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As far as the saying goes, ladies first. But today I’ve been asked to round out The Roar‘s top 50 AFL players, with the first 40 done and dusted.
It has been great to see the debate surrounding the first 40 players as revealed by Cameron Rose, Michael Cowley, Ryan Buckland and TomC, and I hope that debate continues with the remaining ten players.
So, without further ado, drum roll please…
41. Jarrad McVeigh (Sydney Swans)
The Sydney captain embodies the tenacity, heart and toughness of the ‘Bloods’ culture at the Swans. He leads from the front with his attack on the ball, whether playing in the midfield, as a sweeping defender or a small forward – all three positions which he can play magnificently.
Expect to see him in the backline more this season with the departure of All-Australian Nick Malceski to the Gold Coast Suns.
As an aside, one of my all-time favourite moments in sport revolves around McVeigh. The Swans travelled to Skilled Stadium and rallied behind McVeigh and his wife, Clementine, who had just lost their baby Luella to a heart condition in 2011. Wearing black armbands, the Swans upset the Cats and became the first team to beat Geelong at their home ground in 29 games. It was one of those moments that reaffirmed in me the truly transcendent nature in sport.
42. Daniel Talia (Adelaide Crows)
Daniel, why are you so far down on this list? As with all lists rating players – not to mention awards – defenders seem to get short-changed and none more so than Talia.
The Adelaide backman is very unassuming, but each week draws the best forwards and holds them at bay. His ability to punch and defend the ball late is among the best in the game. The Rising Star in 2012, Talia received All-Australian honours in 2014 – the first of many I’m sure.
43. Brendon Goddard (Essendon)
Goddard is one of those polarising figures in football; someone that people love, and someone that people love to hate. I have to say I don’t fall into either category.
As the number one draft pick in 2002, he was much maligned and burdened with expectation early in his career. However, by the time the Saints hit their stride in 2007, so too had Goddard, who went on to earn All-Australian stripes in 2009 and 2010.
Goddard belongs in that group of St Kilda players who should have been Premiers. Along with Lenny Hayes, he almost willed St Kilda over the line in the last quarter of the drawn 2009 grand final.
Now at Essendon, Goddard continues to be a versatile asset and looks dangerous in every part of the ground.
44. Steele Sidebottom (Collingwood)
I’ve got to admit, I’m not the biggest fan of Sidebottom, although I do like saying his name. Bias aside, I have to admit that he is talented. Talented enough to play in a grand final winning side in his second season in 2010.
Sidebottom’s ability to use both sides of his body to dispose of the ball is both impressive and rare in the modern era. Coupled with his goal sense, he can be a game-changing player. The Magpies need him to stand up again this season, especially with questions hanging over Buckley’s position as coach.
45. Marc Murphy (Carlton)
The Carlton captain and number one draft pick in 2005 is consistent in his intent and attack on the ball. But I have to say, I don’t really agree with all of the fanfare surrounding Murphy.
Yes, he racks up a lot of possessions – but is he really a game changer? I’m yet to be completely swayed. His 2011 season, in which he won All-Australian honours, was a great one. But I still feel like he is one of the more overrated players on this list.
Carlton fans, bash away!
46. Nick Smith (Sydney)
Like Talia, I think Smith is being short changed with his position on this list. Smith is arguably the best small defender in the league and this is no small feat – he has to play on Cyril Rioli, Hayden Ballantyne and Eddie Betts just to name a few.
Smith is highly rated in the inner sanctum at Sydney and was last year awarded All-Australian honours, giving him the recognition he deserves.
47. David Mundy (Fremantle)
Mundy was the centre of much speculation in 2014 as an unrestricted free agent. The veteran eventually re-signed with Fremantle, making him destined to be a one-club player. Mundy is critical to Fremantle’s structure and if the Dockers are to win the grand final this year, his engine through the midfield will be pivotal to their success.
Even though Mundy is a 200-plus game player, he holds one of the fastest three-kilometre time trial times at the club and is much admired by coach, Ross Lyon. His position in the late 40s seems fair to me.
48. Jack Gunston (Hawthorn)
Gunston, like his name suggests, is a gun. His incredible endurance makes him almost impossible to play on as he runs defenders ragged.
What’s more, when he’s in front of goal he seldom misses. It’s scary how accurate he and Luke Breust are in that Hawthorn forward line. With 58 goals to his name in 2014, not only is Gunston elite in his endurance but also his goal kicking.
Adelaide must be kicking themselves for letting Gunston slip through the cracks. How different their forward line would look with Gunston and Kurt Tippett (now at Sydney) to complement Taylor Walker and Betts.
I had Gunston much higher on my list and I’m shocked that I have been given the task of assessing his (apparently under appreciated) talent.
49. Nick Malceski (Gold Coast)
The now former Swan earned his first All-Australian stripes in 2014 after a superb season. His run off halfback is among the best in the business – he is creative and almost always makes the right decision when disposing of the ball.
He’s also not a bad snap in front of goal either. Not only did he kick the match-winning goal in the 2012 Premiership, but he also kicked the Swans’ first goal of that match against Hawthorn from a tight angle on the boundary.
Already elevated to the role of vice captain at the Gold Coast, Malceski will be pivotal to the Suns’ bid to make their first finals campaign.
50. Taylor Walker (Adelaide)
The big Tex, what a way to round out the Top 50! How can you not love this man? The moment I saw his mullet and strut I was hooked.
Even more so when I saw his commitment to the ball – to mark, to tackle in the forward 50, to give Adelaide the momentum-turning goal they need.
Injury culled his 2013 campaign short, but after returning in Round 9 against Collingwood in 2014, Walker went on to play the next 14 games for a return of 34 goals. With a full pre-season under his belt, expect to see big things from the newly crowned Crow captain.
So that’s it, ladies and gentlemen, The Roar‘s top 50 players for 2015. Which selections surprised you? And more importantly, who didn’t make the cut?
Let us know by commenting below.
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