It’s that time of the year again – it’s time to reveal my top 50 AFL players of the year. Those who have been around from the early days will know that it’s now become a yearly tradition for me to list off who I thought the best 50 players were from the year.
It’s always a hard task and this year has been no different. I think I must’ve had at least 60-70 players come into the list, but as has been told to me so many times – you can’t put 70 into 50. Players are going to miss out and this year has been no different. I think of players like Mitch Duncan, Andrew Gaff, Shaun Higgins, Shane Edwards and Lachie Whitfield perhaps as the ones who were most unlucky to miss out.
In years gone by, I have done it over five days. This year is going to be different, because basically I want to get this done and out of the way and I don’t exactly want to do it over five days. I don’t have much time on my hands to do that. This is going to be done over the weekend, with players 50-26 announced today and the top 25 to be announced tomorrow.
So without further ado, let’s get stuck into the bottom half of the top 50.
50. Daniel Rich (Brisbane) 2018 Top 50 Ranking: N/A 2019 Games: 24 2019 Goals: 4
I thought season 2019 was the best I’ve seen out of Daniel Rich since he burst onto the scene 10 years ago and won the league’s rising star award. Only difference between now and then is that he was a midfielder then and a rebounding defender now. Averaged a career-high 6.5 rebound 50s and 5.7 marks per game across all 24 games for the Lions this year, whilst also averaging a personal best 22.5 disposals per game. 49. Ricky Henderson (Hawthorn) 2018 Top 50 Ranking: N/A 2019 Games: 22 2019 Goals: 12
Hard to believe Ricky Henderson was picked up as a delisted free agent. The ex-Crow had a career-best year, playing primarily as a winger for Hawthorn this year. He averaged career-highs in disposals (24.6 per game), marks (7.2 per game) and inside 50s (4.2 per game). He was consistent across all 22 games this season for the Hawks and deserved his top-two finish in the club’s best and fairest. 48. Zach Merrett (Essendon) 2018 Top 50 Ranking: N/A 2019 Games: 23 2019 Goals: 8
In a year where the Bombers have been horribly inconsistent, Zach Merrett has been the one man you can say has been consistent throughout the course of the year. I would’ve loved to have him higher, but I just couldn’t – although Bombers fans will find a way I’m sure. Won Essendon’s best and fairest this year and well deserved of it too, averaging 28.3 disposals, 5.4 tackles, 4.8 inside 50s and 4.6 clearances per game. 47. Robbie Tarrant (North Melbourne) 2018 Top 50 Ranking: N/A 2019 Games: 22 2019 Goals: 1 Having stamped his presence as one of the top key defenders in the game over the past few years, it was another consistent year from Robbie Tarrant as he finished in the top two in North Melbourne’s best and fairest. Having played all 22 games for the Roos this year, Tarrant averaged 15.8 disposals, 6.2 marks and 4.4 rebound 50s per game and was hardly beaten in one-on-ones this year. A fine player. 46. Hugh McCluggage (Brisbane) 2018 Top 50 Ranking: N/A 2019 Games: 23 2019 Goals: 23
This was Hugh McCluggage’s third season in the AFL and he finds himself in the 50 for the first of hopefully many times this year. It was a breakout year for the young Lion, who played all but one game and was good for a goal a game, which is very impressive for a wingman. He averaged career-highs in disposals, tackles, inside 50s and clearances. To cap off a fine year, he was also named in the All-Australian squad of 40. Whilst he didn’t make the final cut there, it’s only a matter of time. 45. Brad Sheppard (West Coast) 2018 Top 50 Ranking: N/A 2019 Games: 24 2019 Goals: 0
Brad Sheppard has been going around as one of the game’s most underrated defenders for numerous seasons now. His ability to shut down his direct opponents has always been consistent, but this year, he’s managed to play more of a two-way defensive role – being able to generate run and carry, as well as carry out the usual defensive job. Averaged career-highs in disposals (19.3 per game), marks (7.8 per game) and rebound 50s (4.4 per game). 44. Bachar Houli (Richmond) 2018 Top 50 Ranking: N/A 2019 Games: 22 2019 Goals: 1
At 31 years of age, Bachar Houli has produced his best season in his 207-game career. Cue the cliché ‘fine-wine’ line, but he has got better as the years have ticked by. His maiden All-Australian season saw Houli average a career-high 27.8 disposals, as well as a career-high 5.1 rebound 50s per game on top of averages of 6.4 marks and three inside 50s per game. He is an elite running player and is incredibly smart with his ball-use off half-back. 43. Dane Rampe (Sydney) 2018 Top 50 Ranking: N/A 2019 Games: 21 2019 Goals: 0
