The evolution of the ruck role has dramatically changed over the years.
From what was a means to help direct the ball to a midfielder in a ruck contest to now being a key part of what happens around the ground, a ruckman's job has never been tougher.
The expectation to help out in defence, join in on the chain from the backline to the forward line, and push hard into the front half to provide aerial support, the role has never been more expansive.
That is why some ruckmen are the best in their cohort and rival some of the competition's top-tier players.
Before we begin, here are a few notable players stiff to miss a top 10 spot...
Snubs:
Mark Blicavs
Jarrod Witts
Toby Nankervis
Sean Darcy
Lloyd Meek
Sam Draper
Reilly O'Brien
The Giants ruckman well and truly made his mark in 2023, but in the most recent season, he established himself as one of the premier big men in the league.
Briggs is a commanding ruckman who uses his physicality and strength to overpower his opponent. His follow-up work is impressive.
Ranked second in average clearances in 2024 but also produced high hit-out numbers, which a quarter of (26.4%) found his teammates.
The prototype of the modern ruckman, the Dockers tall has all the attributes to become the game's best in his role.
Jackson's time at Fremantle has been impressive but has floundered at times, given he lines up alongside Sean Darcy.
At his best, the 23-year-old would take on the role single-handedly, virtually adding a fourth onballer to the Dockers midfield due to his strength in reacting better than his opponent.
Jackson is also adding forward craft to his game, which will only bode well for coach Justin Longmuir in the long run.
At his best, De Koning can match it with the best.
The Carlton ruckman has a uniqueness about him, whilst his upside is the greatest in the competition.
Injuries curtailed his 2024 home and away campaign, but there were plenty of occasions where he alone got the ball rolling for the Blues, feeding two-time Brownlow medallist Patrick Cripps or simply winning the football himself.
De Koning's physicality also should be noted, bashing and crashing into the bigger bodies of the competition, while his aerobic capacity has seen an increase in score involvements from previous years.
The Collingwood ruckman ranks the best for intercept possessions, as fans become accustomed to seeing Cameron mark the opposition's kicks.
In a career-best year in 2024, the 29-year-old added many strings to his bow, including his deft tap work to his midfielders and involvement in scores.
Cameron's dramatic rise this year resulted in an All-Australian squad selection and a second placing in the Pies' Copeland Trophy count.
The Bulldogs tall has become one of the best mobile ruckmen, reflected by his ability to spread from the contest.
English arguably had a down year compared to 2023, but his numbers still suggest he had plenty of impact on the outcome of games.
At just 27, the West Australian still has plenty of upside, including hitting the scoreboard more often, albeit in a stacked forward line.
English's strength is assisting his teammates in between the arcs, while his ability to win ruck contests can improve.
The North Melbourne bulldozer was largely forgotten about until the 2024 season, claiming the prime ruck role following Todd Goldstein's departure.
Xerri's strengths are easy for the world to see: His defensive pressure, clearance work and tackling.
The 25-year-old's imposing figure not only puts fear into his direct opposition but also the rival midfielders, on many occasions, he can be seen chasing them down.
Xerri's hunger and appetite for the contest shouldn't go unnoticed either, which is reflected in how he attacks the football.
St Kilda found a gem in Marshall, who has a proficiency in finding the ball at ease.
From a rookie in 2016, the Saints tall has arguably been the most consistent player for the club and should be eyeing the premier ruck position of the competition.
Marshall is one of few who gets involved in link chains and score involvements at a whim but is starting to add goal-kicking to his craft.
The Lions tall largely flies under the radar due to his quirks but is arguably the most influential player at the club.
Surrounded by star midfielders who claim all the plaudits, McInerney's work around the contest and the ground gets missed.
The 30-year-old's tap work, reflected by his spike, is a key asset to the fast-moving Brisbane outfit, while his ability to win his own ball rivals the game's best.
McInerney's knack to also quell his opponent shouldn't be missed.
The Lions star also showcased his incredible selflessness and maturity for the club after missing out on the 2024 grand final triumph due to injury.
And then there were two, which has been the case for some time.
Grundy's reassertion to the top of the table is no surprise, given he's been here before.
However, changing to his third AFL club proved to be a stroke of genius for the former Pie and Demon, returning to his best as his club went down in the decider with Sydney.
Grundy's strength has always been his elite tap work and ability to follow up the contest better than most.
His numbers in clearances, disposals, hitouts to advantage, and defensive work rate were strong, but just not enough to take the mantle for No.1 ruckman.
It should be no surprise the Melbourne champion is placed at the top of the table.
Gawn has revolutionised the ruck role but has also made it his own, turning a slow start in his career into seven All-Australians.
The Demons tall is elite across the board, helping find his teammates in the contest via his tap work or by hand; his ability to assist in defence or create an option around the ground is second to none; and his durability, which cannot be understated given the workload he is put through.
Gawn has done everything and more, and even at the ripe age of 32, he is still one of the best players in the AFL.