20. Dayne Zorko
Brisbane
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: 36
Official AFL Player Rating: 6
Debut: 2012
Games: 122
AFL Fantasy value: $805,000
It was a big 2017 for Zorko, who won his third consecutive best and fairest, earned All-Australian selection for the first time and represented Australia in the International Rules. He couldn't have done much more for the Lions, topping the list for goal-kicking with 34 – the greatest scoreboard impact of his career – while averaging 25 disposals and seven tackles a game. Only Patrick Dangerfield and Dustin Martin hit the scoreboard more often when it came to midfielders pushing forward. While Zorko can struggle when tagged, and will no doubt get more attention this season, his durability, explosiveness and ability to kick a long goal are elite components of his game.
19. Joe Daniher
Essendon
Forward
Last year's ranking: -
Official AFL Player Rating: 72
Debut: 2013
Games: 93
AFL Fantasy value: $597,000
Daniher is a budding superstar of the competition due to his high marking, brilliant goalkicking and ability to turn a game Essendon's way in a matter of minutes. His rise has been reflected in the fifth annual Players' Top 50, where he has been voted the 19th best player in the competition. He wasn't in the top 50 before last season. The 23-year-old kicked a career-high 65 goals for the season, was named an All Australian forward, claimed his first best and fairest award and took out the Woolworths Mark of the Year.
18. Zach Merrett
Essendon
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: 28
Official AFL Player Rating: 20
Debut: 2014
Games: 81
AFL Fantasy value: $825,000
Ascended to be considered one of the competition's best ball-getters with an average of 30 disposals in 2017, which rated him elite. Was named All-Australian for the first time and was a force at clearances and in tackles for the Bombers, although his kicking was rated below average. Still, his left foot can prove damaging and his consistency – and maturity despite being in the system for just four seasons going into 2018 – have confirmed his place as an integral part of the Bombers' midfield.
17. Eddie Betts
Adelaide
Forward
Last year's ranking: 19
Official AFL Player Rating: 23
Debut: 2005
Games: 277
AFL Fantasy value: $511,000
Fan-favourite and all-round package, it's easy to forget Betts wasn't always a Crow. The ex-Blue has become a cult figure at West Lakes for his exciting string of traits that extend beyond kicking remarkable goals. Consistently brings his teammates into the game – a skill that's rated elite – and packs a strong defensive game as well as being Adelaide's leading goalkicker for four straight seasons. Won his third consecutive All-Australian selection in 2017, and will continue to thrill Crows' supporters for years to come after signing an extension until the end of 2020.
16. Tom Mitchell
Hawthorn
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: -
Official AFL Player Rating: 31
Debut: 2013
Games: 87
AFL Fantasy value: $896,000
Thrived in his first season at the Hawks after crossing from the Swans, finishing the year as one of the competition's biggest ball-winners. Broke the AFL record for total possessions in a home-and-away season with 787, which included 50 against Collingwood in round nine. He didn't just rack up raw numbers, though; Mitchell was also a driving force and ranked No.1 in the League for assisted metres gained. Ran second in the Brownlow medal for his efforts, which also included personal-best returns in tackles and clearances.
15. Marcus Bontempelli
Western Bulldogs
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: 5
Official AFL Player Rating: 15
Debut: 2014
Games: 85
AFL Fantasy value: $704,000
In a year where he won his second consecutive club best and fairest, Western Bulldogs' Bontempelli took the third-biggest tumble down the Players' Top 50 poll. After finishing the 2016 season as an All Australian and a premiership player, Bontempelli's ranking fell from fifth to 15th, as the Dogs' underwhelming flag defence ended without the club qualifying for finals. With 'The Bont' cherry ripe for the season ahead, the question is now whether he serves the Dogs best in his customary midfield role, or pushing forward more to help the side with their ongoing efficiency problems.
14. Josh Kennedy
West Coast
Forward
Last year's ranking: 15
Official AFL Player Rating: 36
Debut: 2006
Games: 207
AFL Fantasy value: $575,000
It was a testament to the ability of the key forward that he managed to finish second in the Coleman Medal last year despite missing five games with a calf injury. Kicked 69 goals, with his most consistent work keeping the Eagles in the finals race after he returned from injury in round 17. Was named All-Australian for the third straight year, and rated elite for forward 50 groundball gets and marks inside 50 as he again staked his claim as one of the Eagles' most important contributors.
13. Tom Lynch
Gold Coast
Forward
Last year's ranking: 14
Official AFL Player Rating: 45
Debut: 2011
Games: 121
AFL Fantasy value: $566,000
It wasn't Lynch's best season in 2017, but he still topped the Suns' goalkicking for the fourth straight year with 44 from 19 games before a knee injury ended his season in round 20. Attracted plenty of attention as the Suns' focal point, but still managed to rank eighth for AFL Player Rating points per game of all key forwards. He might have delivered less on the field last year, but it hasn't hurt his currency, with his outstanding signature one the Suns – and their opposition – are desperate to secure on a long contract.
