We've reached the top 20 of our top 50 players list for 2024, where the cream of our competition's crop awaits their unveiling.

Seven members of last year's All-Australian side have already been named, highlighting the surplus of talent on display in the league.

The future of the league is in good hands, as is the upcoming season, where the following stars, young and old, will shine.

PART I:ย BEST PLAYERS OF 2024 (50-41)
PART II:ย BEST PLAYERS OF 2024 (40-31)
PART III:ย BEST PLAYERS OF 2024 (30-21)

3. 18 - James Sicily

One of the most reliable, composed, well-rounded and at times inspirational leaders and defenders in the comp.

If you predicted in 2016 that these qualities would accurately describe Hawthorn's hot-headed Hawk in James Sicily, he may have laughed at you himself.

In 2024, he sits snugly within the group of the AFL's top intercepters where Darcy Moore, Sam Taylor, Harris Andrews and Tom Stewart reside, but also carries a weapon of a right leg for dangerous offensive effect.

James Sicily during the AFL match between Hawthorn and St Kilda in Round 4, 2022 (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

He's reaching new heights under Sam Mitchell, albeit in a team that has often relied on his dominance and potentially inflated his stats. Hopefully we see a lengthy prime for the 29-year-old Sicily.