OFFICIAL AFL Player Ratings have spoken, pinpointing the statistical stars of the 2014 season. Here we take a look at the highest-ranked defender, midfielder, forward, ruck and first-year player at your club.
ADELAIDE
Best defender: Brodie Smith (AFL Player Rating: 34, club rating: 3) A breakout season for the young rebounding defender as the Crows kick-started many an attacking drive via his penetrating right leg; Smith led the club for rebound 50s.
Best midfielder: Patrick Dangerfield (AFL: 4, club: 1) Not his most influential season, but even when carrying injuries Dangerfield's courage and work ethic makes him an incredible force at the elite level.
Best forward: Eddie Betts (AFL: 73, club: 6) Superb year after crossing from Carlton, he led Adelaide's goal kicking with 51 majors and contributed a League-high 29 goal assists.
Best ruck: Sam Jacobs (AFL: 42, club: 4) Career-best season should see Jacobs earn debut All Australian honours. He was the club's most consistent performer and easily one of, if not the most dominant big-man in the AFL.
Best first-year player: Matt Crouch (AFL: 567, club: 33) Didn't get as many opportunities as he would have liked, but when he played, Crouch proved why he'll be such a prolific ball-winner in the future. - Harry Thring
BRISBANE LIONS
Best defender: Jed Adcock (AFL Player Rating: 135, club rating: 6) Like his team, the Lions skipper improved as the season wore on. Averaged 20 disposals over the final seven weeks.
Best midfielder: Tom Rockliff (AFL: 16, club: 1) A brilliant season from the workaholic midfielder. Was ranked No.1 in the AFL for average disposals and tackles and was in the top-10 for clearances and contested possessions.
Best forward: Josh Green (AFL: 112, club: 5) Consistent campaign for the speedy forward, who kicked goals in 18 of his 20 games to top the club's list with 33.
Best ruck: Matthew Leuenberger (AFL: 331, club: 15) Restricted to just five games after suffering an early-season knee injury, but came back for the final round against Geelong.
Best first-year player: James Aish (AFL: 365, club: 20) Taken at No.7 in last year's AFL Draft, Aish came to the club with big raps, and delivered. Played 21 games, averaging 18 disposals. - Michael Whiting
Marc Murphy is Carlton's ratings and on field leader. Picture: AFL Media
CARLTON
Best defender: Kade Simpson (AFL Player Rating: 55, club rating: 2) The courageous half-back averaged a career-high 23.6 disposals, using his run and carry to great effect in Mick Malthouse's system.
Best midfielder: Marc Murphy (AFL: 30, club rating: 1) Not the Carlton captain's best year, but he still contributed in most games. Will be aided by Bryce Gibbs' emergence as an elite player in the competition in 2014, with less opposition focus on him next season.
Best forward: Lachie Henderson (AFL: 120, club: 6) Sam Rowe's development meant Henderson was swung forward, giving Malthouse a three-pronged attack alongside Jarrad Waite and Levi Casboult. Had his season ended early by a fractured eye socket.
Best ruck: Robert Warnock (AFL: 259, club: 16) Played the majority of the year, but lost his place to Cameron Wood in the final rounds of the season. With Matthew Kreuzer sidelined for almost the whole year, the ruck position provided plenty of concerns for the Blues.
Best first-year player: Ciaran Sheehan (AFL: 620, club rating: 37) The Irishman earned his debut in round 20 and played the final four games of the season. Showed some good patches of football and proved he is an adept kick of the footy. – Ben GuthrieCOLLINGWOOD
Best defender: Heritier Lumumba (AFL Player Rating: 118, club rating: 6) Underrated performer early in the season, when he was consistent and prolific. His form mirrored that of the team, with his impact declining as the season wore on and his body tired. He is due to play his 200th game in round one, 2015.Best midfielder: Scott Pendlebury (AFL: 2, club: 1) Pendlebury showed his class again, leading from the front in his first season as captain. Had to carry more of a burden than usual with Dane Swan down on form, but was the Magpies' best, overcoming tags to excel.
Best forward: Jamie Elliott (AFL: 107, club: 5) Breakout season, with the 22-year-old kicking 33 goals in 17 games. He was dynamic and exciting until injury struck him down, limiting his impact after round 15.
