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...
Fremantle
This guy should be in genuine consideration for the half-back-flank spot on the All-Australian team.
He is getting a plethora of plaudits out West and most of the footy world recognises the pace and ability to win the ball, but he's having a breakout year from the top shelf.
He's gone from 19 disposals per game to 26, has become more of an aerial threat in defence, and is involving himself in more scores than through any season of his career, all while lifting his pressure game.
None of that even considers the line-breaking ability of his game, the pace that cuts through opposition zones and gasses opponents left helpless in chasing him. Yet to miss a game as a Docker, Clark is one of the crucial pieces carrying Fremantle to another potential finals berth in 2024.
