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...
8. Max Gawn
Even as his club endures crisis, the legend of Max Gawn continues to rise. He entered rare air in 2024 with a seventh All-Australian blazer, joining the legendary crop of Nathan Buckley, Wayne Carey, Paul Roos and Craig Bradley.
At 32, he continues to look like one of, if not the most valuable player in the competition, given his ability to single-handedly control proceedings with his contested work.
He controls midfield stoppages with his tap-work, he controls the intercepting game with his contested marking and he often controls the scoreboard with his ability to roam forward, clunk a timely grab and kick a big goal, usually from outside 50.
He outmatches any ruckman he is up against, taking them out of the game completely, no matter their stature in the game. St Kilda's All-Australian contender Rowan Marshall copped a Max Gawn mauling in Round 11 this year, watching big Max destroy him for 27 touches, 34 hitouts, seven marks and a goal in a 38-point win for Melbourne.
