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

5. 36 - Steven May

Steven May's key defensive clinic on two-time Coleman medallist Charlie Curnow in last year's semi-final proved that he's still one of the top-tier lockdown & intercept defenders in the competition.

His career arc is now on the decline and necessitates that he saves his best performances for the biggest games, knowing Melbourne will likely be there come September.

Still, his strength and aerial prowess combined with the experience and confidence over whoever he is matched up on makes him one of the most dominant forces in the competition when he's exerting himself fully.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 02: Steven May of the Demons in action during the 2022 AFL Second Qualifying Final match between the Melbourne Demons and the Sydney Swans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 2, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Now 32 years old and carrying a 100kg frame, deflated home & away production is likely and his All-Australian days may be past him.

Melbourne fans won't care so long as he remains capable of collecting more September scalps.