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.
3. Tim English
Tim English was far from his best in 2024. The former All-Australian played 23 games for the Bulldogs, though he did not have the impact he did in 2023.
Last year, English was the best ruckman in the competition, and there were high expectations for him to continue his dominance in the middle and have another strong season. Though English lacked in season 2024, and while he wasn't horrible, he simply was not at his best. He still had moments of dominating in the middle but didn't stand out as much as he did in 2023.
English averaged 27 hitouts and 16 disposals in 2024, down from his 2023 statistics of 31 hitouts and 19 disposals.
Now, with some certainty on his playing future as well, this will give the ruckman some stability, and it's expected the big man will have a huge pre-season and look towards 2025 to be one of the best rucks in the competition again.
