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...

6. 45 - Tyson Stengle

Stengle looked back to his All-Australian best for much of 2024, adding 46 goals to his career tally and penning a long-term extension at Kardinia Park in reward.

His poor preliminary final performance against Brisbane knocks his ranking slightly, but he is still one of the few star small forwards roaming around the league.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 24: Tyson Stengle of the Cats celebrates a goal during the 2022 AFL Grand Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Sydney Swans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 24, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

While hitting the scoreboard in all but one game for the season, Stengle has developed his impact beyond the pure goalkicking, stepping up in the pressure game and working high up the ground to win the footy, regularly racking up 15+ possessions.