We’ve knocked off the top 30 players in the league, and now it’s time for the more contentious lower order.
Everyone in the 31-40 positions was left out of the top 50 by at least one of our panel, so there’s plenty of room for disagreement here.
It’s also a varied group. Midfielders dominated the top 30 to a large extent, but there’s only two here. They’re complimented by three small forwards, three key defenders, one back flanker and one ruckman.
Sadly, there are two players we won’t get the pleasure of watching at all in 2015, as they’ve already been ruled out of the season with injury.
Without further ado…
31. Sam Jacobs (Adelaide)
Jacobs makes the list off the strength of a big 2014 season, where he could easily have been All-Australian in place of Aaron Sandilands.
He’s an old school bash and crash ruckman, who recorded 35 hit outs per game last year, but it’s his ability to link with his teammates and provide an option through the middle of the ground that sets him apart.
32. Tom Liberatore (Western Bulldogs)
Tom’s dad Tony was one of the great tough nuts in footy. Tom has inherited all of that toughness, along with a bit more polish and 20 extra centimetres. For the last two years he’s been one of the league’s best inside midfielders, and in 2014 won his club’s best and fairest award at just 22 years of age.
Sadly, a knee injury will keep him out of the entire season, but surely his best footy is still ahead of him.
Michael Cowley was Liberatore’s biggest supporter on The Roar’s panel, judging him the AFL’s 23rd best player.
33. Shaun Burgoyne (Hawthorn)
Burgoyne is a winner. Of his 269 AFL games, he’s played 184 of them in winning teams, and picked up three premierships along the way. The Hawks have used him mainly as a rebounding defender, where his poise and efficient ball use have been major assets as well as his strength and defensive smarts.
Ryan Buckland is a big fan, ranking him at 12th.
34. Hayden Ballantyne (Fremantle)
There’s an old cliché about players that everyone hates but would love to have on their team. Ballantyne pretty much embodies that. He is known for getting under opponents’ skin with extreme antagonism, not just through his fierce defensive pressure but his on-field *ahem* conversations.
But Ballantyne is also a skilful and dangerous forward whose potency reached a new level in 2014 with 49 goals at 2.4 per game, a better average than any other small forward in the league.
35. Callan Ward (GWS)
Ward came to GWS at the age of 21, still a baby in footballing terms, but surrounded by raw draftees he had to quickly adapt to leadership, which he has done remarkably well.
One of the most complete players in the game, he can find his own footy, apply defensive pressure, break away from packs with acceleration and hit teammates in the forward-line with his penetrating disposal.
He has been the right man at the right time for the Giants and his performances have only improved as the team has. He finished 11th in last year’s Brownlow and expect him to improve on that in the future.
Cam Rose had him almost as high as the umpires, listing him as the 12th best player in the league.
36. Alex Rance (Richmond)
Rance is everything you want in a modern defender. Tall, mobile and physically imposing, he won a spot in the 2014 All-Australian team by repeatedly shutting down the opponent’s best forward, stopping opposition attacks with intercept marks, and peeling off to help his teammates rebound from the backline.
His return to the team after an early injury was one of the catalysts for Richmond’s turnaround in the second half of last season.
37. Eric MacKenzie (West Coast)
Mackenzie has always been a solid citizen in the Eagles’ backline, supporting the likes of Darren Glass, but over the past three years his game found a new level of consistency as he’s taken over the number one key defender role. It’s clear how highly he’s regarded at the Eagles by his strong showing in the John Worsfold medal, finishing second in 2013 and first in 2014.
West Coast have a proud tradition of producing some of the best key defenders in the game and Mackenzie is a strong addition to that legacy.
38. Luke Breust (Hawthorn)
Breust is a key member of the league’s most formidable forward-line. He backed up 40 goal seasons in 2012 and 2013 with a stellar 57 goals in Hawthorn’s 2014 premiership campaign. He has become a remarkably consistent and efficient goal scorer, who can also help out in the midfield. He was named in the All-Australian team for the first time last year.
I had Breust fully ten spots higher than this, but not as high as Sarah Olle, who had him as the 15th best player in the league.
39. Harry Taylor (Geelong)
The two-time All Australian centre half back probably didn’t have the best season in 2014 by his own high standards, but is still undoubtedly one of the league’s finest backmen.
