Mike Sheahan's Top 50

[Ricochet]

http://www.news.com.au/national/mikes-top-50/story-e6frfkp9-1227073896281

1. Joel Selwood (Geelong)

Position: Midfield
Games: 22
SuperCoach average: 121
Pre-season rank: 2

Mike says: I'm with the All-Australian selectors.. on this one, anyway. He's a beauty, regardless of the never-ending discussion about the number of free kicks he garners for high tackles. He is a magnificent competitor; brave, durable and productive. There's none better when the game is in the balance.


2. Nathan Fyfe (Fremantle)

Position: Midfield
Games: 18
SuperCoach Average: 122
Pre-season rank: 5

Mike says: He's everything every young footballer would want to be, right down to his surfer look. He is taller than you might think, has a great leap (coupled with an exhilarating sense of adventure), is a brilliant competitor and scary brave.


3. Lance Franklin (Sydney)

Position: Forward
Games: 19
SuperCoach Average: 100
Pre-season rank: 17

Mike says: The most exciting player in the game. No one ever has commanded the attention he drew this year, most of it for his aura and output on the field. Not quite as consistent as he was in 2008, but there were many weeks when he played at the peak of his awesome powers.


4. Robbie Gray (Port Adelaide)

Position: Forward/Midfield
Games: 22
SuperCoach Average: 111
Pre-season rank: -

Mike says: The story of the year in terms of individuals. The coaches' pick as player of the year and understandably so... even if he crept up on a lot of us. Averaged 25 disposals a game, kicked 34 goals and led the competition for goal assists. Brilliant in heavy traffic.


5. Gary Ablett (Gold Coast)

Position: Midfield
Games: 15
SuperCoach Average: 137
Pre-season rank: 1

Mike says: It seems almost blasphemous to park this bloke down at No 5. Fact is he missed seven games and was injured during the last of his 15. He remains the most accomplished player in the competition, but he must be marked according to output in the post-season 50.


6. Josh Kennedy (Sydney)

Position: Midfield
Games: 20
SuperCoach Average: 114
Pre-season rank: 11

Mike says: The best inside midfielder in the game. Built to play centre-half-forward yet nimble enough to dominate the whirlpool of midfield crushes. Probably wins the Brownlow if he plays the last two games, when he was rested. Averaged 30-plus possessions from rounds 4-12.


7. Jordan Lewis (Hawthorn)

Position: Midfield
Games: 21
SuperCoach Average: 109
Pre-season rank: -

Mike says: Career-best season for the smart, tough midfielder. Brilliant second half of the year including a Grand Final performance that might have earned him the Norm Smith medal. Had more than 20 possessions in 23 of his 24 games. Not bad as a third-man-up, either.


8. Jarryd Roughead (Hawthorn)

Position: Forward
Games: 20
SuperCoach Average: 96
Pre-season rank: 10

Mike says: What a player. Can play forward and/or midfield, excellent overhead, surprisingly adept at ground level. Kicked 75 goals for the year including 13 in three finals. He is a giant in more ways than one.


9. Dyson Heppell (Essendon)

Position: Midfield
Games: 21
SuperCoach Average: 106
Pre-season rank: 48

Mike says: Genuine young star. Equally competent in the crushes or on the outside. Has an amazing capacity to get to where the loose ball bobs up. Classy, brave and durable. Averaged 28 disposals a game, including a high of 40 against Geelong in a losing team.


10. Travis Boak (Port Adelaide)

Position: Midfield
Games: 21
SuperCoach Average: 106
Pre-season rank: 26

Mike says: A born leader, he led Port superbly, in the manner of Joel Selwood. He is brave, a hard worker and driven; a footballer's footballer. His elevation to captaincy was an inspired decision.

[Ricochet]

11. Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood)

Position: Midfield
Games: 21
SuperCoach Average: 124
Pre-season rank: 4

Mike says: He has become a victim of his own standards. His numbers were strong and, as always, he worked hard when he didn't have the ball. Deserved his place in the All-Australian team, with many apparently forgetting how good he was in the first half of the season.


