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...
9. 22 - Sam Taylor
Sam Taylor entered 2024 widely regarded as the best defender in the game, celebrated for his aerial prowess, top-tier intercepting, and ability to stifle the league's most elite forwards with unmatched one-on-one defence.
However, an unfortunate heavy concussion suffered early in the season sidelined him for critical matches, limiting him to just 18 games.
His absence diminished GWS' defence significantly, and while Taylor returned for their finals campaign, his reputation as an unbreakable force took a hit after Joe Daniher's match-winning goal in the semi-final โ scored from a decisive one-on-one against Taylor.
Despite this tough ending, Taylor's body of work speaks for itself; his intercept marking and spoiling abilities make him a nightmare matchup, and his low contest loss rate cements his standing among the best key defenders.
With quality defensive support from Jack Buckley and the Giants eager to rebound from their finals disappointment, Taylor is expected to reassert himself as the league's premier backman in 2025, hungry to make amends for a season marked by both highs and setbacks.