Taylor is quite possibly the most versatile defender in the league, able to shut down tall forwards, small forwards, play loose and cut off opposition attacks, and even drift down the ground and kick goals.
40. Chad Wingard (Port Adelaide)
Wingard exploded in Port’s 2013 renaissance season as a small forward and attacking midfielder, kicking 43 goals and winning the John Cahill Medal in just his third year in the AFL.
Perhaps most impressive has been has ability to step up in big games – no one will ever forget the five goals he kicked in the last Showdown at Footy Park, including the match-winner.
While his influence wasn’t as great in 2014, he is still able to turn games and perform on big occasions, such as a four goal haul in the semi-final at Subiaco.
As good as Wingard is, I didn’t have in my top 50. But I’d be hard-pressed to argue he doesn’t belong in this company.
So that’s the penultimate leg of The Roar’s top 50. Tomorrow Sarah Olle will bring us home with the Roaring Forties. With only ten spots to go, there’s bound to be some disappointment among fans who think one of their clubs players should have been a lock…
The Roar’s Top 50 (so far…)
1. Gary Ablett (Gold Coast)
2. Nathan Fyfe (Fremantle)
3. Lance Franklin (Sydney)
4. Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood)
5. Joel Selwood (Geelong)
6. Josh Kennedy (Sydney)
7. Luke Hodge (Hawthorn)
8. Travis Boak (Port Adelaide)
9. Jarryd Roughead (Hawthorn)
10. Dyson Heppell (Essendon)
11. Patrick Dangerfield (Adelaide)
12. Robbie Gray (Port Adelaide)
13. Tom Hawkins (Geelong)
14. Tom Rockliff (Brisbane)
15. Matt Priddis (West Coast)
16. Jobe Watson (Essendon)
17. Luke Parker (Sydney)
18. Jordan Lewis (Hawthorn)
19. Dayne Beams (Brisbane)
20. Rory Sloane (Adelaide)
21. Bryce Gibbs (Carlton)
22. Ryan Griffen (GWS)
23. Trent Cotchin (Richmond)
24. Aaron Sandilands (Fremantle)
25. Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda)
26. Kieran Jack (Sydney)
27. Dustin Martin (Richmond)
28. Brent Harvey (North Melbourne)
29. Steve Johnson (Geelong)
30. Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn)
31. Sam Jacobs (Adelaide)
32. Tom Liberatore (Western Bulldogs)
33. Shaun Burgoyne (Hawthorn)
34. Hayden Ballantyne (Fremantle)
35. Callan Ward (GWS)
36. Alex Rance (Richmond)
37. Eric Mackenzie (WC)
38. Luke Breust (Haw)
39. Harry Taylor (Geel)
40. Chad Wingard (Port)
robert
Guest
you must have forgot cryil Rioli?
kangaman
Guest
I'll obviously will be considered biased being kangaman, but don't see how either Cunnington or Goldstein didn't make the list after the impact they both had on games last year. Gibbs is extremely lucky to be top 50 after his first standout season, obviously has tallent but consistently under utilises it & Ballantyne is a bit mind boggling considering the other talent left out. I'd probably have Burgoyne slightly higher, a player that rises to big occasions & well deserved top 10 for Roughead
New York Hawk
Guest
In no known, or unknown, universe is Gibbs even remotely worthy of comparison to Mitchell.
Macca
Guest
Cam - I agree Gibbs went past Murphy last year but I think that may be of real benefit to Murphy as I don't think it is the Captaincy that has hurt Murphy but a lack of support. In 2011 Judd was 27 and in his prime and getting the number 1 tag, in 2012 Murphy got his shoulder smashed by Dangerfield, in 2013 he was named Captain and with Judd waning was getting the number 1 tag and then when Gibbs finally takes the next step in 2014 Judd misses half the season with injury. (also over that 2012 to 2014 period Carrazzo, who would do a lot of blocking work for Murphy, has played 14, 10 & 14 games) In 2015 with the prospect of Gibbs getting the number 1 tag, Judd being back to full fitness (plus Thomas & Carrazzo) and the emergence of Cripps Murphy could easily return to his 2011 form.
Macca
Guest
Gecko - whether they lead up or not (but if they don't lead up how do they lead backwards, which by the way Wayne Carey was doing back in the 1990's) isn't the point the create a target and attract the ball and make decision making clearer for someone coming off half back.
