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...
2. 29 - Jai Newcombe
Newcombe's 2024 season saw him emerge as Hawthorn's leading midfielder, stepping up as a powerhouse in the absence of Will Day and proving instrumental in the club's finals campaign.
With obvious strength and tenacity, Newcombe combines a hard edge with explosiveness, making him a constant threat both at stoppages and moving forward. His standout performance in the elimination final against the Bulldogs, punctuated by a booming goal from a forward stoppage, showcased his ability to influence the scoreboard as well.
Against elite midfields, Newcombe held his own, being Hawthorn's best performer in both finals and proving his mettle against heavyweights like Marcus Bontempelli and Port Adelaide's midfield trio.
His physicality, tackling prowess, and contested ball-winning ability offer a strong contrast to Day's outside polish, creating a balanced Hawthorn midfield with flexibility for 2025.
With a recent best & fairest award and having just turned 23, Newcombe's role will continue to grow alongside Hawthorn's rising premiership ambitions. As coach Sam Mitchell's go-to for inside muscle, Newcombe appears ready to make his mark on the league's elite in the seasons ahead.