Best ruck: Jarrod Witts (AFL: 347, club: 21) Began slowly but assumed the number one ruck position by season's end. Had his battles with confidence and copped a public burst from Nathan Buckley at one stage, but took significant forward steps.
Best first-year player: Tom Langdon (AFL: 385, club: 25) Excellent debut season from Langdon, who took the opportunity presented in round one and ran with it. A good judge of a mark, he showed poise although he tired late. His challenge now is to back it up. – Peter Ryan
ESSENDON
Best defender: Michael Hibberd (AFL Player Rating: 87, club rating: 5) Hibberd is the man the Bombers want with the ball coming out of defence, because of his run, precise left foot and courage. Defensively, Hibberd is an excellent intercept mark.
Best midfielder: Jobe Watson (AFL: 17, club: 1) Still Essendon's best player and a gun at the stoppages. The Brownlow medallist is back in Essendon's line-up after a 10-week hip injury during the year.
Best forward: Jake Carlisle (AFL: 156, club: 12) Carlisle's value to the Bombers will perhaps be most obvious in his absence this weekend in the elimination final. The club's leading goalkicker (27 for the year) is a strong mark and has the ability to dominate a match.
Best ruck: Paddy Ryder (AFL: 69, club: 4) Ryder's career-best season has seen him rise in importance at the club. Of all the leading ruckmen in the competition, Ryder has kicked the most goals for the season (19) to go with his excellent tap work.
Best first-year player: Zach Merrett (AFL: 412, club: 23) Has burst onto the scene in his first season to cement a spot in the side. Merrett has played 19 games, kicked 11 goals and averaged 15 disposals. – Callum Twomey
Fremantle star Nat Fyfe has stormed into the top 10 in the ratings this season. Picture: AFL Media
FREMANTLE
Best defender: Michael Johnson (AFL Player Rating: 50, club rating: 3) He was named All Australian last year and has been very consistent again this season, but a back injury has unfortunately forced him out of Fremantle's finals campaign.Best midfielder: Nat Fyfe (AFL: 9, club: 1) He is the highest rated player in the Fremantle side and one of the best in the competition. Despite his two suspensions this season he has rocketed into the top 10.
Best forward: Matthew Pavlich (AFL: 131, club: 8) Has slipped outside the top 100 after ranking inside the top 50 earlier in the year, but Remains a key figure in the Dockers side.
Best ruck: Aaron Sandilands (AFL: 95, club: 7) He is the number one hit-out player in the AFL and is regarded as one of the most influential ruckmen in the game, but he is ranked sixth for his position in Official AFL Player Ratings.
Best first-year player: Michael Apeness (AFL: 703, club: 39) The 19-year-old key forward has only played two games this season. He is the only first-year player to have played for the Dockers in 2014. – Alex Malcolm
GEELONG
Best defender: Harry Taylor: (AFL Player Rating: 44, club rating: 4) The star backman, who is the No. 1 key defender in the competition according to the player ratings, has enjoyed another great home and away campaign headlined by his 19 marks against Fremantle in round 20.
Best midfielder: Joel Selwood: (AFL: 3, club: 1) The Cats' skipper, who is the favourite for the Brownlow Medal, just keeps on keeping on. He had a barnstorming start to the season, went a bit quiet in the middle, then fired up again at the end. Has played every game this year and has averaged 25 disposals per match.
Best forward: Steven Motlop: (AFL: 52, club: 5) Although he missed a few games early in the season, the speedy half-forward has been an important member of the Cats' line-up in their push towards the finals. Has played 20 games, kicking 17 goals and averaging 20 touches.
Best ruck: Mark Blicavs: (AFL: 281, club: 17) The man with the huge motor has had an impressive second season. He has won plenty of the ball around the ground and has even played deep in defence at times.
Best first-year player: Darcy Lang: (AFL: 692, club: 37) The boy from Colac made his debut against St Kilda at Simonds Stadium in round 13 and finished with five disposals and a goal. According to those at the Cattery, he is set for a big season in 2015. - Adam McNicol
GOLD COAST
Best defender: Jarrod Harbrow (AFL Player Rating: 117, club rating: 6) Spent most of the season on the wing or midfield, but was still occasionally used across half-back, playing every game and averaging 19 touches.
