Look, I get it, but he only misses out on a higher rank after somewhat of a down 2022, a year where several others really bolstered their own standing in the game. 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. You guessed it, I'm a skeptic of the ruck position. One other interesting note (and I don't think this counts as a spoiler), Dunkley is the only player on this list who will play at a new club in 2023. Second in the AFL for contested possessions (average 15.9 a game) behind Clayton Oliver, and second in the league in centre clearances (behind Dylan Shiel), there is no doubting Neale's quality . Its not too difficult to win a game without winning the clearances, however. It was the Hawks' (1-5) fourth straight loss, leaving them anchored to the bottom of the ladder. 1. However, he only played 15 games last year and as impressed as I've been, we don't have a huge body of work from him just yet. You see, Martin's bar was set so high throughout his stellar career that we'll always unfairly compare him to what he once was. Don't @ me. It's pleasing to see the super-likable Miller finally receiving his plaudits and continuing to shine now he's reached the point in his career where opposing coaches are doing everything they can to try and limit his influence. Bailey Smith has one of the best engines in the AFL. Plenty of AFL teams have received a rude wake-up call by means of a thrashing to start a new season. That's eight and a half seasons! I've referenced others on this list as difficult match-ups but Petracca is the most difficult. Tom Hawkins continues to perform at an elite level. Fritsch booted six goals in that 2021 Grand Final triumph over the Bulldogs, the most by any player in the 'Big Dance' since Darren Jarman in 1997. Picture: AFL Photos, Tom Mitchell kicks the ball during the R1 clash between Hawthorn and Collingwood on March 24, 2018. Melbourne triumphed in a mismatch marred by a horror leg injury sustained by Kangaroos youngster Charlie Comben. If you're still not convinced, go back and watch his efforts between rounds 16 and 20 last season where he polled a staggering 14 of a possible 15 Brownlow votes with some truly exceptional performances. More than a third of teams that have lost the handball count still managed to win the game. Hawkins' set shot kicking, particularly from long range, continues to be a hallmark of his game, and one-on-one he seems to have a physical edge over literally any defender who stands alongside him. 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. 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. 3-ranked player in the league for pressure acts (26.8 per game). Dylan Burns/Getty Images. Ask anyone to list the best dozen inside midfielders in the league and I'd be shocked if Liberatore's name is mentioned. 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. It highlights just how much of a potent attacking force he really is. Last year, Parker kicked 14 majors, including a bag of five against the Giants in Round 1 which netted him three Brownlow Medal votes. When you add in the fact Cameron's one of the best kicks for goal (either from a set shot or on the run from open play) in the game and has a willingness to work up the ground and provide the bail out option for his defenders, he's a no-doubt top five player. But May does a whole lot more than just lock down the league's best key forwards. It seemed everyone had already crowned him the next well, insert literally any AFL legend! I cannot wait to see how he goes as captain! On average, the winning team has received 17 free kicks and given away 16 hardly a significant difference. The Bulldogs (4-3) were well beaten in clearances and contested possession before half-time but gradually tilted the match in their favour to secure a 14.10 (94) to 9.11 (65) victory at Docklands. The Demons killed off the contest with the first six goals and gave their percentage a healthy boost with the 22.7 (139) to 7.7 (49) win. That's a phenomenal effort for a full back! He's well and truly over the hump, having played 358 games, but I bet there's not a single person who will disagree with the smooth-moving Pendlebury making the top 50. His unmatched speed, silky skills and elite finishing inside 50m allow him to flip games on their head in the space of minutes. 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. As Shaun Burgoyne rolled out to play his 400thAFL game a couple of weeks back, he joined an elite club. Whilst Kennedys three 400+ contested possession seasons reign supreme, the chase from Oliver is well and truly on. Your email address will not be published. AFL Club West Coast Apr 12, 2010 #6 lenny hayes' first quarter maybe 2008 or 2009. then got . Darrian Traynor/Getty Images. I think there's plenty more awards coming his way, too. 