How he's managed to not only resurrect his career, but re-establish himself as one of the competition's premier forwards -- all during a time where he became embroiled in an off-field racism controversy -- is something that deserves a huge amount of credit. ABC Sport on Grandstand it's 100% Pure Footy. In no way is this a knock on former Magpies coach Nathan Buckley, but Moore is perfectly suited to Craig McRae's style of play and is thriving under the new regime. Send us feedback or report a mistake on this page. 8 and watch him put in a shift. Izak Rankine produced a moment of magic to shrug off Brayden Maynard's tackle, evade Nick Daicos and checkside kick his side's second major. The umpires also took note, awarding him 21 Brownlow votes, good enough for seventh place. Luke Parker is the heart and soul of the Swans. Paul Kane/Getty Images. Olivers best is 405, back in the 2018 season, where the Dees looked as though they may give their long-suffering supporters some respite before they headed west and fell to the Eagles in the prelim. He has also made the list another time, notching 403 from 25 games back in 2012. JACK CRISP. After the Blues' heartbreaking pre-finals exit last season, I'm expecting a hungry and determined Cripps to hit the ground running this year and finally lead his side into September. 2 last year in direct goal assists, highlighting just how selfless he is. West Coast (1-6) has now lost five matches on the trot and face a huge fight to avoid the wooden spoon this year amidst a devastating injury toll. Thats not because a rebound 50 itself is harmful, but instead because teams that win the rebound 50 count tend to have lost the inside 50 count. But for all Adelaide's early dominance, the Crows were left to rue inaccuracy, including a run of three missed set shots, to only hold a 22-point quarter-time lead. He is without question one of the hardest-working midfielders in the competition, constantly running and spreading all over the ground to always provide his teammates with an option. Izak Rankine does what he does best in this mesmerising goal. On Monday mornings at ESPN Australia headquarters, football debates and hypotheticals provide as much energy as the 9:30 a.m. coffee run. He won the club's best and fairest and earned All-Australian selection last season with averages of 24 disposals, six tackles, four inside 50s and four clearances per game. This service may include material from Agence France-Presse (AFP), APTN, Reuters, AAP, CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced. Do I need to remind everyone that we're just 18 months removed from him winning a Brownlow Medal with the equal-most votes (36) in the single 3-2-1 era? Whilst reaching 400 games remains an incredibly rare occurrence, the other 400-Club boasts just three players. What can you say about this man that hasn't already been said? Like Macrae, he rarely fails to hit a target inside 50m. Top 20? The Magpies ramped that up around clearances, claiming a lopsided 16-4 final-quarter count with 4-1 at centre clearances. There are over 800 players in the AFL. He's a sneaky great ball user, too. The 10 best AFL players at quarter time of the 2023 season Skip to navigation Search You have come to the ESPN Africa edition, for other ESPN editions, click above. Passwords are encrypted before being stored in our system . Stephen Coniglio (28 disposals, two goals) and Harry Perryman (21, three) were superb throughout for the Giants, while Xavier O'Halloran (15, two) and Finn Callaghan (26) were also influential in promising signs for the future. The Demons kicked their highest score this season and were on track to record their biggest winning margin against North Melbourne, before the Kangaroos kicked the last three goals of the match. Michael Willson/Getty Images. But the dynamic Pie has developed into a far more settled and consistent player -- last year's preliminary final against Sydney notwithstanding -- over the last two 18 months. That's now one selection each for both Rozee and Walsh, if you're counting. Sam Walsh has been a star ever since he entered the AFL. Melbourne midfielder Clayton Oliver impressed with 37 disposals, while Christian Petracca and Angus Brayshaw in his 150th match also shone. I'm convinced that if Parish's numbers were even just 10% lower he'd receive far less (unjust) criticism. Brownlow medallist Tom Mitchell set the standard for most disposals in 2018 when he famously ran around without a tagger to gather the ball 54 times against Collingwood. The win was Carlton's second biggest over West Coast, falling just short of the 119-point triumph in their first meeting in 1987. Mixed night for Daicos as Keays tag comesAs expected, Ben Keays lined up alongside Nick Daicos at the first bounce. There's really no better way to describe Cameron, who, at this point, is practically a walking highlight reel. In fact, only once in the last two seasons has he dipped below the 25 disposal mark. The rock-solid Taylor became the No. I'm thrilled Merrett has been appointed Essendon skipper for 2023. Cripps never had trouble winning the ball at the contest -- consistently ranking as a top five player in clearances and contested possessions -- but last year he became a much more complete footballer. Collingwood trailed 118-107 in contested possessions at three-quarter time, until reversing that with a 35-26 win in that category in the final term. There were 12 players aged 30+ who made the top 50, while the majority (54%) fell in the 25-29 age bracket, including the entire top seven. Last year's campaign, which resulted in a trip to the Grand Final, saw Parker lead his team in disposals, clearances and contested possessions, while also averaging six tackles and four inside 50s per game. Lance Franklin celebrates the 1,000th goal of his career. No matter what metric you lean on when determining what makes a great defender, Sicily's name is going to appear towards the summit almost every single time. Disposals; Player TM Years # GM