Best midfielder: Gary Ablett (AFL: 1, club: 1) Missed the final seven weeks after shoulder surgery, but his first 15 games were peerless. Averaged 32 disposals and kicked 24 goals to again show why he's the best in the game.
Best forward: Charlie Dixon (AFL: 182, club: 10); A number of niggling injuries restricted him to 14 games, but Dixon was again a big presence in the Suns' forward line, kicking 24 goals and spending valuable time as a back-up ruckman.
Best ruck: Zac Smith (AFL: 390, club: 21) Injury restricted him to 10 games, but Smith showed glimpses of his best form. Will be hoping for an injury-free run in 2015.
Best first-year player: Kade Kolodjashnij (AFL: 436, club: 22) Super first-year for the No.5 pick from Tasmania. Kolodjashnij was assured off half-back and averaged 17 disposals in his 18 games. - Michael Whiting
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Best defender: Heath Shaw (AFL Player Rating: 98, club rating: 5) In his first season as a Giant, Shaw provided exactly what the young club was after – dash out of defence, good decision-making and leadership.
Best midfielder: Callan Ward (AFL: 22, club: 1) The co-captain elevated his game to an elite level this season and it was reflected in his lofty standing in the Player Ratings.
Best forward: Devon Smith (AFL: 88, club: 3) Despite spending plenty of time through the midfield, Smith still kicked 26 goals in 21 games, including the match-winner against the Bulldogs on Sunday.
Best ruck: Shane Mumford (AFL: 97, club: 4) He missed five games early in the season with a knee injury, but still finished second only to Aaron Sandilands in average hit-outs with 36.4 per game.
Best first-year player: Josh Kelly (AFL: 433, club: 25) In 18 appearances, the No.2 pick averaged better than 17 possessions and three marks per game. Stardom seems only a matter of time for the teenager. - James Dampney
It was another good year for Jarryd Roughead, leading the Hawks player rankings. Picture: AFL Media
HAWTHORN
Best defender: Shaun Burgoyne (AFL Player Rating: 33, club rating: 4) Another wonderful season for the silky Hawk, who at any time can find himself playing in defence, attack or in the midfield. Burgoyne, 31, has played every game for the Hawks this season and enters the finals after a 25-possession game against the Pies.
Best midfielder: Sam Mitchell (AFL: 26, club: 2) Another Hawk to be used off half-back in 2014, Mitchell’s most influential footy still comes when he moves through the midfield. The star 31-year-old is sure to play a vital role in Hawthorn’s quest for back-to-back flags.
Best forward: Jarryd Roughead (AFL: 14, club: 1) It would seem Roughead has suffered no separation anxiety since the departure of Lance Franklin, kicking 62 goals for the season and once again exerting influence all over the ground.
Best ruck: Ben McEvoy (AFL: 100, club: 13) McEvoy’s September activities will decide if his 2014 has been a boom or bust, but his AFL Player Ratings position shows his season hasn’t been all bad. The Hawks are suddenly spoilt for choice with McEvoy, David Hale (AFL: 225) and Jonathon Ceglar (AFL: 462) fighting for the ruck position.
Best first-year player: Billy Hartung (AFL: 613, club: 32) Hartung debuted with a 26-possession game in the round seven routing of St Kilda and was establishing himself in the team before an elbow injury against the Eagles in round 12. The 19-year-old could still play a part in September after a solid game following a late call-up against Collingwood last round. – Andrew Lowther
MELBOURNE
Best defender: Lynden Dunn (AFL Player Rating: 134, club rating: 2) Dunn was ultra-consistent as an under-sized defender. He carried himself with great distinction and put together his most consistent season in his ninth year in the AFL.
Best midfielder: Nathan Jones (AFL: 104, club: 1) Statistically speaking, it was the Demon captain's best season. Ranked second in the competition for total disposals and fourth in the league in clearances, Jones may earn his first All Australian gong in 2014.
Best forward: Jack Watts (AFL: 173, club: 6) Watts had the most disposals in a season in his career, but his critics persist. The utility was exposed to more time in the midfield, but the fact of the matter is he needs to win more of his own ball so he can use his elite kicking skills to greater effect.
