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...
Brisbane
Emerging at the AFL level in the 2022 finals series up forward, Wilmot found his feet in 2023 in defence and has now grown into one of the competition's damaging rebounders and wingers this season.
Fast and a nice kick are the two attributes most sought after on the outskirts of the field, and Wilmot is more explosive than he's given credit for. He's also developed a knack for making good decisions with the ball moving forward and will step up with an intercept mark each game.
He's involving himself in more scores this year than previously and often catches the eye on a burst down the wing. He'll be a valuable piece in September when Brisbane charges into contention.
