The 2021 season has finally been and gone, with the Dees getting up in the big dance against the Dogs to break a 57-year drought and cap off an action-packed year.
With this,ย Zeroย Hangerย has collated a list of the top-50 players in the competition now the year is over, with the final part containing spots 10 through 1.
The top 50 AFL players after season 2021 (50-41)
The top 50 AFL players after season 2021 (40-31)
The top 50 AFL players after season 2021 (30-21)
The top 50 AFL players after season 2021 (20-11)
1. Marcus Bontempelli
And here we are, the best player in the AFL - Marcus Bontempelli.
The runner up in this year's Brownlow, Bontempelli's 33 votes would have been enough to take home Charlie in most other seasons, however, the 25-year-old was left empty-handed come the evening's end.
It did not detract from the crazy season that 'the Bont' had overall after guiding his Bulldogs' side to a second grand final appearance in five years.
Aside from his side's performance in 2021, Bontempelli was individually unplayable with his size and skill too much for the vast majority of the competition.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
The big-bodied midfielder finished second across the entire league in inside 50s per game, total score involvements and total metres gained, all whilst booting 31 goals in his 26 matches.
It was Bontempelli's ability to hit the scoreboard when it mattered that earned him so many accolades league-wide.
In a losing grand final he managed 25 disposals and three goals, unequivocally putting in his shift despite the negative result.
Similar to Petracca, Bontempelli still has his best years ahead of him at only 25 years of age. With a Doggies outfit that has the capacity to rebound in season 2022, don't be surprised if you see Bontempelli on the podium on Brownlow night or in the grand final post-game ceremony.
