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 projection.
Ranking an exclusive list ofย AFLย 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)
Here is the third edition (30-21) of our top 50 AFLย players right now...
1. 30 - Max Holmes
Holmes' 2024 season solidified him as one of Geelong's brightest stars, showcasing a combination of speed, skill and versatility that recalls Patrick Dangerfield's early comparisons of him to Chris Judd.
Initially making a name for himself as an elite flanker, Holmes was thrust into the midfield in 2024 and rose to the challenge, maintaining All-Australian-level form.
With a background in track athletics inherited from his Olympian mother, Holmes has explosive pace that allows him to tear through the midfield with remarkable composure.
This was never more evident than in Geelong's qualifying final against Port Adelaide, where he outpaced their midfield trio of Jason Horne-Francis, Zak Butters, and Connor Rozee, leading the Cats to a statement win and positioning Geelong as serious premiership contenders.
His injury in the preliminary final against Brisbane may have been the difference in Geelong's finals fate.
Holmes was duly recognised for his campaign, winning the Cats' best & fairest award, and at just 22, his potential remains sky-high, and he could well be a central figure in Geelong's pursuit of future success.
