Quinny's Top 50

[quinny88]

After reading Mike Sheeans top 50 I was inspired to have a crack at it myself.
Everyone is always very critical of Mikes list, myself included but its not until you sit down and try to have a go at it yourself that you realise just how hard it is to do.

I have been extra careful in making sure I include players from all positions including the most underated guys, the defenders.
My list is based not only on last season and the seasons prior but also the potential for the coming season.

I didnt do this list in 15 minutes, I spent 3 hours on it and considered every position and did my best to justify why each player is where they are.
I dont expect everyone to agree with every player and the position they are in and im happy to justify why some did or didnt make it on the list

Its the first time I have done this and put in a lot of thought and effort, so go easy on me ;) Cheers


1. Gary Ablett
The best and most complete player in the AFL. Was amazing at a great club and is even more amazing at a young up and coming club. No second thought needed as to who went #1

2. Scott Pendlebury
As clean and smooth as anyone I have seen play the game. Never makes mistakes, always gets a lot of the ball and always makes smart decisions with it. His endurance is unbelievable and he impacts almost every game he plays in.

3. Lance Franklin
The most exciting player in the AFL. When he is "on" he is more damaging than anyone else in the game.

4. Trent Cotchin
The next generation superstar. 2nd place in the brownlow, won the AFL coaches association award, won his 2nd best and fairest and was made the captain. All at the ripe age of 22

5. Dane Swan
Continuous ball magnet who accumulates possessions at will and hits the scoreboard. An awkward type but rarely makes mistakes and is super strong for his size. Big game player, always rises on the big occasions

6. Josh P Kennedy
One of, if not the hardest working midfielder in the AFL. Hard to find a fault in his game. He does the lot

7. Jobe Watson
The brownlow medalist who almost single handedly carried his team in 2012. A great hard working player and the best captain in the AFL in my opinion.

8. Tom Hawkins
Will take another step on his way to becoming a superstar if he hasn't already. Monsters even the strongest defenders and has finally found his kicking boot. Could be anything in 2013

9. Patrick Dangerfield
Amazing strength and break away power. He is the type of player that can tear a game apart. 2nd year in the midfield should see him iron out a few of his inconsistencies and go to a level even beyond what he already has

10. Matthew Pavlich
Such a complete player and has shown no signs of slowing down. Was robbed not to be in the All Australian team in 2012. The perfect Centre half forward that also has the ability to go into the midfield and make an impact. Even at the age of 32 I expect him to continue on as he has.

11. Joel Selwood
Hard as nails, highly skilled and leads by example. Has been a gun since he walked into the star studed Geelong club and he continues to set the tone amongst his more experienced peers.

12. Dean Cox
The first ruckman in my top 50 and who more deserving than Coxy. When he plays ruck he dominates and then can go forward and bag himself a couple of lazy goals. He has the fitness and skill level of a midfielder and with his sidekick NicNat missing early he will take charge of the ruck stocks at Westcoast once again and dominate.

13. Dayne Beams
Went to another level in 2012. The absence of Swan and Pendlebury at different stages meant that he had the opportunity to grab hold of the midfield and he did just that. Would like to see it from him for another year with Swan and Pendles in the side before I put him top 10.

14. Harry Taylor
The first defender in my top 50 and I think, the best one in the league. He is so strong and casually works his opponents around and out marks them and out position's them time after time. Has one of the strongest marks in the competition and can actually go forward and have an impact as well.

15. Taylor Walker
Strong mark, booming kick, accurate set shot. He is everything to love about a centre half forward and has all the tools to tear games apart. Needs to go to another level to compensate for attention he will gain without Tippet in the side.

16. Nic Naitanui
Would have gone top 10 if not for an injury interrupted pre season. Will likely start a little slower than he would like but once he is up and going he will be back to his freakish best. Unbeatable in the tap out and then can rove his own ball, run as quick as the midfielders and kick goals that make you just shake your head.

17. Andrew Swallow
Hard working, hard tackling, leads from the front and is all you look for in a captain. Lack of real bursting speed or a super elite kick are probably the only things stopping him from being top 5.