You may not like Dane Rampe, but it’s hard to overlook what a good year he had for the Swans in a season that saw them make a rare trip to the bottom four. Rampe took home his first Bob Skilton medal as the Swans’ best and fairest in a year that saw him average career-highs in disposals (20 per game) and rebound 50s (6.7 per game). Another defender that can play the two-way defensive role of shutting down opponents and generating run and carry. 42. Zac Williams (GWS) 2018 Top 50 Ranking: N/A 2019 Games: 24 2019 Goals: 5
Another good year from one of GWS’ primary running machines in Zac Williams. I admire how he was able to transform from a running half-back into a player who can handle being thrusted into the middle. He was there a bit late in the season and won clearances for his club when required. Williams averaged a career-high 23.6 disposals per game in 2019. He also averaged 5.1 marks, 4.2 rebound 50s, 3.1 tackles and 2.8 clearances per game this year. 41. James Worpel (Hawthorn) 2018 Top 50 Ranking: N/A 2019 Games: 22 2019 Goals: 9
I haven’t seen many second-year players thrive the way James Worpel has. Not since Clayton Oliver’s second season a couple of years ago have I seen someone in just his second season dominate in the middle. Worpel took home Hawthorn’s best and fairest in the absence of Tom Mitchell, averaging 26.5 disposals, 3.2 marks, 4.9 tackles, 4.4 inside 50s and 6.3 clearances per game in what is a career year. The man is only 20 years of age – how scary is that going to be when he hits his prime? 40. Jake Lloyd (Sydney) 2018 Top 50 Ranking: 42 2019 Games: 22 2019 Goals: 3
I think Jake Lloyd is one of the most underrated players in the league right now. The man averaged career-highs in disposals and rebound 50s – averaging 30.8 touches and 7.8 rebound 50s per game, playing every match for the Swans in 2020. Yet, it’s funny that he wasn’t in the All-Australian squad of 40 or wasn’t even in Sydney’s top five in the best and fairest. I think he was one of the Swans’ most consistent contributors this year and is mounting a claim towards being one of the best running defenders in the league. 39. Nick Haynes (GWS) 2018 Top 50 Ranking: N/A 2019 Games: 23 2019 Goals: 1
I wish I had room for both Haynes and Phil Davis, but big Phil just misses out. I really rated Haynes’ year – he was solid as a rock in defence. Reads the play incredibly and is almost impenetrable on his day. Finished fourth in GWS’ best and fairest in a year that saw him average career-highs in marks (7.9 per game), along with averages of 18.8 disposals and 4.6 rebound 50s. Was at his elite best in the Preliminary Final and was one of a few Giants that tried his heart out in the Grand Final disaster. 38. Shannon Hurn (West Coast) 2018 Top 50 Ranking: 25 2019 Games: 21 2019 Goals:
Another quality year from the West Coast captain which saw him claim another spot on the half-back line in the All Australian team. Again, he wasn’t named captain of the team, which is a bit disappointing, but I don’t think he’ll care that much about it. Averaged a career-high 23.3 disposals and 6.4 rebound 50s per game, as well as averaging 7.3 marks per game. At 32 years, this man only seems to get better with age. 37. Clayton Oliver (Melbourne) 2018 Top 50 Ranking: 10 2019 Games: 22 2019 Goals: 4
Season 2019 was an unmitigated disaster for Melbourne, going from preliminary finalists last year to second-last this year. One man that can hold his head high is Clayton Oliver, who just manages to keep on going about his work. Playing all 22 games, he averaged 30 disposals per game, along with averages of 6.3 tackles, seven clearances and 4.4 inside 50s per game. Was a joint winner of Melbourne’s best and fairest, alongside Max Gawn. 36. Ben Cunnington (North Melbourne) 2018 Top 50 Ranking: 50 2019 Games: 22 2019 Goals: 6
I’m not a fan of how Ben Cunnington delivers gut punches behind the ball, but I am a fan of how he wins the footy. The stats won’t lie about his work as an inside midfielder. He won his second Syd Barker Medal as the best North player, averaging 26.6 disposals – 15.6 of those contested. He also averaged 7.3 clearances and 3.5 tackles per game. Despite those ‘brain fade’ moments, he’s a damn tough player and one most would have in their team in a heartbeat. 35. Travis Boak (Port Adelaide) 2018 Top 50 Ranking: N/A 2019 Games: 21 2019 Goals: 10
After relinquishing the captaincy before the start of the season, Travis Boak enjoyed a stellar 2019. One that saw him win his second John Cahill Medal as Port Adelaide’s best and fairest and average career-highs in disposals and clearances. Thriving solely on just being a player and less of a leader, Boak averaged 30.3 disposals, 4.9 tackles, 4.6 inside 50s and nearly seven clearances per game. I find it hard to believe that he’s just enjoyed a career year at 31. 34. Tom Hawkins (Geelong) 2018 Top 50 Ranking: 27 2019 Games: 24 2019 Goals: 56
