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...
West Coast
It's been a year of rejuvenation on the West Coast. Harley Reid's rise has seemingly opened the door for Elliot Yeo, Tim Kelly and Jeremy McGovern to turn back the clock, while Jake Waterman is breaking out with conviction.
All of the above are relatively well-discussed, though the same can't be said for the 32-year-old premiership veteran and mainstay forward Jamie Cripps.
The former Saint has toiled away out West for over a decade as often the fourth option inside 50, playing the hybrid marking option with ground-level ability.
He's arguably having his best season since the 2018 premiership year, collecting his highest average for disposals, marks and goals since then.
He's always been a sharpshooter, he's always had smarts in front of goal, and he continues to be a weekly opposition annoyance often forgotten about when selecting defensive matchups.