18. Sam Mitchell
Could have easily been top 10 but it is so hard to separate the best midfielders and although he came equal 2nd in the brownlow medal his age probably goes against him considering the wave of gun midfielders coming through in their early 20's. I have no doubt he will star again for Hawthorn in 2013.

19. Ryan Okeefe
Just when you think this guy is going to slow down he takes his game to another level. Was outstanding in the 2nd half of 2012 and his grand final performance was inspirational. One of the fittest players at the club, in great shape again he will have another great season and be a major part of Sydney's push for back to back flags.

20. Ted Richards
Has always been a great backman but he went to a new level again in 2012 and was the glue in the Sydney defence. Rarely beaten in a contest. Will continue to be a nightmare for forwards in 2013

21. Brett Deledio
Finally made his long awaited move to the midfield and took to it like a pig to mud. He is all class and a huge piece of the tigers finals puzzle.

22. Steve Johnson
Biggest bag of tricks in the game and does things that you just have to sit back and enjoy. A move to the midfield saw him really show another side of his game and even more time there in 2013 should see that continue.

23. Marc Murphy
An accumulator with class to finish. Has a big engine and is quick on his toes. A lot to like about little Murph. If he can prove to break taggers in 2013 he could be top 10.

24. Jack Riwoldt
I couldnt believe he didnt make Mike Sheean's top 50. He won the coleman medal. Everyone agrees that he didnt have a great season but if someone can have an average year and still win the Coleman medal then they must have some serious ability. Has had a full pre season for the first time in a couple of years and looks set for a big one. Going for his 3rd Coleman medal in 4 years.

25. Nathan Fyfe
Has more ability and potential than perhaps any other up and coming player in the game. Has shown us what he is capable of in patches but if he can get his shoulders right and some continuity in his game then I think we could witness him turn into one of the best few players in the game.

26. Scott Thompson
Major ball magnet just gets leather poisoning every week. Another mid that is hard to categorise along side the other top mids but probably doesnt have the "X factor" like some of my other choices.

27. Sam jacobs
Best tap ruckman in the AFL. Wins the tap outs and wins them to advantage more often than any other player. Gets the best out of himself and his ability which is a credit to him and the Adelaide ruck coach

28. Brendan Goddard
Ability to be one of the top 5 players in the game but weather he will go back to his 2010 form is still yet to be seen. Has a fresh start and a role in the Midfield to set himself up. Nothing holding him back, we just have to sit back and see where it goes.

29. Cyril Rioli
the ultimate excitement machine. Does some amazing things on the field that you dont see from anyone else. Only thing holding this guy back is his own body

30. Drew Petrie
Another forward that was unlucky not to be named All Australian last season. He is a monster, a beautiful kick for goal and can win games off his own boot. Could have been higher up the order but you cant fit them all at the top.

31. Travis Cloke
Terrible season in 2012 is the reason I have him so far down the list. One of, if not the best contested marks in the AFL but his off field distractions have been a problem for him more than once. Should be past them all now and ready to tear the 2013 season appart. His inability to kick accurately with his set shot is the only thing stopping him from being a top 2-3 forward in the comp.

32. Matthew Boyd
This guy is such an underrated player. He is the definition of "ball magnet" and a great captain for the bulldogs. Deserves far more recognition than he gets. Only thing that stops him being top 10 is his kicking can let him down at times.

33. Jarryd Roughead
Has probably played in Buddy's shadow since being drafted to Hawthorn but this guy is a work horse and so versatile that he can play at both ends of the ground or in the ruck, and not just as a pinch hitter but as a genuine #1 ruck option. Wherever he plays in 2013 he will again be fantastic for the Hawks.

34. Kieren Jack
Another one of many gun midfielders that could really be anywhere from 10-40. Would like to see him back it up in 2013 to convince me of his rise to the premium midfield status he made in 2012.

35. Rory Sloane
Another of many young players that took his game to another level in 2012. Ran out of steam towards the end of the season but another pre season should see him be fitter, faster, stronger and better in 2013.

36. Bryce Gibbs
We know he is skilful, we know he has class but finally were going to see him play where he should be, in the the middle of the ground. Everything points to a breakout season.

