With the 2024 season in the rear-view mirror, it's time to list the cream of the crop of AFL 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 of AFL 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.
Here is the first edition (50-41) of our top 50 AFL players right now...
5. 46 - Hayden Young
The Dockers are building a potent engine room out west, and this guy is the game changer.
Young's explosion, raking left foot and goalkicking nous perfectly complements Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw at the coalface, adding the layer of x-factor necessary for premiership contenders (See: Jordan De Goey, Cameron Rayner, Christian Petracca, Dustin Martin).
2024 was a breakout campaign for the 23-year-old, jumping from a quality outside player to a midfield star averaging 24 disposals and kicking 13 goals.
He polled a career-high 12 Brownlow votes and looks set to improve again in the Dockers' quest for an elusive finals berth.