Best ruck: Mark Jamar (AFL: 353, club: 17) The veteran ruckman was ranked eighth in the competition for hit-outs (31.8), but Melbourne was second last in the League for clearances. The Demons need Max Gawn – if healthy – to step up and shoulder more of the load.
Best first-year player: Jay Kennedy-Harris (AFL: 519, club: 29) Made his debut in round one and managed 14 games in his debut year. The Demons needed a pressure small-forward and the 19-year-old filled that role well. – Ben Guthrie
NORTH MELBOURNE
Best defender: Scott Thompson (AFL Player Rating: 89, club rating: 6) Last year's All Australian full-back might not have hit the heights of 2013, but he has still enjoyed a strong season. A stingy defender, he is also an elite intercept mark and the Roos' No. 1 rebounding backman.
Best midfielder: Nick Dal Santo (AFL: 21, club: 3) The former Saint has made a seamless transition to life at Arden Street, leading the Roos in possessions this year at an average of 24.3 a game. Dal Santo has bolstered North's team with his composure under pressure and versatility.
Best forward: Brent Harvey (AFL: 6, club: 1) The veteran slowed no signs of slowing down in 2014, producing one of the best seasons of his career. Averaging a career-high 25.7 possessions a game, Harvey is the No.1 ranked midfielder/forward in the official AFL player ratings.
Best ruck: Todd Goldstein (AFL: 19, club: 2) The No. 1 ranked ruckman in the player ratings, Goldstein has again shouldered North's ruck duties almost singlehandedly this year. Ranked fourth in the competition for hitouts in 2014, averaging 34.1 a game.
Best first-year player: Luke McDonald (AFL: 422, club: 23) – The father-son recruit has missed just one game in his debut season, looking right at home in defence and, more recently, the midfield. Ranked seventh among first-year players in the player ratings.
PORT ADELAIDE
Best defender: Matthew Broadbent (AFL Player Rating: 150, club rating: 9) So much of the Power's attack begins with the ball in Broadbent's hands. He led the club for rebound 50s and was ranked third in the League for bounces.
Best midfielder: Travis Boak (AFL: 10, club: 1) Another great year for the skipper in which he averaged more disposals than ever before. Has shown his ability to lift his side in tough situations in 2014.
Best forward: Justin Westhoff (AFL: 38, club: 2) So crucial to the Power's success, Westhoff works and works and works. A key target in attack, he can switch into defence as well as play in the ruck.
Best ruck: Matthew Lobbe (AFL: 176, club: 11) Heroic year as he single handedly carried the burden of the Power's ruck duties. Quite capable of dominating games and posting huge hit-out numbers.
Best first-year player: Jarman Impey (AFL: 493, club: 26) Handed more responsibility than most newcomers, Impey has taken to the AFL like a duck to water. His speed and defensive pressure has proven a huge asset. - Harry Thring
Alex Rance has been a vital part of Richmond's improvement through this season. Picture: AFL Media
RICHMOND
Best defender: Alex Rance (AFL Player Rating: 81, club rating: 5) Rance topped off a strong season with an outstanding performance in round 23 that got Richmond into the finals. He jumped 11 places in the overall rankings after that match and is only climbing.
Best midfielder: Brett Deledio (AFL: 56, club: 1) Having dropped 26 places overall through the season, Deledio is trending up after a solid run of goalkicking form in the past five weeks.
Best forward: Shane Edwards (AFL: 63, club: 2) One of the Tigers' most improved players over the past two seasons, he hasn't missed a game in 2014, adding to the midfield rotations.
Best ruck: Ivan Maric (AFL: 101, club: 7) Injured for the first 10 matches, Maric fell down the ratings but he has recovered and been a key player in the Tigers' push for finals.
Best first-year player: Nathan Gordon (AFL: 564, club: 30) A former Sydney Swan, Gordon has made the most of his second chance at Richmond after a stint in the SANFL, playing the last six matches and potentially carving a role for himself in the finals. - Nathan Schmook
ST KILDA
Best defender: Sean Dempster (AFL Player Rating: 180, club rating: 6) A consistent presence in an under-siege backline, Dempster played every game and climbed five places over the course of the season. Not an easy year to be a Saints defender.
Best midfielder: Jack Steven (AFL: 40, club: 1) Held his spot as the Saints' No.1 ranked player despite an injury-ruined pre-season. Played 17 games and is poised to climb in 2015.