37. Scott Selwood
Anyone that can keep some of the best players in the game quiet and still rack up a ton of the ball themselves has my vote. He is tough as nails and a player that can be attacking or deffensive and play his role so well.

38. Ivan Maric
The big mullet had one of the better seasons of any ruckman in the comp in 2012. A tap out specialist, gets his hands on the ball, gives 110% and is again the man for the job at tigerland in 2012.

39. Tom Rockliff
A quieter season in 2012 after his breakout in 2011 but it was certainly not due to a sudden loss of confidence or ability but rather a change of roles that saw him spend a lot of time forward. He will be back to the midfield in 2013, where he belongs and it is nice to know that he can impact when reted forward as well.

40. Luke McPharlin
The All Australian full back wound the clock back in 2012 and held the tight knit Freo defence together. Seems to thrive off the Ross Lyon defensive game plan and should do so again.

41. Lenny Hayes
Probably the most loved man in footy, came back from a knee reco and looked like he hadn't missed a beat. Accumulates quality possessions and continues to show poise and class even in the twilight of his career.

42. Nathan Jones
My only demon in the list but certainly a deserving one. A bit underrated due to the fact that he plays in a lower club but he leads by example and shows pride in the way he plays. He is tough as nails and will reap the benefits as Melbourne start their long climb up the ladder.

43. Harley Bennell
This guy has so much upside, its quite scary. He will be one of the premium midfielders of the competiton in the coming years and I would go as far as to say a top 5 player in the competition within 3 years. Should continue his path to the top this season.

44. Brad Sewell
Could easily be forgotten when writing a list like this. There is nothing flash about him but he is consistently good, consistently puts his head over the ball and gets it out to his more fancied team mates. Major part of Hawthorns midfield

45. Darren Glass
Been so good for so long and just continues to shut down opponents week after week. The captain of the All Australian season in 2012 the ultimate honour.

46. Chris Judd
Proven more than most on the list but unfortunately  all good things come to an end and although Chris Judd still has some great footy left in him, his best is behind him. With the weight of the captaincy off his shoulders we may see a bit of a freshen up but at #46 I think that is about where he sits.

47. Jimmy Bartel
Another who has done it all. Will be remembered as a great but with a move out of the midfield i think we have seen his best. He will again show brilliance till the day he retires but will rely on days of little bags of goals rather than 30 possessions to move him any higher up the ranks in my books.

48. Paddy Ryder
Freak athlete with some seriouse ability but just fades in and out of games and big chunks of the season too often to be any higher in my opinion. Always threatens to have a big season. Hopefully 2013 is that year

49. Paul Chapman
Most probably think im being a tad harsh on Chappy but really I think he is lucky to scrape into the top 50. Had a good 2012 but considering my selections are based on potential as well i think we will see a slide from Chapman in 2013. The gap between his best and worst has begun to widden and his time as a midfielder are all but over. Like Bartel he will still dominate the odd game and prove people wrong but I dont see any improvement which is why I have him placed so low.

50. Dayne Zorko
Another guy that if i just based it on his 2012 season he could be in the top 25. My reason for having him at 50 is purely because we have only seen it from him for 16 games. he looks set to be a star but there is still the question mark of second year blues, a change of rolls and if he can continue his hot start into a 2nd season. Time will tell.

[Ringo]

Nice work here Quinney - Well done

Like Mike Sheahans list we can argue with some of the lesser selections so will only look at the top 20.

Only real issue I have with the top 20 is Cotchin before Swan and Hawkins at 8. Selwood should be in Top 10.

Harry Taylor at 14 is another interesting one but can understand the logic.

Subjective I know but each to their own opinion.

[ossie85]

Great stuff :) Will read in greater detail later.

My first thought is maybe it is a bit defender light. I know Taylor is up there, but I'd rate players like McPharlin and Glass much higher.

