Marcus Bontempelli

Zero Hanger’s top 10 players of 2019 so far

See who made the cut!

Published by
Daniel Ewart

The AFL season is in full swing with the byes behind us and all teams now having played 13 games.

This season has seen some superstars show their class with consistent performances that get their side over the line, while some players are in the midst of career best years.

We have compiled a list of the league's ten best players of the season have been so far based on this season alone and the impact they have had.

Have a look at our list and let us know who we missed and who your top ten would be.

Ben Cunnington

Cunnington is one of the game's best inside midfielders and has started 2019 in All-Australian form. He ranks first in the competition in clearances and second in contested possessions all while averaging a career-high 28.2 disposals a game.

When North Melbourne have performed well, Cunnington's work has been a major reason as to why.

CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 24: Ben Cunnington of the Kangaroos palms off Rory Thompson of the Suns during the round one AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Cazaly's Stadium on March 24, 2018 in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

 

Josh Kelly

The only reason Kelly isn't higher on this list is because he missed games early in the season and took a couple of games to get going. Other than that he has reminded the league why numerous clubs were willing to throw big money at him.

In his ten games he has averaged 31.1 disposals and six tackles. He's ranked elite in score involvements and metres gained showing the impact he has on a game.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 15: Josh Kelly of the Giants celebrates a goal during the round 17 AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Sydney Swans at Spotless Stadium on July 15, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

 

 

Stephen Coniglio

Coniglio has been nothing short of exceptional this season. It's little wonder that four clubs are looking to pay him over $1 million a season. He's averaged 27.7 disposals a game and has kicked over a goal a game. His season best-performance came against Gold Coast in round 11 where he had 36 disposals, 13 marks and kicked three goals.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 27: Stephen Coniglio of the Giants celebrates a goal during the round 6 AFL match between the Sydney Swans and GWS Giants at Sydney Cricket Ground on April 27, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

 

Marcus Bontempelli

Bontempelli is all class and more midfield time has allowed him to show that. The coaches saw this too with the Bont equalling the record for most AFLCA votes after four rounds. Bontempelli has averaged 27.2 disposals and 6.2 clearances a game while also making an impact going forward with ten goals and ten goal assists.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 12: Marcus Bontempelli of the Bulldogs celebrates after kicking a goal during the round 21 AFL match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on August 12, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

Lachie Neale

If this list was made after six rounds instead of 13 then Lachie Neale may well be number one. Since getting off to a flyer, Neale has been reigned in somewhat but he is still one of the league's most damaging midfielders when he gets going.

He's averaged 32.1 disposals a game at 79% efficiency along with 7.2 clearances and 5.5 score involvements. He's been tagged more recently and that has restricted his impact but remains Brisbane's biggest threat.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 06: Lachie Neale of the Lions in action during the round three AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Port Adelaide Power at The Gabba on April 06, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Jono Searle/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

 

Travis Boak

If you'd suggested that Travis Boak would have a career-best year at the age of 31 you would probably have been laughed at. However, that is exactly what has happened.

The former Power captain has gone up a level in 2019 averaging 32.1 disposals a game with 15 of those contested, along with 7.2 clearances and 5.2 inside 50s.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 26: Travis Boak of the Power celebrates a goal during the 2019 AFL round 06 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Adelaide Oval on April 26, 2019 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

Brodie Grundy

The All-Australian ruckman has continued his fine form in 2019, cementing his place as the competition's best ruckman with some outstanding showings.

He has averaged 20.8 disposals, 13 contested possessions and 42.4 hitouts a game, elite numbers for a ruckman. Along with this he has 5.2 clearances and 5.8 score involvements.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 13: Brodie Grundy of the Magpies celebrates a goal during the 2018 AFL Round 04 match between the Adelaide Crows and the Collingwood Magpies at Adelaide Oval on April 13, 2018 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Tim Kelly

He's only in his second year, but Kelly is already one of the game's most elite players. Averages of 25.8 disposals, 6.6 clearances and 446.6 metres gained illustrate the impact he has both on the inside and outside of the contest.

With rumours flying around that he could be offered upwards of $1 million dollars when he inevitably requests a move back to Western Australia, the story of Tim Kelly is just getting started.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 8: Tim Kelly of the Cats celebrates a goal during the 2018 AFL round 03 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Geelong Cats at Perth Stadium on April 8, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Media/Getty Images)

 

Nat Fyfe

Fyfe has maintained such a high level of footy for so long that it feels like we often forget how good he is. In an under-the-radar type manner, he has averaged 30.2 disposals, 7.9 clearances and 17.2 contested possessions, the latter being the most in the league.

He is undoubtedly a Brownlow contender and his Dockers side are competing for a place in the finals for the first time in a few years in no small part thanks to Fyfe's leadership and performance.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 03: Nat Fyfe of the Dockers kicks the ball past Scott Pendlebury of the Magpies during the round 11 AFL match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Fremantle Dockers at Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 3, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Patrick Cripps

There's been none better than Cripps in 2019 and that's tough to believe considering the performance of his side, but the Blues captain consistently delivers and gives his side the best chance to win.

Cripps has averaged 27.5 disposals, 16.5 contested possessions, 8.2 clearances and 6.2 tackles a game in 2019. His performance against Brisbane in David Teague's first game in charge was one of the best performances seen in the league in recent years. He had 38 disposals (16 contested), eight clearances, nine clearances and kicked four goals to pull his side over the line. A true superstar of the game and one who can only improve from here.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 21: Patrick Cripps of the Blues leads the team out during the round one AFL match between the Carlton Blues and the Richmond Tigers at Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 21, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Published by
Daniel Ewart