12. Eric Mackenzie (West Coast)

Position: Defender
Games: 22
SuperCoach Average: 75
Pre-season rank: -

Mike says: My pick as the best key defender of the year. Hard to fathom how he missed All-Australian selection.. again. Clearly the most consistent mark at West Coast and an outstanding rebounder. He's not fashionable, but fashion in footy is doing your job and that's what this bloke does week after week.


13. Luke Hodge (Hawthorn)

Position: Defender/Midfield
Games: 19
SuperCoach Average: 92
Pre-season rank: 20

Mike says: He is the ultimate players' player. Two Norm Smith Medals says it all. So composed, so brave, so tough. I thought him in trouble a couple of years ago because of all the wear and tear, but he has been beautifully managed and has responded superbly. His numbers are solid, his impact immeasurable.


14. Luke Parker (Sydney)

Position: Midfield/Forward
Games: 22
SuperCoach Average: 108
Pre-season rank: -

Mike says: What a revelation. Despite a poor one on Grand Final day, he averaged 26 possessions and kicked 20-plus goals. He is a star at ground level and can take a big mark. His hardball gets topped 100; that says it all.


15. Matt Priddis (West Coast)

Position: Midfield
Games: 22
SuperCoach Average: 113
Pre-season rank: -

Mike says: When you've been as dedicated as this bloke, when you work as hard, you deserve the spoils. Good on him. Fact remains he doesn't hurt enough with his kicks. Yet no one could question his drive and commitment to the cause.


16. Aaron Sandilands (Fremantle)

Position: Ruck
Games: 21
SuperCoach Average: 108
Pre-season rank: -

Mike says: The biggest man in the game and often the biggest influence in the game. Master craftsman at centre bounces and around the ground, deceptively mobile and creative with ball in hand. No.1 in the competition for hitouts and no one directs them better.


17. Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn)

Position: Defender/Midfield
Games: 13
SuperCoach Average: 91
Pre-season rank: 18

Mike says: One of Hawthorn's highest greats. Missed a large chunk of the season with hamstring trouble, but was so good when it counted (September), he has to be included. As Mick Malthouse told us all those years ago, Mitch rivals Greg Williams with ball in hand .. and there can be no higher praise.

18. Shaun Burgoyne (Hawthorn)

Position: Defender/Midfield
Games: 22
SuperCoach Average: 94
Pre-season rank: -

Mike says: No wonder his teammates call him "Silk". He's a beautiful mover, a superb decision-maker and his disposal is faultless. He has been one of the recruiting coups of the modern game, giving the Hawks five excellent seasons.


19. Rory Sloane (Adelaide)

Position: Midfield
Games: 22
SuperCoach Average: 115
Pre-season rank: 31

Mike says: He's a ripper. He gives his all and then a little more. Works both ends of the field, wins his own footy, links up and chases like crazy. If you haven't noticed, I'm a big fan.


20. Tom Rockliff

Position: Midfield
Games: 18
SuperCoach Average: 132
Pre-season rank: -

Mike says: Almost 600 possessions from 18 games proves he has that capacity to find the footy in heavy traffic. While he will never be accused of being sleek or swift, he is tough and smart, and relishes the heat of battle. He is going to be the bandleader in Brisbane for a long time

[Ricochet]

21. Luke Breust (Hawthorn)

Position: Forward
Games: 22
SuperCoach Average: 85
Pre-season rank: -

Mike says: All-Australian and deservedly so. Clever and smart and a beautiful finisher. Kicked nearly 60 goals, including 29 in a row without a behind. Amazing efficiency. Good tackler for a forward, too.


22. Shane Mumford (GWS)

Position: Ruck
Games: 17
SuperCoach Average: 114
Pre-season rank: -

Mike says: How the Swans must have wished they could have retained him. He has a huge presence on the field, one to match his massive physique. There's no doubt players run taller in Mummy's shadow. Still only 28 with much more to offer the Giants.