Balthazar
Guest
Slane, Walters is not actually all that fast. Evasive, yes, but not particularly quick. He is also the most accurate kick in the team (bar perhaps Hill). It is his vision, however, that stands out. Ballas and Chad are your traditional ball hogs. Walters will set up as many goals as he kicks, so can take credit for 4 or so per game. He is also both a great overhead mark and a legitimate midfielder
Tim Holt
Roar Guru
On a more important note Cameron, where is your Hawks review, I have been waiting since 2am for it. Plus i run a 12000 strong hawks forum on FB who will gobble it up ;)
Cameron Rose
Expert
I rate both players, and I love Burgoyne's poise and calmness in traffic, and Malceski's preciseness, but I couldn't find room for either in my top 50. If pressed, I'd lean to Burgoyne, just.
Cameron Rose
Expert
I had Gibbs at 18 and Murphy at 26 Katfish, so not much between them for mine, but I do think Gibbs went past Murphy last year. I don't think the captaincy agrees with Murphy, and I also think he's a player who is one of the most devastating players in the league when free-wheeling; and all the talk of working on defensive attributes hurts a player like him.
Tim Holt
Roar Guru
So by your comment Michael you see Burgoyne as mostly a half back? Interesting You must have missed the many times at Port and Hawthorn where he has devastated it in the midfield, or lit it up on the forward line. Do yourself a favour get a copy of the last quarter of the 13 prelim I have the highest regard for Malcheski, but, he is not a patch on Burgoyne
Michael Huston
Guest
OK Burgoyne is good and all, but above Nick Malecski? I have serious issues with that. Not only is Malceski the best half-back/rebounding defender in the competition right now, he's also probably behind maybe only Grant Birchall for the best of the last several years. His skills are matched by only a few (of the Ablett, Pendlebury variety), he has impeccably clean hands, he can navigate his way through heavy traffic and still be ridiculously polished off the boot. I could understand Malecski being not included in the top 40, because half backs traditionally don't receive much recognition, but the beef I have is that out of all the half-backs, Shaun Burgoyne has been included above him. Malceski has proven himself to be just as capable of playing in the middle, and even uses his skills to go forward every now and then. Can't understand this choice.
clinchy
Guest
I only read the comments to read Don Freo and Macca argue! So hilarious! keep it up lads ;)
Gecko
Guest
Macca it might just be a question of definition. Franklin and Westhoff certainly have an impact. My point is they might be listed as CHFs, but they no longer play the traditional CHF role. They don't just lead up. More often, they're running up to the wing or half back then leading backwards towards the goals, They do more ground level work than the traditional CHF too.
Gecko
Guest
Don I wasn't saying he lacked mobility in the 4th quarter. I meant the game is evolving to require more mobility/ agility. Winning tap-outs, which is Sandi's strength, is becoming less important as chasing, tackling, pack-clearing and goal-kicking become pre-requisites of rucks. Assuming the game continues to evolve in 2015, Sandi might be overtaken by Zac Clarke.
Floyd Calhoun
Guest
If I was using the schoolyard pick system, I'd pick Deledio well before Ward. They're not in the same class. Pardon the pun.
Katfish
Roar Guru
lions were stitched up. For me, murphy is still the classier of the two. was a little stiff to miss out on the top 40
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Gunston and Wines.
Macca
Guest
Don't get too hung up on Gibbs missing father son - Murphy was a Brisbane father son and still came to the blues. I do appreciate what Murphy can do and I think he compliments Judd & Gibbs (and soon Cripps) nicely, just think that with Gibbs size and longer kicking he will hurt teams more going forward. I also had Murphy as my unlucky to miss so far for the blues Iangou started earlier.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Yeah Don, I was referring to Swans Kennedy. He's a good in and under player, but butchers a lot of Footy. I'd love to have West Coast Kennedy in my side, just for the entertainment value his little dance while have shots on goal!
Katfish
Roar Guru
look back at 2011- murphy took plenty of games away from opponents then on his way to an All-Australian selection (that's not an argument for why murphy should be higher). As a Crows supporter watching Gibbs do well just hurts, thinking what could have been if he'd qualified for the father-son rule at the crows.