Five rounds into the 2023 season and some typical stars have started separating themselves from the rest, while plenty of fresh faces have broken into the elite category.
The league has never seen a plethora of talent as big as we have now, with more and more players impacting games from all positions and from seemingly all demographics.
From 18-year-old Harry Sheezel to 35-year-old Scott Pendlebury, the modern player has never been more skilful and durable than what we currently have on offer.
Four teams are not represented in the side thus far, with one of those sides being a notable premiership fancy. Six clubs are represented twice and one surprise side has managed three players in our rolling All-Australian side after Round 5.
3. Forwards
We round out the rolling All-Australian side with some of the absolute creams of the crop up forward, where two of the notable 'best player' candidates reside.
Jeremy Cameron and Charlie Curnow are the men in question of course, and both look to be in for an almighty Coleman Medal race at the business end of the season.
The output of Cameron this season has been near-comical. It looks as though he's trying to making a case as the league's best forward, midfielder and defender the way he impacts in all areas of the ground consistently. He will still kick a bag when his team needs it however, and makes teams pay for every opportunity he is allowed. With 22 goals after Round 5, it could be time to tune into the 100-goal watch for 'Jezza'.
At full-forward, Charlie Curnow has also been assessed by many as the best in the AFL with his athleticism, contested marking and goal-kicking ability. In a team without an elite small forward, every opposition knows that it's Charlie or bust in the Carlton forward line, yet he still manages to grab nearly seven marks and four goals a game. His good mate Harry McKay hasn't had the goalkicking season that we usually see from him, forcing Curnow to step up, which he has done in spades. Blues fans are well aware of the reality that Carlton have been far from their best. But optimistically, once they hit their straps, it may be hard for opponents to limit Curnow at all.
At ground level, three of the competition's best small forwards have demanded a spot in this side after some explosive and/or inspirational performances through the first five matches. Izak Rankine has seemingly transformed the Adelaide Crows forward line into one of the most damaging in the competition with his ability to hit the scoreboard and create opportunities for teammates. He is also applying more pressure than we've seen from him previously.
Toby Greene's ability to impact scoring has inspired GWS to win some games and be competitive in all. It started in Round 1 where he stood up after half-time in the scorching heat and willed the Giants to one of their most famous victories over Adelaide. He has now kicked 14 goals with over eight score involvements per game as the focal point of their forward line.
Tom Papley is the third small to demand a spot after a ridiculous 25 disposal, six-goal performance against the Tigers during Gather Round. Papley is the complete offensive package with his impact in the midfield, ability up forward, and involvement in Sydney scores. He is the best forward 50 ground ball player in the AFL and makes excellent decisions with the ball in hand, ranking elite for goals kicked, goal assists, score involvements and effective kicks.
On the other flank, Christian Petracca has statistically been the best general forward in the competition, leading all comers in kicks, handballs, clearances, inside 50s, effective disposals, contested possessions, ground ball gets and pressure acts. He also ranks second for general forwards in tackles and score launches, all while receiving heavy attention from the opposition each week.
