With the 2024 season in the rear-view mirror, it's time to list the cream of the crop of AFLย talent.

We've compiled a list of the top 50 players in the competition, assessing each candidate on a subjective mix of their 2024 production, career pedigree and future projections.

Ranking an exclusive list ofย AFL stars has never been more difficult. Each team is littered with candidates on all lines, and different players press their case for All-Australian recognition every week.

A plethora of genuine stars have not even made the cut inside the top 50, a handful of names have been included despite interrupted campaigns, while a few have been featured ahead of their time.

SEE:ย TOP 50 AFTER 2024 (50-41)
SEE: TOP 50 AFTER 2024 (40-31)
SEE: TOP 50 AFTER 2024 (30-21)
SEE: TOP 50 AFTER 2024 (20-11)

Here is the final edition (10-1) of our top 50 AFLย players right now...

9. Zach Merrett

The Essendon skipper continues to toil away on a low-achieving Bombers' side, racking up individual accolades without the team success he craves.

2024 was another stellar season for Merrett, winning a fifth Crichton Medal as the Bombers' best and fairest, claiming the Anzac Day Medal and arguably being robbed of his fourth All-Australian blazer.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 25: Zach Merrett of the Bombers receives the Anzac Day Medal during the 2024 AFL Round 07 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Collingwood Magpies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 25, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

He is constantly adding layers to his game; he's been Essendon's best kick for a while, he's defensively minded, he's their strongest leader and he kicked a career-best 14 goals in 2024.

He was reportedly offered a 'godfather' deal to exit the Hangar for a stint at St Kilda. Should the Bombers continue to squander likely finals berths, rumours of a potential move may continue to surface, flagging what would be a tragic loss for the club.