Ahead of the 2024 season, we decided to look back on 2023 and handpick some of the most improved players of the year.
The 2023 season was one to remember and there were a plethora of players we could've picked. Just about every club had at least one player that could have made this list, but we've narrowed it down to just 10.
The list below is made up of players from all positions across the field and a wide range of ages. Whilst most players have been in the system for a few years, this batch of players took their game to another level in 2023 and look likely to continue their ascent in 2024.
Note: The players listed are in no particular order, rather just a collection of the 10 most improved players of the 2023 season.
At only 21 years of age, Gulden proved his worth time and time again during 2023.
Finishing fourth in the Brownlow Medal race, earning a maiden All-Australian blazer and solidifying himself as one of the premier ball-winners in the competition, the rising Swan simply had to make this list.
Averaging a whopping 26.79 disposals and just shy of a goal a game, the prolific winger took a huge leap from 2022. Although the Swans had a down year in comparison to their 2022 Grand Final appearance, Gulden did just about all he could for his side. A clear successor to the older midfielders like Luke Parker, Gulden's natural leadership skills and talent will make him one of the best AFL players in years to come.
The man who was once the AFL's resident 'bad boy' has had one of the biggest redemption arcs in footy folklore. Toby Greene managed to take his game to yet another level, culminating in an All-Australian blazer and the captaincy of the side. Throughout 2023, the lifetime Giant booted a career-high 66 goals, beating his second-best output in 2017 by 19 goals.
GWS weren't tipped to have a phenomenal season, however, under Adam Kingsley's new coaching regime and Greene's captaincy, the club managed to make a preliminary final. Although unsuccessful in the preliminary final losing to the eventual premiers, just making the final was an achievement in itself.
The unsung hero of the Giants' backline, Connor Idun had a breakout year in 2023. Playing all 26 games of the Giants campaign, Idun was a brick wall down back along with 2022 All-Australian teammate Sam Taylor. Averaging 17.12 disposals and 5.46, Idun made great strides in his fifth AFL season.
As important as anyone in the Giants' success, Idun stood out in his first year as a part of the leadership group. As the GWS backline is consistently riddled with injuries, Idun's consistency stands out as he emerged as one of the best in his role in the competition.
Although most of the spotlight was on teammate Zak Butters in 2023, Connor Rozee had a stellar year. Averaging career-highs in disposals, tackles and clearances, Rozee was just as influential as his superstar teammate. Performing in big games regularly, Rozee established himself as one of the most dynamic midfield forwards in the competition.
As a reward for his efforts, the 23-year-old earned his second All-Australian blazer, two years in a row. Rozee also signed on at the club in a mega contract extension, keeping him at the club until 2032. Additionally, following skipper Tom Jonas' retirement, Rozee was announced as the club's new skipper, along with the number one jersey.
Consistently named as one of the top five players in the competition all season long, Zak Butters had arguably the most improved season amongst all on this list. Averaging more disposals, more clearances, inside 50s, contested possessions and total goals, Butters' season was nothing short of incredible.
Finishing equal fourth in the Brownlow Medal vote, Butters single-handedly won his club multiple games throughout the season. Although the club fell short in finals, losing in straight sets, Butters was still amongst the clubs' best during the finals campaign.
The Giants big man had a breakout season in 2023, establishing himself as one of the premier ruckmen in the entire competition. After only playing a total of nine games in his first two seasons in Sydney's West, Briggs featured 17 times for his club in 2023. The 23-year-old was crucial in the Giants' finals campaign, filling in for injured ruck Brayden Preuss.
During the season, Briggs averaged 15.41 disposals per game and just shy of 26 hit-outs. His disposal average places him sixth amongst all ruckmen in the league. After such a successful year, the ruckman was rewarded with a two-year contract extension, keeping him at the club until the end of 2026.
The oldest player on this list, Oscar McInerney managed to improve again as the Lions' number one ruckman. At 29 years of age, 'The Big O' averaged career highs in hit-outs and clearances. Undoubtedly the Lions' strongest part of the team is their midfield, and that's largely due in part to McInerney's influence.
Finally breaking their preliminary final hoodoo and making a grand final, McInerney proved his worth in big moments, especially in the grand final itself. Despite the ultimate grand final loss, the ruckman is clearly one of the best in the competition, regardless of what his numbers say. His influence amongst teammates is clear when watching as well as genuine performance.
At only 20 years of age, Mitch Owens quickly made a name for himself at the Saints. The young star is one of the club's most important players already, amongst big-name stars Jack Sinclair and Jack Steele. His ability to play both as a midfielder and forward, even as a ruckman on occasion, has earned him a spot on our list. Averaging 15 disposals a game and over a goal on every outing, he is one of the fastest-rising talents in the competition.
The Saints lost their elimination final against the Giants in 2023, however, Owens had a great year regardless of the Saints' season's end. The Saints' young core is solid with Owens leading from the front. Along with young teammates Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Mattaes Phillipou and Max King, the future looks bright for the Moorabin-based club.
The most unlikely of heroes in Collingwood's 2023 premiership success, Oleg Markov had a career revitalisation after being handed a lifeline by the club ahead of the season. The former Tiger and Sun was almost a Carlton player before a spot opened up at Collingwood. As a dashing half-back, Markov quickly established himself in the starting 22 after appearing as the substitute early in the season.
Ever reliable for his club, since debuting in Round 4 against the Lions, he played every game since. A solid defender along with his attacking skillset, Markov has been a stellar pickup for the Pies and one of the best off-season additions in the entire competition.
The most unlikely of forwards for any club, Bomber Kyle Langford was a standout and relished in his new role. Having to move into the full-forward role despite being drastically undersized, Langford booted a whopping 51 goals in 2023. Essendon's make-shift forward line struggled for most of the year, but Langford did all he could to push for a top-eight spot.
Essendon once again failed to win a final, let alone make them. However, Langford was still a star for the club in the absence of Peter Wright for most of the year. Ideally, Wright would be back and fit in 2024, meaning Langford can move back to his midfield forward role. That being said, he's proven that he can be a solid key forward.