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)

9. 12 - Max Gawn

While he's still one of the best ruckmen in the competition at 32 years old, Gawn's value extends well beyond his tap work.

He is one of the most reliable targets of the long dump kick, often turning the ball over with an intercept mark or drifting forward for a contested grab and goal when needed.

Max Gawn during the 2022 AFL Round 1 match between Melbourne and Western Bulldogs (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

He is one of, if not the best AFL captain of the past 10 years and will retire on a very short list of the greatest players to ever don the red & blue.

Every football fan hopes there's plenty left in the tank, but at 32 years of age and carrying a 209cm, 110kg frame, the best of Gawn may be behind him. We'll see what he can do in a season of turmoil for the flag fancy with much to prove.