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.
Gregor
Guest
His last four weeks have been pretty good and he made it possible for the Eagles to beat the Suns.He wins his own taps which not even Goodes can( or could) do. And I thought his triple tackle on Saturday is possibly unique in open field play
Kevin Martin
Guest
Warning ... Grammar police on the beat
col in paradise
Guest
Maybe the should just get the new recruits to gorge themselves on bulk up and high protein drinks...weight training..and a lobotomy..and in most codes hit first grade early ..in soccer they can just hit the other team and play for draws and make the final 8.... Or 4
col in paradise
Guest
Love supreme optimists,,,,!!!!
Dalgety Carrington
Guest
I am always curious as to what people think they are going to achieve (other than a very public display of both their insecurities and massive lack of understanding on the mechanics of culture and language), having an anti-rant on a site that is frequented by people who have a deep interest and often love for the very thing the anti-rant is about. Especially when the said anti-rant is on something so broadly applied and inconsequential to the specific core of the sport, such as terminology, strategy, jumpers etc. Surely they don't think they're going to influence anyone's opinion?
Pope Paul VII
Guest
Yep. Iit's a tense time for soccer devotees apparently.
micka
Guest
How is AFL sinking to the bottom of "it's own cesspit" by copying another code? Wouldn't you say they were sinking into the other codes cesspit when they emulate them? Specialised training and recovery? I didn't know the world game had a monopoly on running for extended periods of time and weight training. I'd imagine every athletic sport on the planet utilises such "specialised" fitness regimes. I have even seen local field hockey clubs dribbling a ball around cones. Maybe FIFA should have protected their I.P. over jogging, they could be making billions. Thanks for the post Mitch, if nothing else I had a really good laugh.
Heath Buck
Roar Rookie
If Richmond pull their fingers out they could finish 9th.
checkside
Guest
Could be your Holiness. It seems that Mitch has a lot to say about our game but unfortunately its all very negative. I dont have a problem with some constructive criticism but he seems a bit angry. Could be drinking something a bit stronger than Kahlua. He might just need a holiday in Brazil - lots of angry people there.
Pope Paul VII
Guest
He may mean Kahlua? Seems like he may have had a few........without milk.
checkside
Guest
Mitch - I might no be the most cultured bloke around and I have my fair share of respect according to others in my life. One must learn to spell before deserving any respect here on the Roar. So enlighten me "knucklehead" whats "culure"?
Jim
Guest
Ultimately overrated No 9 perhaps? I just can not see what all the fuss is about with Natanui.
Olivia Watts
Roar Guru
Can't argue when it comes to Nick Malceski. For a bloke who has had three knee recos, just being able to play is amazing. Playing as well as he is should be an inspiration to all his teammates - best no.9 at Sydney ever. Which, sadly, isn't saying much. It was also proudly worn by Moose Henwood and David Acklerly and, with slightly less fame, graced such 'stars' as Robbie AhMat, Ben Fixter, Daryl Cumming and Michael Werner. Despite their best efforts for Sydney though, Ackerly, Henwood and Malceski remain pretty much the only successes the number has seen since the big move North.
Shouts Chen
Guest
Nic Naitanui is the Ultimate Nine of the AFL this year.
Josh Pinn
Roar Pro
Shaun Burgoyne is another No. 9.
Ironmonger
Guest
Ben cousins and Shane Crawford recent brownlow 9s too