These are five players that I believe that are highly underrated and should be praised for their efforts so far in 2020. Two them should be in the All Australian conversation.
North Melbourne, Cameron Zurhaar
Been a great player for North for a while now and should be in All Australian conversation. Zurhaar has been averaging nine disposals a game and has been elite goal kicker with 1.4 goals a game.
I know it’s his second season but boy he has been a shining light for the Roos. He has kicked 11 goals for the season and this includes his performance against Essendon in a loss, kicking two goals and having 19 disposals.
Not bad for a small forward.
He is underrated and if he went to a big club he would be in the same conversation with likes of Toby Green and Tom Papley and is someone to watch in the next half of the season.
Richmond, Mabior Chol
Mabior is has been having a great 2020 with being a key in the forward line for Richmond. The way he plays has a lot flare about him and with this comes high-class pressure acts, which help Richmond dominated games. He has been an excellent player for Richmond for some time.
Even though averages seven disposals a game and has only kick three goals for the season, his defensive acts have help Richmond lock the ball in and has added a new dimension to Richmond’s forward line.
If he kicks more goals and takes his marks he will be there with likes of Tom Lynch and will be someone that will much be needed in Richmond’s forward line for years to come.
Gold Coast, Alex Sexton
A little left-field but is a great ball user and has been an unsung hero in an improved Gold Coast Suns side. He has been excellent for the Suns with averaging 9.3 disposals a game. That is down from his career average but kicks a goal in each game which has improved from last year.
He has eight goals as a small forward for this season. His best game came against the Bulldogs with three goals and 11 touches, which is excellent for a small forward. I think he has been lost in the conversation as people looking at Izak Rankine who is a gun but Sexton has been more consistent and is having an excellent 2020 and also had excellent 2019 as well which some people would have forgotten.
So Sexton is going from strength to strength and should be looked in the same category as Rankine and other elite small forwards of the game.
Carlton, Marc Pittonet
Another left-field choice but you have to pick him. Ever since he has started for Carlton he has been great.
As a ruckman has averaged 24.5 hit-outs a game and 7.5 hit outs to advance, which is excellent.
He has been key in helping Carlton winning the clearances – and the games. He has been an excellent pickup for the Blues and just maybe the Hawks will be ruing the decision to let him go.
North Melbourne, Trent Dumont
Another North player that needs to be recognised. Hee has been excellent for North over his 91 games. A great ball user, he was key to their win against the Crows on Saturday and has been an efficient ball user this year.
He has greatly improved from last year and has increased in every aspect of the game also leads North in pressure acts as well. Has been a star in a struggling team with his best game coming against Richmond with 25 touches and a goal in the 54-point loss.
Not to mention he is averaging 20 touches a game and is averaging 4.2 tackles a game. I think Dumont should be in the conversation for the All Australian team he deserves it.
Footy fans, I am wrong?
Flagpies
Roar Rookie
Even as bad as Collingwood are at the moment, Bruzzy Maynard is having a good season and probably a little under rated.
Stix
Guest
I agree with you on Marc Pittonet. Still has a lot of work to do around the ground and rarely marks above his head but is pretty good in the actual ruck contests. The most underrated player in the competition WAS BY FAR Levi Casboult until early this season - He is finally now getting his dues.
Nic Dayman
Guest
Totally agree about DBJ....for a guy of his size, he cuts through packs, uses both run and the ball, gives very little away and is consistent. ...starting to receive some well deserved acknowledgement. The coach certainly knows!
berrlins
Roar Pro
neither of those North Melbourne players should be anywhere near all australian talks unless the AA teams needs waterboys, in the stats mentioned, Zurhaar is well down compared to other small or medium forwards, and as for Dumont. In the stats you listed he's not even number 1 in his own team so I am not sure how they'll transfer onto All Australian form. Zurhaar I'll grant you is actually pretty underrated but Dumont isn't. I would easily have Luke Ryan in his place, or Hugh greenwood from the suns or even Bailey Williams from the dogs.
Charlie McCormack
Roar Rookie
When I think of underrated players, I can't go past David Mundy as one who's career has been severely downplayed. He's versatile, durable, tough and composed but has not often been talked about as one of the elite players. Even on the weekend, as a 35 year old, he plays full-time midfield and wins 10 clearances against a much vaunted Collingwood midfield. Gun.
pablocruz
Roar Rookie
Great user of the ball, Neil. I worry a bit when he's isolated one-on-one in a marking contest though. Seems to be too easily out bodied.
Neil from Warrandyte
Roar Rookie
:stoked: :laughing: :laughing:
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
You can't be hidden with a name like that
Neil from Warrandyte
Roar Rookie
Derek Eggmolesse-Smith for the tigers is a hidden gem. Has the composure and hits targets almost as well as Pendlebury.
pablocruz
Roar Rookie
I wouldn't think Mabior Chol is underrated. He's a work in progress. Richmond's ruck choices when Nank becomes available will be interesting, someone is going to be unlucky.
13th Man
Roar Rookie
Good player yes... Charlie Cameron, Michael Walters level small forward? Nope, not yet at least.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Yeah, I was imagining it’s Luke but you never know! West Coast’s Ryan is almost Rioli like in terms of hype, but that’s a whole other can of worms.
13th Man
Roar Rookie
Yeah, Sheppard always annoys me in the derby, we kick it straight to him so much. Very good player.
13th Man
Roar Rookie
Would imagine it's Luke Ryan... Liam Ryan definitely isn't underrated, good player but definitely gets the plaudits he deserves and perhaps is even a little bit overhyped, particularly here in WA
13th Man
Roar Rookie
Yeah I'll give you that, the last few years are looking a bit better than some of the drafting between 2011-15.
Pelican
Roar Rookie
DBJ from Port has been under rated for the last four years. He is getting noticed a bit lately though. He is my favourite Port player.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Another of Freo's gem drafting in recent times. The Lloyd/Lyon/Bell rebuild of recent years has been stellar.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Absolutely. He’s been sensational.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Which Ryan?
Birdman
Roar Rookie
swap out Dumont for Ryan and you're closer to the mark