Diehard AFL fans will never let one of their own go unrecognised, even if external praise eludes them.
Players like Josh Battle, Matt Cottrell, Tom Sparrow and Brent Daniels have played a crucial role at their respective club for years, but never seem to reach the limelight of external discussion or award recognition. Some of that has changed, but a plethora of players need some more love.
This year, several players have stood up in a pivotal spot or in a new role and thrived. Others have toiled away at their job without public acknowledgement of the year they're having.
This piece aims to congratulate those who haven't received the widespread appreciation they deserve, offering a brief moment of stardom before they likely escape discussion once again this weekend...
Sydney
Every Swan is playing well at the moment and they're all receiving their flowers, even the previously unappreciated ones.
James Rowbottom, Oli Florent, Will Hayward and James Jordon were all unsung heroes for a period of their careers, but are now earning plaudits and even featuring in All-Australian discussions.
One guy who might be going better than all of them - save Rowbottom - but is not in the same discussion is Justin McInerney.
This guy is the prototypical winger; tall, fast, fit, a long and lovely kick, a scoreboard contributor and a back-end rebounder.
Like most of the guys listed, he is finding more of the footy than ever. But he's kicking it at a career-high efficiency and with clearly more damage. He's been involved in 87 scores this season, the same number as Jeremy Cameron.
He has been highlighted recently for his elite work rate to get forward and support a chain going inside 50 but the way he works back to help out the defence in the first place is a testament to his form and Sydney's premiership favouritism.
