Who are footy's top 50 A-listers? Few are better placed to make the call than those who go into battle with them every week. The votes are in, and now here's the third instalment of the AFL Players' Top 50, brought to you by Bailey. The 30-21 group includes club stalwarts, premiership heroes and one of the competition’s youngest guns.
30. Brett Deledio
Richmond
Midfielder
Official AFL Player Rating: 40
Debut: 2005
Games: 196
The vice-captain looks set for a playmaking role across half-back this season after an up-and-down 2013. He had some outstanding games last year, but struggled at times with the attention of taggers. Playing predominantly in the midfield, the No. 1 pick in the 2004 NAB AFL Draft was also effective when used across half-back or half-forward, with long, running goals remaining a highlight in his game. Finished fourth in the best and fairest after playing every game and ranked equal No. 1 at the club for inside 50s.
29. Matthew Pavlich
Fremantle
Forward
Official AFL Player Rating: 68
Debut: 2000
Games: 292
One of the AFL’s best players and a superb leader, Pavlich managed just 12 games in 2013 when he had foot surgery after round three. He was unable to return until round 15, only to be suspended in round 16 for three games due to forceful head-high contact on Eagle Mitch Brown. Contributed with multiple goals in each final, including three in the Grand Final.
Matthew Pavlich has been a tower of strength for Fremantle for more than a decade. Picture: AFL Media
28. Corey Enright
Geelong
Defender
Official AFL Player Rating: 43
Debut: 2001
Games: 267
One of the best rebounding defenders in the competition, Enright is a brilliant decision-maker and strong overhead. Was third in the 2012 best and fairest, which was his seventh top-five finish. Continued to impress last season, taking the second-most intercept marks of any Geelong player and recording a disposal efficiency of 78.4 per cent, which is the best at the club among the top-10 ball-winners. Won selection in the All-Australian team for the fifth time.
27. Josh Kennedy
West Coast
Forward
Official AFL Player Rating: 132
Debut: 2006
Games: 121
Had a phenomenal 2013 season without a lot of support from teammates, finishing fourth in the Coleman Medal. Led the club in marks (143) and goals (60) and was nominated for the All-Australian side. Renowned for his stuttering set-shot run-up, he has an imposing aerial presence and is generally an accurate kick for goal.
26. Marc Murphy
Carlton
Midfielder
Official AFL Player Rating: 25
Debut: 2006
Games: 166
The first-year skipper had big shoes to fill last season after Chris Judd relinquished the captaincy and battled for the most part, but eventually grew into the role and made great strides with his leadership and form. Was hampered by a limited pre-season and an ongoing knee issue that combined to rob him of much of his running power. Then a fractured cheekbone cost him a match mid-season and understandably some confidence. The champion midfielder struggled at times to cope with taggers and finished outside the top 10 in the best and fairest for the first time since his second season (2007). A return to his best will boost Carlton’s chances considerably. Signed a contract extension last week.
Marc Murphy grew into his role as Carlton skipper last season. Picture: AFL Media
25. David Mundy
Fremantle
Midfielder
Official AFL Player Rating: 64
Debut: 2005
Games: 187
28-year-old Mundy is the prototype for modern midfielders at 192cm and 91kg. He has exceptional hands in close and is a high-quality finisher on the outside. He had a phenomenal 2013 and was probably the Dockers’ best player in the Grand Final, gathering 28 disposals, including seven clearances. Mundy was the leading clearance player at Fremantle (132) and averaged 24 disposals across his 22 games for the season, finishing second in the best and fairest.
24. Harry Taylor
Geelong
Defender
Official AFL Player Rating: 44
Debut: 2008
Games: 137
Brilliant reader of the play who made his name as a key defender but can play as a forward when needed. Still spends most of his time in the backline, where his ability to interrupt opposition attacking moves is renowned. Was selected at centre half-back in last year’s All-Australian team. One of the Cats’ most valuable players.
23. Jeremy Cameron
Greater Western Sydney
Forward
Official AFL Player Rating: 160
Debut: 2012
Games: 38
Billed as a future star, Cameron leapt into that position in only his second season with an exhilarating 2013 campaign. At just 20, he kept himself in the Coleman Medal hunt all season before finishing third behind Hawthorn star Jarryd Roughead with 62 goals. It led to All-Australian selection and a best and fairest for one of the game’s pre-eminent young prospects.
Jeremy Cameron earned his first All-Australian honors in 2013. Picture: AFL Media
22. Chris Judd
Carlton
Midfielder
Official AFL Player Rating: 21
Debut: 2002
Games: 259
Missed the start of the season with an Achilles injury but remains a crucial part of the Blues’ set-up. Statistically, the superstar veteran endured one of his toughest seasons – his eighth in the Blues’ best and fairest was his lowest finish – but his influence remains immense. Stepped down from the captaincy, but showed his leadership qualities throughout the year. Had a limited pre-season with a hamstring problem and missed just three games with a knee injury before proving a critical factor in the Blues’ elimination final win over Richmond. Still led the club comfortably in clearances and hard-ball gets, and became just the fourth player to pass 200 Brownlow votes.
21. Nick Riewoldt
St Kilda
Forward
Official AFL Player Rating: 94
Debut: 2001
Games: 260
Nearing the end, but the hard-running captain put in another consistent season, which was reflected in his second placing in the best and fairest and selection in the All-Australian squad. His tireless work rate saw him run up and down the ground, marking everywhere while still finding the goals to top the club’s goalkicking. Also finished first in marks, contested marks and marks inside 50 – third in the competition – and goal assists. Kicked four goals on four occasions and played all but one game. Had another cleanout of his bad knee at the year’s end.