Ave. That in itself highlights just how exceptional the young Docker was in 2022, providing a much-needed spark in a year where former skipper Nat Fyfe just couldn't get on the park. Don't @ me. *all stats are from 1999 onwards, courtesy Champion Data, VFLW superstar Sergeant Rhiannon Busch joins the crew for Yokayi Footy's Anzac Day special, highlighted by Charlie Cameron's incredible haul, From college basketball to the biggest stage in the AFL, enjoy Mason Cox's career highlights, Enjoy the thrilling final moments between Adelaide and Collingwood in round seven, Collingwood small defender John Noble drifts forward and nails this mighty kick on the run late in the game, Conor Nash has enjoyed a meteoric rise under Sam Mitchell, forcing opponents to take notice, Join Damian Barrett and Nat Edwards for AFL Daily, Top draft hopeful Nick Watson tells the Gettable crew many have questioned whether he's too small to make it to the AFL, Access All Areas look at the contentious decisions during Collingwood's miracle win over the Crows, thanks to Crypto.com, Roy, Calvin and Warnie reveal their early trades for round eight, Round seven AFL Rising Star nominee Finn Callaghan discusses his season so far with Cal Twomey, Watch the highlights and find out why Finn Callaghan gets the AFL Rising Star in round seven, Tom Hawkins booted four goals in the first 20 minutes, and finished with a career-best eight - in Geelong's win over Essendon. Collingwood dominated the last term, with 15-5 inside 50s, with the dam wall eventually breaking in the final five minutes. At his current average of 17.2 contested possessions per game, it is reasonable to assume that he will clear the 400-mark around the first week of the finals, however, itll be touch and go if Melbourne somehow end up a one-and-done team, after such a solid season. That was never more evident in 2018, when he broke Patrick Dangerfield's home-and-away record for most contested possessions in a season with 388. Each of the ten teams won the game by 20 points or more. It was evident early on that Laird was much more than a rebounding half-back, and he has flourished ever since receiving his first midfield opportunity in 2020. If you're playing a Grand Final tomorrow, and have first crack at drafting anyone in the league, there aren't many you're picking ahead of him if any. The average age of the players selected (at the time of publishing) is 27.3 years. Ollie Wines was the 2021 Brownlow Medal winner. He and Sam Berry were the only two players to rank top five in both tackles and pressure acts last season. Since contested possessions were recorded, just three men have been able to record 400 contested touches in a season, and Clayton Oliver is on track to do it for a second time in 2021. Albert Perez/Getty Images. Patrick Cripps shows off his 2022 Brownlow Medal. Like. It's even more impressive when you consider Steele's numbers dipped a little in 2022, but backing up a ridiculous 2021 -- where he finished tied-fifth in the Brownlow Medal -- was always going to prove difficult. Stewart is the heartbeat of Geelong's backline and one of the main reasons Chris Scott's side continues to be ranked as the best defence -- it conceded just 66 points per game last season -- in the competition. Albert Perez/Getty Images. Greatest AFL Players of All Time. In round two this year, Fremantle recorded seven clearances fewer than West Coast in the AFLWs inaugural western derby, but the Dockers still managed to cruise to a 45-point victory. Great goalkicking midfielders and/or productive high half-forwards are like gold dust and the Lions have one of the best in the business with Bailey. Parish has transformed himself into a top tier midfielder and one of the best accumulators in the competition, averaging 32 disposals per contest since his breakout performance on Anzac Day in 2021. Last year, Parish was in a select club with only Clayton Oliver, Lachie Neale, Patrick Cripps, Touk Miller, Rory Laird and Tom Mitchell as the only players to average 13 contested and 13 uncontested possessions per game. It's his ability to play as both a traditional lead, mark and set-shot key forward as well as a hybrid small, winning the ball at ground level and using his size, speed, skill and craftiness to outfox defenders. Elite? Bolton hasn't just taken the torch from Dustin Martin as Richmond's dynamic mid-forward threat, he's ensuring the flame will continue to burn brightly for years to come. Anzac Day Eve has brought out the best and worst of both Richmond and Melbourne for the last eight years. But with that said, there's no denying Gawn has set and continued to re-raise the benchmark for what we now expect from all rucks. Emails will only be used for identification purposes and for the resetting of forgotten passwords. The Swans spearhead joined the 1,000 goals club last year and ended the season with another haul of 52 - the 13th time in his illustrious career he's reached a half century of majors. It's very well deserved. Now where's that shaking my head emoji Is Rory Laird the most underrated player in the AFL? Who are the best players in the AFL and how would you go about ranking them? Dustin Martin at 75% is still one of the best players in the AFL. ), McKay was the best forward 12 months prior, leading the competition with 58 majors, again, from only 19 appearances. Smith's greatest asset is his stamina and running power. Last year, he was one of just 12 players in the league to average seven score involvements per game. The long-time Collingwood skipper, who stood down from his post this off-season, is one of the most revered and respected figures in the league. Playing for a team that have not been part of finals, Cripps missed out on topping the mark by just 13 contested touches in 2018, and possesses the second-highest average of any player in the top ten, with 17.59 contested possessions per game. Whilst Kennedys three 400+ contested possession seasons reign supreme, the chase from Oliver is well and truly on. But