Best forward: Nick Riewoldt (AFL: 136, club: 4) Another strong year but Riewoldt's role pushing up the ground as a get-out option didn't lend itself to high Player Ratings scores. Dropped 56 places overall.
Best ruck: Tom Hickey (AFL: 460, club: 26) Foot, knee and calf injuries restricted the big man to six games and he dropped 55 places overall as a result.
Best first-year player: Luke Dunstan (AFL: 410, club: 18) A superb debut season from the tough onballer, whose standing was underlined when Lenny Hayes' No.7 was passed onto him. Ranked No.5 among first-year players in the AFL, despite missing the last month because of a shoulder injury. - Nathan Schmook
SYDNEY SWANS
Best defender: Nick Malceski (AFL Player Rating: 27, club rating: 5) The hugely talented defender produced perhaps his best season, playing every game and providing enormous run and penetration from the backline. An All Australian jumper surely beckons.
Best midfielder: Josh Kennedy (AFL: 11, club: 2) His consecutive games streak finally ended at 127, but it was still an outstanding season from the midfielder, who should feature heavily in Brownlow Medal calculations.
Best forward: Lance Franklin (AFL: 8, club: 1) The Swans managed his workload through the year, resting him in three games, but he still surpassed expectations by kicking 67 goals and winning a third Coleman Medal.
Best ruck: Mike Pyke (AFL: 174, club: 13) Holding down the No.1 ruck position for the first time, Pyke proved his worth over the course of the year. The highlights included a career-best 53 hit-outs against Carlton and 49 hit-outs, 12 disposals and six tackles against Essendon.
Best first-year player: Zak Jones (AFL: 656, club: 32) The only first-year Swan to play a senior game, Jones made four appearances, including an impressive cameo as the sub against Richmond on debut.
Big Eagle Nic Naitanui has slipped to No. 47 from last year's top 10. Picture: AFL Media
WEST COAST
Best defender: Shannon Hurn (AFL Player Rating: 78, club rating: 6) Strongrunning defender whose penetrating kick makes him one of the most dangerousrebound players in the AFL.Best midfielder: Matt Priddis (AFL: 23, club: 1) He is in the top five contested ball winnersin the AFL. Won the Eagles' best and fairest last year and will go close againin 2014.
Best forward: Josh Kennedy (AFL: 61, club: 4) Kicked 60 goals for the second consecutiveseason. Was not as consistent as last year, but kicked three big bags of sevenor more.
Best ruck: Nic Naitanui (AFL: 47, club: 3) Much maligned, polarising figure has slippeda long way from his top 10 perch last year, but remains an highly influentialplayer when fully fit.
Best first-year player: Jeremy McGovern (AFL:418, club: 27) He has been on the list for four seasons but debuted thisyear and has had an extraordinary impact playing in key posts in both defenceand attack. – Alex Malcolm
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Best defender: Robert Murphy (AFL Player Rating: 54, club rating: 3) The evergreen veteran was at his creative best in 2014. One of the few players with the ability to run and carry at the Dogs, Murphy set up many a forward thrust, while still restricting his opponent's influence. The 32-year-old finished the season in brilliant form, justifying his decision to go on in 2015.
Best midfielder: Ryan Griffen (AFL: 5, club: 1) A back injury slowed Griffen's progress early in the season, but the 28-year-old returned to his All Australian form as the season progressed. The first year captain is a great role model for the Bulldogs' emerging young midfield.
Best forward: Luke Dahlhaus (AFL: 102, club: 5) Dahlhaus pushed further up the ground in 2014 to great effect, but it wasn't at the expense of his trademark tackling and pressure. His form was so good respected media commentator David King called for his inclusion in the All Australian squad.
Best ruck: Will Minson (AFL: 67, club: 4) The 2013 All Australian more or less carried the ruck by himself and it affected his form during parts of the season, leading to his dumping to the VFL. The 29-year-old started the year as the 49th ranked player, but slid to 67th by season's end.
Best first-year player: Marcus Bontempelli (AFL: 372, club: 19) The first-year sensation showed quickly why the Bulldogs spent pick four on him in last year's NAB AFL Draft. The 18-year-old, who is one of the youngest players in the competition, is a rare talent that makes things happen. – Ryan Davidson
