The 2024 season showcased several outstanding individual performances. While AFL is fundamentally a team sport, many of the league's top players are expected to deliver exceptional individual performances week after week. The likes of Nick Daicos, Isaac Heeney, Jesse Hogan, Lachie Neale, Marcus Bontempelli, and Patrick Cripps delivered dominant outings each week.

Though not all players were at their best in season 2024, and many stars of the competition underperformed compared to what they were capable of and fell short of expectations.

Below, we have looked at four players who may have fallen short of their potential in season 2024.

Back

1. Darcy Moore

Darcy Moore had a rough 2024 season and was seen doing uncharacteristic things in defence. The 2023 premiership player had a period where it was suggested the skipper should be dropped to the reserves for a week so he could find his form again.

The former All-Australian would like to make 2024 a year to forget, though at the latter end of the season he was showcasing moreย Moore-type performances while still far from his best.

Moore was seen struggling at contests, often second to the football and out-muscled by opponents. The key defender's decision-marking and positional awareness were lacking, far from the premiership player's best.

It is expected Moore will be back at his best in 2025 and eager to improve to get back to being one of the best defenders in the competition.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 07: Darcy Moore of the Magpies handballs whilst being tackled by Tom McDonald of the Demons during the AFL First Qualifying Final match between Collingwood Magpies and Melbourne Demons at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on September 07, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Back