I dug my heels in, refusing to be a prisoner of the moment. Is Christian Petracca now the best player in the AFL? Averaging 32 disposals over his last 50 outings, Laird is one of the game's most prolific and consistent ball winners. There might not be a better mid-sized marking threat in the entire league than sticky-hands Heeney, who can pluck the ball when in a pack or take it on the lead at full tilt. Picture: AFL Photos, Tom Mitchell kicks the ball during the R1 clash between Hawthorn and Collingwood on March 24, 2018. He looks a certain future skipper of the Dockers and I don't think anyone would be surprised if he's pushing for the top 15 come season's end. READ: The enduring magnetism of Scott Pendlebury, Scott Pendlebury is one of the all-time greats of the AFL. Anderson is one of the brightest young stars in the AFL and his game is developing at breakneck speed. The clinical Mihocek snapped truly on his left and capitalised on Jordon Butts' defensive gift to close the gap to one goal by half-time. Comben was hospitalised with a suspected broken leg. If he's able to mesh that 2021 goalkicking form with his 2022 production, then just like it was with Martin, few will argue Petracca's not No. 2 for fewest one-on-one contest losses over the last five years -- but when freed up he is as damaging as just about any defender in the game. Hard-nosed Kangaroo Ben Cunnington still has the mark for contested possessions (32), while Joel Bowden's mark of 41 uncontested possessions in 2009 will take some beating. AFL Season 2023. Cameron also deserves credit for his unselfishness, contributing 35 direct goal assists for his Lions teammates over the last two years. He's also taken the third-most contested marks inside 50m in that period. But Lynch really is the ultimate, efficient key forward; mark the ball, turn around and bang it through at a higher clip than just about anyone else (last year, 70% of his shots resulted in six points). The Magpies ramped that up around clearances, claiming a lopsided 16-4 final-quarter count with 4-1 at centre clearances. When I shared my initial ranked list (yes, there have since been plenty of tweaks!) We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn, and work. to dominate on the lead as well as at ground level, making him a nightmare one-on-one match-up for any defender, especially when you consider only four players took more contested marks than him last year. Pretty similar, hey? This was the third time this season they've won from a three-quarter time deficit. In the votes Jordan Dawson (30 touches) and Rory Laird (29 disposals) were both brilliant in the midfield, while Chayce Jones (20 possessions, 2.2) had one of his best games at the top level and it could've been even bigger had he converted more of his opportunities in front of goal. I expect him to hit the ground running in 2023 and quickly get back to his best. The potential was always evident and Curnow well and truly delivered on it in a breakout 2022. Dylan Burns/Getty Images. Often at the bottom of a pack or having to deal with two opponents hanging off him, he never fails to hit a target with his lightning-quick hands, setting up more attacking thrusts from midfield than any other player. Here he is! Anderson always seems to lift in the clutch moments, playing his best footy late in games. The rising Pie finished just behind McDonald in the intercept possession stakes, averaging 8.1 per match, and also tied for the most intercept marks a game, with 2.6 a game. Amixture of bewilderment and sheer disgust was plastered on the face of an ESPN colleague after I had casually noted Richmond livewire Shai Bolton was not a top three player in the AFL. He also ranked 13th in 2022 for score involvements, the eighth-highest rated midfielder in the category. Last season, he was the only player in the league to average eight tackles and eight clearances and ranked fifth overall for contested possessions. The pick of the bunch had to be his 38 disposal, 10 tackle, eight clearance and one goal game against the Kangaroos. My slight knock on 'the Bont' is that he's prone to having too many quiet quarters (at least compared to those ranked above him on this list), but enough with the negatives, a top seven rank should be celebrated. In fact, there's really no weakness to his game. That's half the job, right? Greene still finished with four goals and had just as much impact further afield to gather 22 disposals. In 2022, he ranked eighth in the league for pressure acts. . Not the most exciting. Young on-ball bulls Tom Green (31 disposals, 13 tackles) and Chad Warner (29 disposals, one goal) were engaged in an enthralling duel in a pointer to a match-up to watch for years to come. RORY Laird's incredible 20-tackle performance at the weekend set a new benchmark for AFL players to chase. Plenty of Demons fans would argue May's the club's most important player, and with that list, that's certainly saying something. Tackles per opposition possession is a much more useful metric, as it takes the number of tackling opportunities into account, albeit crudely. I think there's plenty more awards coming his way, too. Since the beginning of 2021, 163 of his 400 kicks (or 41%) resulted in a score. He's played just three seasons but each year we've seen a giant leap and right now he's on a trajectory to becoming a top 15-20 player by the end of 2023. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It's a real shame his 2023 season is set to be hampered by a persistent back injury, as another leap was certainly on the cards. Harry McKay also booted two early goals to give the Blues a 21-point lead at quarter-time and Curnow had four goals to his name by the main break as the lead swelled to 40 points. Move him up. And mind you, this was no Tigers fanatic. But the Brownlow Medal fancy finished with a match-high four goal assists to make his presence felt as the Bulldogs kicked seven goals to two after half-time.
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