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...
8. 23 - Izak Rankine
Izak Rankine was a standout in 2024, delivering a career-best season despite being interrupted by injuries and a significant concussion late in the year.
Known for his mercurial brilliance inside 50, Rankine continued to show why he could be considered the AFL's top small forward, finishing with 29 goals in just 15 games, averaging a personal best of 1.9 per game.
His goalkicking output seemed destined for an All-Australian nod, especially impressive given Adelaide's disappointing season, though missed time ultimately thwarted his chances.
A move into the midfield added another layer to Rankine's game, as he proved to be a potent clearance winner and explosive asset in a slower-paced Crows midfield, averaging a career-high 18 disposals.
Remarkably, he still maintained his magic inside 50, making him a dual-threat on-field and positioning him as the key figure in Adelaide's 2025 aspirations.
With a full pre-season in midfield, Rankine could elevate both his and the Crows' prospects, potentially leading them back into finals contention alongside co-star Jordan Dawson.