23. Patrick Dangerfield (Adelaide)

Position: Midfield
Games: 22
SuperCoach Average: 106
Pre-season rank: 3

Mike says: I'm a huge fan (just like the umpires), but the physical demands of the Dangerfield game seemed to take their toll as the year wore on. Good numbers again, but sharply down on goals (17 after 31 last year). Might need to be nursed a little more in the future.


24. Callan Ward (GWS)

Position: Midfield
Games: 20
SuperCoach Average: 113
Pre-season rank: -

Mike says: There's a heap of J. Selwood about this bloke. No frills, just hard and tough... and effective. Averaged a career-high 25 disposals. Played in five of the club's six wins. When he hasn't got the footy, he's chasing and tackling. How the Doggies would love him back.


25. Pearce Hanley (Brisbane)

Position: Defender/Midfield
Games: 20
SuperCoach Average: 104
Pre-season rank: 43

Mike says: Yes, he's a favourite of mine, and with good reason. He is a jet. Most kicks at Brisbane, second for marks, third for handballs, and that doesn't acknowledge his ability to carry the ball better than most and kick with both depth and accuracy, and a trajectory that gives his forwards even more advantage.


26. Nick Malceski (Sydney)

Position: Defender
Games: 22
SuperCoach Average: 105
Pre-season rank: -

Mike says: Tailor-made for the modern game: experienced, smart, poised and constructive. Knows where to go and how to find the footy and uses it better than most. Has been a high-class player for several seasons.


27. Bryce Gibbs (Carlton)

Position: Midfielder
Games: 22
SuperCoach Average: 106
Pre-season rank: -

Mike says: Finally matured into the player his talent and No.1 draft tag suggested all those years ago. Consistent and influential. His 29 disposals, four goals and six tackles against Geelong in Round 12 illustrated his new maturity.


28. Daniel Talia (Adelaide)

Position: Defender
Games: 22
SuperCoach Average: 58
Pre-season rank: -

Mike says: He's a model of consistency, this bloke. He thrives on the challenge of taking on the big names and has a remarkable success rate. While his numbers aren't big, the numbers of the blokes he plays on are smaller again. He has replaced Ben Rutten as the central plank in this Adelaide defence.


29. Cale Hooker (Essendon)

Position: Defender
Games: 22
SuperCoach Average: 79
Pre-season rank: -

Mike says: Previously best known for trailing Buddy Franklin into the goal of the century a few years ago, Hooker now is a high-class player in his own right. Super season playing on the best of the opposition key forwards while winning plenty of the ball himself.


30. Matthew Broadbent (Port Adelaide)

Position: Defender
Games: 22
SuperCoach Average: 82
Pre-season rank: -

Mike says: He's been a slow burn, but the increased focus on Port has alerted the rest of the football world to his importance. Played every game and was Port's leading kick-getter. Given his pace and the depth in his kicking, it's no wonder he led the rebounds from defensive 50.

[Ricochet]

31. Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda)

Position: Forward
Games: 22
SuperCoach Average: 92
Pre-season rank: 27

Mike says: The cynics saw him as over the hill, but his professionalism and love of the game (and club) saw him win a club record sixth best-and-fairest award. He was All-Australian for the fifth time at 31 and kicked 49 goals in the bottom team.


32. Alex Rance (Richmond)

Position: Defender
Games: 17
SuperCoach Average: 89
Pre-season rank: -

Mike says: Had a delayed then shaky start to his year, but was inspirational in the second half of the season. You have to love the way he attacks the ball.. or the man with the ball. His enthusiasm is infectious, too.


33. Dayne Beams (Collingwood)

Position: Midfield
Games: 19
SuperCoach Average: 116
Pre-season rank: -

Mike says: Superbly skilled midfielder who delivers offensively and defensively. Top three at Collingwood for kicks, handballs and tackles.. and goals. In his prime at 24.