I don’t agree with the fact that he was in the All-Australian team, but I will say that his year was still worthy of being in the top 50. He kicked 56.32 and kicked at least one goal in his first 12 games before the Cats had their rollercoaster form post-bye. The one thing that does stand out is his ability to share the footy, being equal-first in the competition for score assists and third in the league for goal assists 33. Dayne Zorko (Brisbane) 2018 Top 50 Ranking: 35 2019 Games: 24 2019 Goals: 23
Dayne Zorko could be argued as one of Brisbane’s best players of this decade. Since coming into the league, he’s been exceptional and season 2019 was no different. He finished only behind Lachie Neale in the club’s best and fairest and was a bit stiff to miss out on a spot in the All Australian 22. Zorko averaged 22.3 disposals and nearly a goal a game, which is something you rarely see from midfielders. He also averaged 3.9 marks, 6.7 tackles, 6.7 inside 50s and 4.1 clearances per game. 32. James Sicily (Hawthorn) 2018 Top 50 Ranking: N/A 2019 Games: 22 2019 Goals: 3
There was a period that James Sicily was trialled for a forward this season – because the Hawks needed something up forward. If he played ALL year as a defender, he would’ve been pushing for a top 20 spot. He’s such a presence down back and averaged some crazy numbers in defence for Hawthorn this year. 21.1 disposals, 7.2 marks and 6.2 rebound 50s per game. If he had spent all his time as a defender, there would be a big chance the numbers increase. 31. Luke Shuey (West Coast) 2018 Top 50 Ranking: N/A 2019 Games: 24 2019 Goals: 8
Should be getting more attention here in Victoria, but since he’s playing for a WA team, he’s not. But I have recognized how good he’s been this year for the Eagles in 2019. Luke Shuey won West Coast’s best and fairest for the second time in his career in a year that saw him average 27 disposals, 6.5 clearances, 5.4 tackles and 5.3 inside 50s per game. Say what you will about his ability to duck for free kicks, but he’s a genuine A-grade midfielder. 30. Gary Ablett (Geelong) 2018 Top 50 Ranking: N/A 2019 Games: 24 2019 Goals: 34
He’s well and truly in the twilight of his career, but he’s had a few games this year that he still showed that he can be a match-winner. His Finals campaign wasn’t that inspiring, but he showed plenty through the year to suggest that he isn’t finished, and I for one, am glad he’s going around again. Averaged over 20 disposals and nearly 1.5 goals per game across 24 games this year playing more as a forward. Also averaged 3.7 marks, 4.5 tackles and 4.7 inside 50s this season. 29. Tim Taranto (GWS) 2018 Top 50 Ranking: N/A 2019 Games: 26 2019 Goals: 11
2019 was the year a young lad by the name of Tim Taranto became a bona fide star in the middle, and with an on-ball brigade like the Giants’ that’s huge going forward. Taranto broke out to win his first best and fairest at the Giants, and I’ll wager that it won’t be the only one he’ll win before his time is done, seeing as he’s only 21. Averaged 27.7 disposals, 4.6 marks, 6.3 tackles, 4.1 inside 50s and 5.2 clearances per game in 2019, playing every game. 28. Tom Stewart (Geelong) 2018 Top 50 Ranking: 32 2019 Games: 25 2019 Goals: 0
After a breakout 2018, which saw him claim his first All-Australian, Tom Stewart took his game to greater lengths this season. Not only did he earn back-to-back All Australian blazers, but he averaged career-highs in just about every statistic. Averaging 23.2 disposals per game is decent numbers for a defender, but he also averaged an absurd eight rebound 50s and 7.4 marks per game. Even though he came in as a mature-aged player a few years ago, he’s been an outstanding find for the Cats. 27. Tom Lynch (Richmond) 2018 Top 50 Ranking: N/A 2019 Games: 25 2019 Goals: 63
There were some question marks over the recruitment of Tom Lynch at the end of 2018 – would it upset the balance of the team? 12 months on and we now know the answer to this: It hasn’t. Lynch’s 2019 started well with 16 goals in the opening four games and then had a small lull in the middle part of the year, but he picked up the pace towards the back end and played a pivotal role in Richmond’s second flag in three years. 63 goals is a valuable return from a boom recruit. 26. Josh Dunkley (Western Bulldogs) 2018 Top 50 Ranking: N/A 2019 Games: 23 2019 Goals: 11
Made a bold claim on the A3 Footy Podcast at the start of the year that Josh Dunkley would average 30 disposals per game in 2019. He came very close to that and if he hadn’t played forward in the opening six games, he would’ve reached it. Nonetheless, it was a breakout year from Dunkley, averaging 28.3 disposals, 6.1 tackles and 5.2 clearances per game across all 23 games for the Bulldogs, resulting in a top-two finish in the club’s best and fairest.