[Toga]

Great work Quinny, love the effort! 8)

[quinny88]

Thanks ringo.
Yeah just in response to your thoughts, I put Cotchin ahead of Swan based on potential for the coming season. Swan seems to have a bit going on off field but will no doubt churn out a similar season to previous years but Cotchin I think is on the up and for a guy that accomplished all that he did last season at just 21 I think he is a good chance to pass Swan this season. Really though you could throw a blanket over the top 10 midfielders.

Hawkins I think is primed for a massive season. Was all Australian last year and since the 2011 grand final he has started grabbing a strangle hold on games and winning them himself. Such a monster forward that has become so hard to stop and I value big forwards very highly within a team. Sellwood could have easily been top 10 but I feel Hawkins has become the most important man at Geelong now.

And Harry Taylor I put high because I was making sure I didn't undervalue the importance of the key defender and I think he is the best in the business.

[quinny88]

Great stuff :) Will read in greater detail later.

My first thought is maybe it is a bit defender light. I know Taylor is up there, but I'd rate players like McPharlin and Glass much higher.

Yeah I got 4 key defenders in there in Taylor, Richards, McPharlin and Glass but they are easily forgotten

[T Dog]

Hey Quinny

Great job.
Hawkins?...may just have another look now.... ;D

[ossie85]

I agree Hawkins high ranking :)

And think 31 is a fair ranking for Cloke, but....

31. Travis Cloke
Terrible season in 2012

Is very harsh! He led the league in contested marks and kicked 50 goals still. Was he as influential as 2011? No, but in isolation his stats were 'good' at the very worst :)

[quinny88]

I agree Hawkins high ranking :)

And think 31 is a fair ranking for Cloke, but....

31. Travis Cloke
Terrible season in 2012

Is very harsh! He led the league in contested marks and kicked 50 goals still. Was he as influential as 2011? No, but in isolation his stats were 'good' at the very worst :)

For his standard, yea I think it was pretty close to terrible. He is 10 times the player that he was last season. Gotta mark the best of the best harshly ;) Could be top 15

[stew42]

And I'd have Lewis Jetta over Rioli, if you're basing it on the 2012 season. He's faster, kicked more goals, and had less injuries.

[JBs-Hawks]

Nonetheless Rioli is still the better player. Don't know the stats but I bet Rioli has more inside 50 tackles , pressure acts and assists ;)

[ossie85]

And I'd have Lewis Jetta over Rioli, if you're basing it on the 2012 season. He's faster, kicked more goals, and had less injuries.

Lewis Jetta v Cyril Rioli, 2012 Average Stats

Games: 25 v 23
Kicks: 11.1 v 9.5
HBalls: 4.7 v 6.2
Disposals: 15.8 v 15.6
Marks: 3.4 v 3.4
Goals: 1.8 v 1.7
Behinds: 0.7 v 1.0
Tackles: 2.8 v 5.3
DT: 76.1 v 82.6
SC: 79.8 v 98.6

Just about a tie in everything, except Cyril wins Tackles easily and the much higher SC scores suggests better disposal. They kicked about the same average goals.

[Toga]

:o that is insanely even!

Nice stats Oz!

[quinny88]

And I'd have Lewis Jetta over Rioli, if you're basing it on the 2012 season. He's faster, kicked more goals, and had less injuries.

Lewis Jetta v Cyril Rioli, 2012 Average Stats

Games: 25 v 23
Kicks: 11.1 v 9.5
HBalls: 4.7 v 6.2
Disposals: 15.8 v 15.6
Marks: 3.4 v 3.4
Goals: 1.8 v 1.7
Behinds: 0.7 v 1.0
Tackles: 2.8 v 5.3
DT: 76.1 v 82.6
SC: 79.8 v 98.6

Just about a tie in everything, except Cyril wins Tackles easily and the much higher SC scores suggests better disposal. They kicked about the same average goals.

Stew It's not just based on 2012 lol I said that from the start. It is based in 2012, the years prior and there potential going forward. Jetta very unlucky to miss out but he missed out on on Sheehans as well for the record. Can't fit them all in.

[Mr.Craig]

I pretty much agree with all that however I think it will still be a year or two before Harley overtakes the likes of Ryan Griffen and Jordan Lewis.

Carrots would have certainly been on my list.