through a pack. Is smart and powerful enough to shake a tag, also.
8. Scott Pendlebury (Coll)
The Magpie’s deserved leader just exudes class. Closest thing to a Rolls Royce in the league. Will rack up thirty-plus possessions in a game and rarely seems rushed or pressured.
It’s no mean feat to be a standout in a midfield with so many good players.
Giving him the captaincy also frees up a spot in their 22 as they no longer have to pick their former skipper…
7. Jarryd Roughead (Haw)
Graduated from a very good player to a great player in 2013. He was the Coleman Medallist in a Premiership side.
Swings into the ruck when the Hawks are losing the midfield and doubles as an on-baller in this role.
Reliable shot on goal and will relish the extra space up forward now his Buddy’s gone. Significantly, the only ginger-head in the top ten.
6. Jobe Watson (Ess)
Until he’s charged with whatever it is he’s done wrong, Jobe deserves to be considered one of the elite in the competition.
Great skills, strong body and determined attitude. So often Essendon’s best, the Brownlow Medallist would be more widely recognised as a champion if not for the bus his club threw him under.
5. Dan Hannebery (Syd)
My pick for the Brownlow this year. One of only a handful of players smart and quick enough to consistently find space on the tiny SCG.
Seems to be everywhere on the ground when he needs to be and has a long and accurate kick that breaks opposition’s defensive zones.
Works as hard as anyone in the league on game-day. In a star-studded midfield rotation, he’s the Swans’ barometer.
4. Joel Selwood (Geel)
Every time this bloke steps out you know he’s going to give 110%. Throws himself at every contest and has zero fear of pain.
He’s a wonderful leader with incredible skills for an in-and-under type, and, though he used to duck more than a batsman facing Mitch Johnson, the ‘no ducking’ rule has actually helped him become a better player.
3. Travis Cloke (Coll)
An old fashioned power forward. Has the ability to change the course of a game in the way Wayne Carey and Jonathan Brown could in their heydays, however still needs to work on his goal-kicking.
Some days you’d swear he couldn’t hit the side of a barn with a handful of wheat. He’d be at #2 if not for this.
2. Aaron Sandilands (Freo)
Big, big unit. Fremantle’s on-ballers often need a satellite to read his taps.
Has had recent troubles through injury, but a rare full pre-season under his belt will see him dominate games this year.
The old saying applies – “the small men get tired, but the big blokes don’t get any shorter”.
1. Gary Ablett (GC)
This was the easy bit. No-one works harder or more meticulously in their preparation for a game, and his performances consistently reflect that.
The little nude-nut is a gun. He’d comfortably hold down a spot in the back pocket in my first XVIII. You don’t watch this fella play, you just admire him.
There it is. That was actually a little more difficult than I first thought, but still enjoyable.
I’m either going to look like a genius or a hack in a few months’ time, but worry not, I’m already working on my excuses if they don’t deliver!
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