Just over a month out from the 2024 season, we are listing off some stars of the competition to watch out for this year.
We've compiled a ranking of the projected top 50 players in the competition for 2024, looking through spots 40-31 in this edition.
Rather than naming the best performers of 2023 or the top players entering Opening Round, this list will look at the best players currently with some projections as to how they may rank at the end of the year.
Part one addressed many up & coming young names who have done just enough to scrape into the exclusive top 50, this list of 10 gets to the players who are entrenched in that club but need to bolster their production further or impact the outcome of games to climb higher.
SEE: 50-41 PREDICTED PLAYERS FOR 2024
3. 38 - Rowan Marshall
Marshall has grown into the prototypical ruckman of the modern game with his ability to impact in the air all over the field, rack up 20+ disposals often and provide the occasional forward target.
Pure numbers would place him far higher on the list, but these stats in isolation inflate the perceived value of ruckmen.
That's not to say what he does is not crucial to St Kilda's success, his aerial presence gives the back six a constant defensive 50 outlet and forces opposing defenders to hesitate when looking long down the line, knowing Marshall may gobble the intercept.
Paddy Ryder's departure from St Kilda's lineup gave him a free reign at primary ruck duties and perpetual injury concerns to Jack Hayes means Marshall could be in for another big year as the sole ruckman.