34. Dustin Martin (Richmond)

Position: Forward/Midfield
Games: 21
SuperCoach Average: 100
Pre-season rank: 45

Mike says: Not sure he knows exactly how good he can be. Superb one-on-one player, smart and clever in front of goal. His work ethic needs to improve, but he has all the physical attributes to be a top-10 player. His future will be determined by just how badly he wants to be great.


35. Tom Hawkins (Geelong)

Position: Forward
Games: 22
SuperCoach Average: 87
Pre-season rank: -

Mike says: Unlucky to miss All-Australian. His numbers weren't huge (68 goals, 24 games), but he is pretty much a one-man forward line, a big-occasion player whose powerful frame and sure hands can turn a game. His kicking has improved to the extent he is as cool as the best of them when the result is on the line


36. David Mundy (Fremantle)

Position: Midfield
Games: 22
SuperCoach Average: 102
Pre-season rank: 19

Mike says: Freo's biggest kick-getter, superb at the stoppages and a penetrating kick. Not sure he reached 2013 heights, but still a high-quality midfielder who often is devastating in tandem with Sandilands.


37. Brodie Smith (Adelaide)

Position: Defender
Games: 22
SuperCoach Average: 94
Pre-season rank: -

Mike says: Still needs a name tag at most footy functions, but we know him on the field. No.33 with the piston legs. He was brilliant running the ball out of defence with 109 rebounds (Matt Sucking was Hawthorn's best with 63). Almost 500 possessions at half-back and he carried the ball like a kid scampering away from a lolly shop.


38. Grant Birchall (Hawthorn)

Position: Defender
Games: 22
SuperCoach Average: 89
Pre-season rank: 47

Mike says: I've always been a fan of this bloke, a 193cm half-back, a good decision-maker with pace and flair, and a lethal left foot. He's a no-fuss star and a three-time premiership player.


39. Nick Smith (Sydney)

Position: Defender
Games: 20
SuperCoach Average: 71
Pre-season rank: -

Mike says: Super performer on the most dangerous of the small opposition forwards. Reads the play superbly and makes good decisions. Low profile, high output.


40. Brendon Goddard (Essendon)

Position: Midfield
Games: 19
SuperCoach Average: 102
Pre-season rank: 36

Mike says: Another solid set of numbers but it's his distribution of the ball that sets him apart. Hard to think of anyone in the game who is more efficient by foot. Plays back and forward and contributed 17 goals, not a lot but more than Winderlich and Zaharakis.

[Ricochet]

41. Trent Cotchin (Richmond)

Position: Midfield
Games: 22
SuperCoach Average: 102
Pre-season rank: 21

Mike says: Struggled like most of his teammates in the first half of the year, but he's a class act and emerging as a leader. Big numbers for kicks, handpasses and tackles and is Brownlow-bound if he can continue to improve his work forward of centre. Eighteen goals was a significant improvement.

42. Tom Liberatore (Western Bulldogs)

Position: Midfield
Games: 22
SuperCoach Average: 110
Pre-season rank: 39

Mike says: He's a Liberatore in more than name. Brave, hard, relentless. Now a best-and-fairest winner and, if he's not a star yet, he's on the cusp. Superb at the clearances and averaged almost eight tackles a game. Good hands, too.


43. Nathan Jones (Melbourne)

Position: Midfield
Games: 22
SuperCoach Average: 108
Pre-season rank: -

Mike says: To quote most Melbourne supporters one time or another in recent years, 'Thank God for Jonesy'. Huge work ethic, indomitable spirit, admirable leader. Amassed 600-plus possessions in his 22 games.


44. Ben Cunnington (North Melbourne)

Position: Midfield
Games: 22
SuperCoach Average: 93
Pre-season rank: -

Mike says: Old fashioned in looks and style, but knows how to find the footy and is enterprising with his hands. Top five at North for kicks, third for handballs and was a tackling machine.