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. In the previous eleven seasons, more than three quarters of sides that had won the kick count in a game had also won the game itself. In my mind, he's the league's most complete player. James Sicily might be the best defender in the AFL. One of the more dynamic and dangerous key forwards in the competition, and yet some remain adamant that Naughton is an even better key defender. On average, winning the inside 50 count also translates to a 15-point victory. He continues to be the heartbeat of the Swans and the main catalyst behind the club's enviable high standards, never afraid to put his head over the ball or do the dirty work. Over the last two years, he leads the competition in disposals (over 32 per game) and, amazingly, has tallied at least 28 touches in 83% of his games in that stretch. That miniscule 3.6% loss rate is easily the best of any defender in the league. I'm thrilled Merrett has been appointed Essendon skipper for 2023. There's no denying that Charlie Curnow's epic 2022 season took a little of the spotlight away from McKay but he continued to be a steady presence in the Blues' forward line. The loss comes ahead of a difficult month that includes away games to Geelong and the Western Bulldogs and the visits of St Kilda and Brisbane, but there were plenty of positives for the Crows which shouldnt be lost in the final result. Lance Franklin celebrates the 1,000th goal of his career. Daniel Pockett/Getty Images. But I dug my heels in, refusing to be a prisoner of the moment. Curnow really is one of only a handful of players (okay, maybe two handfuls) who can literally take the game away from you in the space of 15 minutes. Clayton Oliver might be the most consistent player in the AFL. He's never afraid to take on the game with his pace, run-and-carry and dare, and with more time in the midfield last year was able to enjoy career-highs in most statistical categories. But at his best, Grundy is the complete package. Zac Bailey is one of the league's best young mid-forwards. Most Disposals In A Season Player TM GM Ave. Year Player TM GM Ave. Year Jack Macrae WB 880 26 33.85 2021 Dane Swan CW 769 25 30.76 2009 Tom Mitchell HW 848 24 35.33 2018 Jack Macrae WB 767 23 33.35 2019 Matt Crouch AD 825 25 33.00 2017 Terry Wallace HW 765 25 30.60 1983 Dane Swan CW 820 26 31.54 2010 Steele Sidebottom CW 764 26 29.38 2018 1 intercept man in the league, averaging 9.5 per game (the next best had 8.5), and took more marks than any other defender. I mean, seriously; that was embarrassing. With respect to the dynamic Toby Greene, Taylor is proving to be the most valuable Giant. He looked a shell of himself and his production had fallen off a cliff. Check. There is a weak negative correlation between the rebound 50 differential and the margin. Dylan Burns/Getty Images. He was held goalless just once and was a multiple goal kicker on 14 occasions. Naughton's mobility also makes him far more dangerous than the average key forward, given he can still impact the play when the ball hits the deck. I have a feeling this will be the most controversial player ranking of all, as many see Mills as a no-doubt top-10er. Do I need to remind you of his match-winning after-the-siren goal against the Tigers last year? Petracca was the first player to ever get 40 touches in a Grand Final in an absolutely titanic performance . Sam Walsh has been a star ever since he entered the AFL. Collingwood players fume at the non free kick awarded after this hit on Nathan Murphy, before Jordan de Goey is pinged for a contentious deliberate call. In fact, the Lions score a goal from 26% of McCluggage's forward 50 entries, the highest rate of any of the top 50 players for inside 50s over the last two seasons. Was it premature? One of the premier defenders in the league, the athletic Moore continues to be as solid as a rock for Collingwood. Don't get me wrong, Mills is a tremendous player but what he's lauded for most -- his work-rate and two-way running -- is just a tad overhyped. He works as hard as any midfielder in the game, always pushing into defence to give his backline a chop out. Passwords are encrypted before being stored in our system (we cannot see what your password is). 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? Michael Willson/Getty Images. Of course, a player's body of work impacts their ranking but I want to hammer home the fact this is not a legacy piece. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn, and work. GWS kicked the last four goals of the match to overrun the Swans after trailing by as much as 24 points early in the final term. Last year, Anderson upped his disposal numbers to 26 per game, to go along with six clearances and six inside 50s (the third-most in the league). Plenty of Demons fans would argue May's the club's most important player, and with that list, that's certainly saying something. Warner produced a masterpiece in last year's Grand Final demolition at the hands of Geelong -- 29 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 10 clearances, six tackles and two goals -- to cap off a phenomenal third season at the Swans (in reality his second, having played just two senior games in year one). It's also worth remembering McKay is just 25 years of age! It's no surprise he ranked No. AFL Season 2023. Cameron also deserves credit for his unselfishness, contributing 35 direct goal assists for his Lions teammates over the last two years. project. Lynch. Through last year's injury interrupted season, Martin averaged 18 disposals and 1.3 goals per game, playing predominantly in the forward line. Connor Rozee was selected to the All Australian team in 2022. Jul 16, 2008 1,721 77 WA. And what's even more unfortunate is that it's one of my favourites (yes, we're allowed to have our favourites!) After ranking first among ruckman in disposals, uncontested possessions, and contested possessions from 2017-19, Grundy dropped to third, fifth and fourth respectively. The Blues snagged the recruit of the year by signing the former Swan and freeing him from his lock-down duties, allowing him to provide steady support to skipper Patrick Cripps and young gun Sam Walsh in the midfield. Over the last two years, Walker has booted 95 goals from just 35 games. 