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...
6. 25 - Jake Waterman
Jake Waterman has risen to elite status among key forwards in 2024, joining the ranks of Jesse Hogan, Charlie Curnowย and Jeremy Cameron.
In a standout season, he embraced a traditional, hard-nosed style, thriving in one-on-one contests where the Eagles simply kicked it to his head, confident he'd deliver.
His aerial prowess inside 50 was second only to Hogan, and his contested marking was pivotal for West Coast.
Waterman's 53 goals this season obliterated his previous best of 18 in 2022, and his All-Australian selection is especially impressive, given West Coast's third-bottom finish on the ladder.
With Oscar Allen set to return to full health and take on a larger role in 2025 amid Jack Darling's departure to North Melbourne, Waterman's status as a key scoring threat remains critical.
If he can keep up this All-Australian form, Waterman will be essential in the Eagles' journey from bottom of the ladder back toward finals contention.