45. David Swallow (Gold Coast)

Position: Midfield
Games: 22
SuperCoach Average: 103
Pre-season rank: -

Mike says: Big season from the Gold Coast vice-captain. Amassed 500 possessions, 15 goals, five tackles a game, and oozes leadership. With Ablett, will lead the Suns to the next level: the finals.


46. Brent Harvey (North Melbourne)

Position: Forward/Midfield
Games: 20
SuperCoach Average: 108
Pre-season rank: -

Mike says: What a treasure. Turned 36 in May yet played 21 of a possible 24 games. Had the odd quiet one and got narky once or twice, but was probably the most productive player for the year in a team that reached the final four.


47. Sam Jacobs (Adelaide)

Position: Ruck
Games: 22
SuperCoach Average: 115
Pre-season rank: -

Mike says: The big bloke returned to 2012 form this year. Who knows where he wandered off to last year, but his ruckwork and the follow-up stuff was back at elite level for much of this season. Just shaded Todd Goldstein in my rankings.


48. Hayden Ballantyne (Fremantle)

Position: Forward
Games: 19
SuperCoach Average: 76
Pre-season rank: -

Mike says: Just like Ross Lyon, I like him, cheeky little bugger that he is. Just pipped Eddie Betts for All-Australian selection, probably because of his defensive work. He's brilliant inside forward 50 and works like a beaver. He has to be great for morale.


49. Nick Dal Santo (North Melbourne)

Position: Midfield
Games: 22
SuperCoach Average: 103
Pre-season rank: -

Mike says: Played a pivotal role in North's climb up the ladder. Excellent for a prolonged period after a poor first-up game in new colours. Played every game and was constructive both forward and back. The best distributor at the Roos.


50. Robert Murphy (Western Bulldogs)

Position: Defender
Games: 22
SuperCoach Average: 89
Pre-season rank: -

Mike says: One of my all-time favourites. Love his zest for the game and his poise. Reads the game like poetry, rarely flustered and is superb with ball in hand. Has been a pleasure to watch from the day he started as a shy stripling.

[SydneyRox]

I dont think Selwood is #1

Ablett is still the best player in the game.

Fyfe hasnt done enough yet either I would have said to be #2

[Jroo]

My list is better  :P
Can't believe he put SMitch so high, same with Broadbent.

[Ricochet]

Yeh Broadbent was a surprise

[Rusty00]

Without putting much thought into it, Sauce is unlucky not to be (a lot) higher. Broadbent probably a bit high given he hasn't shown the consistency of B Smith, Birchall, and N Smith who are all lower than him.

[Mailman the 2nd]

Jacobs way too low, Broadbent wasn't really top 50 and Murphy seems to be there on sentiment alone.

He also rates Burgoyne, Sloane, Danger really highly. Like they're good, but top 25 this year?

[The_Captain]

Everyone is getting so worked up about this.. Not so much here.. But on other sites i have seen. It is just one mans opinion. It is not representation of what the whole of Australia was follow/ agree with.

Hes entittled to his opinion. No matter where he puts these guys, people are going to disagree with a number of them.. depending on who they support and there own biases.

[kilbluff1985]

Sheahan is a spud

[Ricochet]

Sheahan is a spud

He is certainly not a spud

[RaisyDaisy]

Actually not a bad list, but as Noto said this is simply just one guys opinion

Surprised to see he has McKenzie so high and I'm sure most people wouldn't agree, and Broadbent is just LOL. He's a handy player, but Top 50 material, let alone 30 - No chance

[Pkbaldy]

Jacobs way too low, Broadbent wasn't really top 50 and Murphy seems to be there on sentiment alone.

He also rates Burgoyne, Sloane, Danger really highly. Like they're good, but top 25 this year?

I rate Sloane as a top 20 player... Danger is 23 which is acceptable seeings as he picked him at #3 at the start of the year...
He rated Heppell way to highly for my liking. Not a top 10 player. Not by a long mile.