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. Greene still finished with four goals and had just as much impact further afield to gather 22 disposals. Fyfe has taken 299 contested marks in his career, which ranks 39th all-time and is the most of any non-ruck or key position player since the statistic was recorded. Carlton's dynamic forward snagged 64 goals -- crazy when you consider he was sharing the forward line with a guy who kicked a league-best 58 goals the previous season -- to not only land the Coleman Medal and stake his claim as the best young forward in the AFL, but leave me looking a total fool (yes, I floated the idea of a Curnow trade back in 2020). Here's a crazy stat for you, only three players in the league have averaged 20 disposals and a goal per game over the last two years: Dustin Martin, Marcus Bontempelli and De Goey. He was initially in the top 10, then he dropped out of the top 20. From lock-down midfielder to one of the game's ultra elite, it's been an incredible rise for Miller over the last two years. Imagine if he was converting even 60% of his shots! Like Dangerfield, some would argue Martin is still amongst the best players in the league, while others believe his best days are long behind him. Win the Brownlow Medal and still fall short of top billing. The Swans' dashing halfback Ollie Florent was a curious match-up on Greene for much of the contest and was mostly able to nullify the Giants' dangerman near goal. He also still happens to be one of the best players. 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 sheer volume of his disposals might not stack up with some of the game's other elite players, but I'm not docking him ranking value for that, because his impact is every bit on par. Will Day (30 touches, six clearances, one goal), James Worpel (25, eight, one) and Jai Newcombe (24, 10, two) took up the fight with the Bulldogs' engine room and veteran forward Luke Breust (three goals) was a handful in attack before half-time. Carlton captain Patrick Cripps starred with 33 disposals, eight clearances and a goal, while Nic Newman, Adam Cerra, Blake Acres, George Hewett and Sam Walsh all racked up 30 or more possessions. Then her family intervened, Jock Zonfrillo remembered as an 'incredible chef' and influential member of Australia's culinary landscape, 'You could tell where the Russians had been': These Australians returned to Ukraine to help the country rebuild, Baby with bowel obstruction died after hospital's failures, coroner finds, NT chief minister apologises to outgoing police commissioner over retirement settlement comments, Police officer holidaying in WA's Kimberley says she's never experienced crime like it, 'Disgusting public display': Russian Orthodox choir condemns Ukraine war supporters' presenceat concert, At least six people killed as dust storm causes pile-up on US highway, Tasmania's salmon farm industry has lost its 'social licence', minister says, but it wants it back, US federal department faces environmental lawsuit following SpaceX launch and explosion. In fact, only once in the last two seasons has he dipped below the 25 disposal mark. I don't think we're close to seeing the best of him yet, and early signs of Carlton's pre-season suggest he could be in for a monster in 2023. Who knows, we may finally get to see him line up alongside his brother, Ben Harry McKay won the 2021 Coleman Medal. Sure, 2022 was a down year for the Power but Wines continued to play at a high level, averaging 28 disposals, five clearances, five inside 50s and four tackles per game. Approximately two thirds of matches are won by the team that records more rebound 50s per opposition inside 50 than its opponent. Only two teams weren't represented on the list; North Melbourne and West Coast. You might also be surprised to hear Merrett averaged the fifth-most kicks of any midfielder last year, so enough of the 'cheap handballs' narrative. Now how many have done that and averaged 17 or more disposals per game? And would I be surprised if he's once again a consensus top five player by season's end. 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 Kangaroos remain the only winless team in the AFL, slumping to 0-6 for the first time in 49 years. After a down couple of years in 2020 and 2021, some were beginning to wonder if Carlton's skipper was still the best player on his team, forget the competition! Boy, was I wrong. Picture: Getty Images, Nine wins in three seasons: Why Roos are applying for a priority pick. April 25, 2023. MOST CONTESTED TOUCHES IN A SEASON THE 400 CLUB, 400 clubClayton OliverJosh KennedyPatrick CrippsPatrick DangerfieldTom Mitchell. Daniel Pockett/Getty Images. I love the way he is always prepared to back himself, either taking the game on with ball in hand or leaving his opponent to provide relief for a teammate. The differential for this statistic explains 31 percent of the variation in margins. Disposals; Player TM Years # GM Ave. He has the versatility -- able to play small, tall as well as float in the backline -- and has some of the most exquisite foot skills you'll ever see. 3 in