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...
Collingwood
Many called for Lippa's axing around this time last year, believing he was the weak link in a midfield stacked with Nick Daicos, Jordan De Goey, Jack Crisp, Scott Pendlebury and Tom Mitchell.
Mitchell has fallen out of the side with injury, De Goey can't stay on the track and Pendlebury may need to spend a bit more time on the outskirts through the back half of the year.
Lipinski has become a mainstay in the Magpie midfield and arguably having the most impact he's ever had at AFL level.
His 19 disposals per game don't match the 22 he averaged his first year in the black & white, but he has become a routine goal-kicker and a significant scoreboard contributor, finding the footy inside 50 and using it cleanly every time to set up a score.
Nearly 26, he is in the prime of his career and will play a vital part in Craig McRae's lineup in their premiership defence.
