While there is quality all over the AFL paddock, the best in the business wear the number nine.
Nic Naitanui would not be currently classed as performing like one of the better players in the competition, but he can be a formidable ruckman when he’s playing on song.
Nick Malceski is one of the form players of the competition averaging 24 disposals this year, is running off halfback. The bearded Swan is second for most kicks in the competition, one behind Dustin Martin.
Robbie Gray is moulding himself as a midfielder once again after suffering a horrific knee injury in 2012. Gray is on track for an All Australian spot as he is fourth in the AFLCA votes, averaging 23 disposals and nearly two goals a game.
Shaun Burgoyne is a versatile player who can play as a rebounding defender, dangerous medium forward or be lethal in the middle. With Sam Mitchell out he can slot into his role as a playmaker off the halfback line. Burgoyne is however currently in a minor form slump as he is carrying a heavier load with key players out.
North Melbourne captain, Andrew Swallow looks to be back to his best after returning from a long term Achilles injury. Swallow on the weekend had 29 possessions, 16 contested and seven tackles in an inspirational win over Richmond. When Swallow, Ziebell, Harvey and Dal Santo are all firing, the Kangaroos will strike fear into the other teams’ fans.
Richmond captain, Trent Cotchin has made a name for himself averaging 26 disposals over the past four seasons. His ability to position himself superbly, win the ball and then evade players in traffic has supporters in awe. If Cotchin can improve his disposal efficiency of 64 per cent he could elevate himself into the class of Dangerfield, Ablett, Selwood and the likes.
Rory Sloane is probably underrated as he has Patrick Dangerfield playing in the same midfield. Sloane doesn’t need to gather a ton of disposals to have an impact on a game. At the age of 24, his future looks bright. He will certainly be a highly sought after prospect from Victorian clubs when he is eligible for free agency.
Brendon Goddard is on track to go back to back for Crichton medals especially after the diagnosis of Jobe Watson’s injury. Goddard arguably has the best kick in the competition, with pinpoint accuracy. Goddard is not showing signs of slowing down, even at 29 years of age.
Geelong veteran James Kelly is like a war horse, he performs week in, week out without being given much recognition. He doesn’t get the numbers that Selwood or Johnson get but he delivers on a weekly basis. Kelly has the ability to lift his team as his consistency is not affected by the performances of those around him.
Lastly, the obvious one, the little master, son of a gun, call him whatever you like; he is the best player in the competition. Ablett is currently only one of two players in the competition averaging more than 30 disposals per game.
Gary Ablett looks to be on track for a third Brownlow, which would make it two in a row after last year’s triumph. It’s hard to believe he’s 30 years of age. When he makes a move down forward towards the latter stages of his career, he’ll become one of the most potent forwards of the competition.
Next time you are watching a game of footy, look out for a player with number nine on his back because most likely he will be the one to watch.
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