disposals last year with 32.1 per game. Gary Ablett managed 46 possessions aganst Adelaide in 2008 Stephen Malaxo's accumulated 48 possessions against St.Kilda in late 1987. But, contrary to what many believe, Laird does so much more than rack up touches. I've had a few dud calls over the past couple of years but picking Neale to win the 2020 Brownlow Medal at the beginning of the season feels like it makes up for them all. They explain 55 percent of the variation in margins, slightly above the 51 percent explained by the kick differential. Even if I expect Dunkley to be challenging for the top 20 by season's end, we're basing this ranking off what we've seen thus far. On the flip side, if Hewett is able to replicate his 2022 form this season, he'll be surging up these rankings. Meanwhile, Melbourne hammered the Kangaroos by 90 points at the MCG in the other evening match, while GWS, the Brisbane Lions and Western Bulldogs all enjoyed wins earlier on Saturday. In the spirit of reconciliation the AFL acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. 25. Pretty similar, hey? Paul Kane/Getty Images. Those who are in the first camp, let it be known that I'm on record as saying peak Martin was the greatest player I've ever seen. At 24, Oliver is just now entering his prime years, which is a scary thought. Darrian Traynor/Getty Images. If it's goals you're after, few provide as many as Fritsch. Rebound 50s do have some relevance, but only in relation to inside 50s. Luke Parker is the heart and soul of the Swans. As the conversation petered out and a number of keen observers meandered back to their desks, I began to wonder where exactly Bolton would rank? Collingwood trailed all game except for the final 30 seconds after Sidebottom's behind. Curnow jumped onto Shannon Hurn's shoulders to take a spectacular high grab before wheeling onto his right boot to snap his eighth. I really don't think Hawkins gets enough credit for the level of quality he's produced over the past decade and change. Schoenberg averaged 27 disposals, 12 contested possessions, five tackles and five marks during the Under-18 Championships and 21 disposals, 10 contested possessions and five tackles in the SANFL . . Give this man some respect, please. Is May the best pure defender in the game? Steele's one of the best midfielders in the competition when the opposition possesses the ball, always providing elite defensive pressure. The win was Carlton's second biggest over West Coast, falling just short of the 119-point triumph in their first meeting in 1987. Enjoy the thrilling final moments between Adelaide and Collingwood in round seven. Daniel Pockett/Getty Images. On average, the team that wins the tackle count wins the game by a few points, but the correlation between the two is very weak. 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. Charlie Curnow bags nine goals in Carlton's 108-point AFL win over West Coast as Melbourne thrashes Kangaroos by 90 points, Qantas leaders speak after announcingAlan Joyce's successor as chief executive, Follow our live blog for the latest from the Met Gala, Keep up with the latest ASX and business news. Last season, he was the No. But I promise you there's not many! At the other end of the ground, Steve Johnson had a field day in Geelong's record-breaking 186-point win over Melbourne in 2011. With more time in the midfield, and some further development as a player, I expect Rozee to begin pushing himself towards the top 20. 200. Zach Merrett will captain Essendon in 2023. Dylan Burns/Getty Images. When he pushes forward, he hits the scoreboard and sets up scoring chances better than literally any other midfielder (he ranked No. Teams that won the hit-out count have, in fact, lost the game more often than theyve won. 2022 AFL League Total Contested Possessions Leaders (Minimum 5 Games Played). He manages all of that while working as hard as any midfielder on the defensive side of the ball (and yes, that includes Callum Mills). The Magpies, who had won nine of their past 12 games after trailing at three-quarter time, had been behind by 16 points at the final change but edged ahead with Steele Sidebottom's set-shot point with less than 30 seconds left. 1 draft pick from 2018? Not the most eye-catching. Collingwood booted three goals to one in the final term, rallying after Chayce Jones extended the home side's lead to 22 points early in the last. No surprise he ranked No. It's all the proof anyone needs that he's still undoubtedly one of the best players in the AFL. Last year, De Goey upped his defensive pressure immensely, and had a career-best campaign in contested possessions and clearances as he spent more time around the ball. 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. The Bulldogs (4-3) were well beaten in clearances and contested possession before half-time but gradually tilted the match in their favour to secure a 14.10 (94) to 9.11 (65) victory at Docklands. Don't count him out for the Brownlow Medal, either Shai Bolton's star continues to rise in the AFL. Last year, he earned All-Australian selection for a season in which he tallied 43 goals, 41 behinds and averaged over 17 disposals and four inside 50s per game -- just outrageous numbers. Sub Rhett Bazzo was then sent to Curnow, but it was Hurn's brief cameo on the spearhead that created the biggest highlight. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.