Who's next? Check out the rest of the AFL Players' Top 50 as they are revealed
FOR THE second year, in conjunction with the AFL Players' Association, we've surveyed the AFL players to find out who they think make up the game's top 50.
Players from all 18 clubs took part in the survey, with 105 players receiving at least one vote.
There are 14 players in this year's players' top 50 who did not feature in last season's list. Three of those retired last year (Dean Cox, Darren Glass and Lenny Hayes).
Fourteen of the top 20 players on the list are from last year's finalists.
We start with players 50-41, with the countdown continuing until Friday, March 27, when the AFL's No.1 player – according to his peers – is revealed.
50. Steele Sidebottom
Collingwood
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: -
Official AFL Player Rating: 17
Debut: 2009
Games: 127
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $612,000
Had a superb 2014 season, adding consistency to complement his undoubted talent. Finished second (his highest placing) behind captain Scott Pendlebury in the Pies’ best and fairest. Sidebottom's versatility is what sets him apart. He can play a kick behind the action, run all day through the midfield or create space up forward. He is a polished ball user and generally makes the right decision when in possession. The 24-year-old is likely to be given more responsibility in the midfield this season, with the Magpies needing replacements for Dayne Beams and Heritier Lumumba.
49. Brett Deledio
Richmond
Forward/midfielder
Last year's ranking: 30 (-19)
Official AFL Player Rating: 54
Debut: 2005
Games: 214
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $548,000
The 27-year-old spent more time forward last season and finished first for the Tigers in scoring involvements and second in scoreboard impact from round 12 onwards. Fitness staff have managed the vice-captain carefully during pre-season to avoid flaring up an Achilles problem that cost him four games at the start of last year, but he is expected to be ready to go in round one. Kicked 20 goals and was involved in 33 per cent of Richmond's scores last season. Will likely again be used in a forward role, with coaches knowing he can make life difficult for opponents.
48. Dane Swan
Collingwood
Forward/midfielder
Last year's ranking: 6 (-42)
Official AFL Player Rating: 37
Debut: 2003
Games: 236
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $531,000
Despite what Swan described as his "putrid" 2014 season, the Magpies are confident the veteran will return to the form that has made him one of the most prolific ball-winners in the competition. Injuries played a part in Swan's dip in form but a diligent off-season rehabilitation regime as he recovered from hip surgery has him poised to make a greater impact this season. The 31-year-old's ability to burst through packs and then charge forward to link with teammates further up the ground has been one of his trademarks. He can certainly win the ball; he averaged 24.9 disposals last year, the first time he’d dropped below the 30-plus mark since 2008.
Collingwood's Dane Swan is the biggest slider in the 2015 AFL Players' Top 50, dropping 42 places after his "putrid" 2014 season. Picture: AFL Media
47. Travis Cloke
Collingwood
Forward
Last year's ranking: 20 (-27)
Official AFL Player Rating: 217
Debut: 2005
Games: 216
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $412,000
Might well be Collingwood's most important player. The veteran power forward is super-dangerous on his day, his strength in marking contests and ability to motor up the ground genuine features. However, consistency has been an issue throughout his career. Cloke is a confidence player and when things are not going his way, his performance can suffer. His wayward goalkicking has also been a source of frustration for fans. Can boot bags and his 2013 season – 68 goals and All Australian honours – highlights how valuable he can be.
46. Luke Breust
Hawthorn
Forward
Last year's ranking: -
Official AFL Player Rating: 24
Debut: 2011
Games: 91
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $425,000
The former rookie stamped himself among the AFL's elite following a stellar 2014 campaign. Disappointed with his inaccurate 40.30 output the previous season, the New South Welshman transformed himself into one of the league's most lethal goalkickers. The 24-year-old slotted a remarkable 57.12 last year, including a record-equalling 29 consecutive goals. Breust's mastery in front of goals helped the Hawks cover the loss of Lance Franklin and he played a pivotal role in the club winning back-to-back flags. The first-time All Australian also played cameo midfield roles last season, impressing with his centre clearance work.
45. Matthew Pavlich
Fremantle
Forward
Last year's ranking: 29 (-16)
Official AFL Player Rating: 125
Debut: 2000
Games: 313
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $418,000
The six-time All Australian continues to perform at an elite level. After an injury-ravaged 2013, he kicked 46 goals in 2014 including a bag of four in a virtuoso performance in a qualifying final loss to the Sydney Swans. He is still very good one on one, reading the ball well and protecting the drop when well positioned. His running capacity is still very good although he doesn't work through the midfield like he used to. His leadership qualities were again vindicated when teammates voted him captain for the ninth straight year.
Dockers skipper Matthew Pavlich drops out of the top 30 in this year's Players' Top 50, but remains one of the game's finest players. Picture: AFL Media
44. Ryan Griffen
Greater Western Sydney
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: 11 (-33)
Official AFL Player Rating: 5
Debut: 2005
Games: 202
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $485,000
Griffen's headline-making move from the Western Bulldogs to the Giants comes with huge expectations. At his best, the 28-year-old is one of the most damaging midfielders in the competition, his hard running and peerless kicking skills – off both feet – making him a constant headache for opponents. Griffen has quashed any suggestion of a lingering back injury by completing a strong pre-season, and free of the captaincy requirements he struggled with at the Dogs, looks ready to return to his 2013 All Australian form. Has learned to deal with tags over his career. Just as well, as having mostly inexperienced players at his new club will likely see opposition teams attempt to clamp down on him.
43. Josh Kennedy
West Coast
Forward
Last year's ranking: 27 (-16)
Official AFL Player Rating: 62
Debut: 2006
Games: 140
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $442,000
One of the premier goalkickers in the competition, Kennedy kicked 61 goals last season after 60 the year before. The 27-year-old was unlucky not to make the All Australian side in 2013. He has smoothed out his trademark stuttering approach and is a deadly set-shot finisher from all ranges. He was among the top 10 tacklers at West Coast last year and his forward-half defensive pressure is underrated for a player of his size. He is also a highly rated leader and a club vice-captain.
42. Jimmy Bartel
Geelong
Forward/midfielder
Last year's ranking: 31 (-11)
Official AFL Player Rating: 25
Debut: 2002
Games: 272
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $562,000
After being used in both defence and up forward in the past two seasons, expect Bartel to spend more time in the midfield in 2015 as the Cats turn to some experienced hands for help in the middle. Bartel is an elite ball-winner, an excellent mark for his size and he possesses as much courage as anyone in the competition. What he lacks in leg speed he makes up for with great decision-making. His competitiveness and hard body make him a tough match-up for any young midfielder who fancies himself as a rising star.
Shaun Burgoyne makes his Players' Top 50 debut after producing one of his best seasons as the Hawks claimed the 2014 flag. Picture: AFL Media
41. Shaun Burgoyne
Hawthorn
Defender/midfielder
Last year's ranking: -
Official AFL Player Rating: 33
Debut: 2002
Games: 269
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $491,000
One of the AFL's most respected players, Burgoyne defied Father Time by producing arguably his most outstanding season for Hawthorn last year. The 32-year-old was among the Hawks' best on Grand Final day as he roamed through midfield and half-back collecting 24 possessions and booting two goals. He was one of only four Hawks to play all 25 games last season and has enjoyed his best pre-season since he joined the club at the end of 2009. The triple-premiership star, who won his first flag with Port Adelaide in 2004, looms as a key player in Hawthorn's quest for a premiership three-peat.
Who's next? Check out the rest of the AFL Players' Top 50 as they are revealed