12. Robbie Gray
Port Adelaide
Forward
Last year's ranking: 16
Official AFL Player Rating: 8
Debut: 2007
Games: 178
AFL Fantasy value: $572,000
Remains one of "those" players every coach would want two of. Gray has proven himself as a dominant midfielder, but last year earned his third All-Australian selection playing mainly as a small forward. Kicked 47 goals and was ranked as the No.1 score assist player in the AFL. While he's not a force in one-on-one contests, his silky skills and ability to read the play make him a standout. Port's recruitment of a handful of "finishing" players will give Gray even more flexibility to play where he's needed in 2018.
11. Scott Pendlebury
Collingwood
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: 6
Official AFL Player Rating: 3
Debut: 2006
Games: 252
AFL Fantasy value: $767,000
Likely would have claimed his sixth best and fairest last season had he not lost the last six rounds to a finger injury that needed two bouts of surgery. Still, polled the most Brownlow votes of any Pie, with the smooth-moving, skillful midfielder comfortably leading the club for goal assists. Pendlebury spent more time in the forward half last year and collected plenty of possessions there, while being involved in 31 per cent of the Pies' scoring chains. Remained a class above despite his shortened season in his fourth year as captain.
10. Josh Kennedy
Sydney
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: 7
Official AFL Player Rating: 4
Debut: 2008
Games: 204
AFL Fantasy value: $690,000
Polled the fourth most votes in last year's Brownlow, which supported the belief the Swans captain had another ripping season despite surprisingly being overlooked for the All Australian team. Considered to be one of the game's best inside midfielders, Kennedy ranked inside the top five in the League for contested possessions, first possessions and clearances, despite missing three games with injury last season.
9. Rory Sloane
Adelaide
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: 11
Official AFL Player Rating: 5
Debut: 2009
Games: 165
AFL Fantasy value: $754,000
Sloane's ability to impose himself on games and lift his teammates is rated so highly by his peers that he climbed to ninth in this season's Players’ Top 50 poll, up from 11th last year. The 2016 All Australian's most eye-catching attribute is the wholehearted way he attacks each contest. He is a raging bull at stoppages. Last season, he led the Crows in average clearances (6.3 a game, equal 12th in the AFL) and centre clearances (2.6, equal 10th).
8. Joel Selwood
Geelong
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: 4
Official AFL Player Rating: 12
Debut: 2007
Games: 249
AFL Fantasy value: $670,000
Missing the last three games of last season after ankle surgery didn't stop the Cats captain from being named All Australian for the sixth time. Was typically in and under, ranking elite for contested possessions and centre clearances, and simply got the job done while working in tandem with his team's other midfield heavyweight, Patrick Dangerfield.
7. Gary Ablett
Geelong
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: 8
Official AFL Player Rating: 47
Debut: 2002
Games: 302
AFL Fantasy value: $837,000
Won his fourth Suns best and fairest last year in his final season at the club, despite missing eight games with shoulder and hamstring problems. Has returned to the Cattery for an emotional homecoming after seven seasons away, and will add class to the Geelong midfield and attacking structure if his body can stay sound, which carries an automatic question mark given he's played just 49 of a possible 88 games across the past four years.
6. Alex Rance
Richmond
Defender
Last year's ranking: 10
Official AFL Player Rating: 22
Debut: 2009
Games: 175
AFL Fantasy value: $458,000
The game's best key defender had another cracker of a season in 2017 where he played every game and added a premiership medal to his trophy cabinet. Earned his fourth consecutive All Australian guernsey, and was named captain of that all-star team. Easily ranked No.1 in the competition for intercept possessions but was also a force when it came to one-on-one contests. A proven match winner for the Tigers and a crucial cog in their defence.
5. Josh Kelly
GWS
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: -
Official AFL Player Rating: 37
Debut: 2014
Games: 84
AFL Fantasy value: $795,000
Ignited a huge bidding war last year when he remained unsigned for much of the season, before he committed to a two-year extension with the Giants in September. The skillful ball-winner took advantage of a move from the wing to the midfield and posted a career-best season where he set a new club record for disposals and tackles. Was also a debuting All Australian and won his first club best and fairest award. Has been named GWS vice-captain this year.
4. Lance Franklin
Sydney
Forward
Last year's ranking: 3
Official AFL Player Rating: 7
Debut: 2005
Games: 271
AFL Fantasy value: $677,000
Didn't miss a game in 2017 as he powered towards 73 goals to win his fourth Coleman Medal, courtesy of a 10-major haul in round 23. Was named All Australian for the seventh time and finished equal second with Jake Lloyd in the Swans' best and fairest. Remains one of the AFL's best forwards and is poised to further cement his name in the game's history this season as he's on track to pass Matthew Lloyd, Leigh Matthews and Peter McKenna on the all-time goal-kickers list.
3. Nat Fyfe
Fremantle
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: 2
Official AFL Player Rating: 54
Debut: 2010
Games: 138
AFL Fantasy value: $686,000
The 2015 Brownlow Medal winner had a solid year last season but lacked his usual power and breakaway speed early on as he built form following his 2016 broken leg. Played 21 games and got better as the year wore on to finish with an average of 26 disposals, while proving a force at the contests and in scoring chains. The Dockers captain signed a huge six-year contract in July to shore up his future until at least the end of 2023.
2. Patrick Dangerfield
Geelong
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: 1
Official AFL Player Rating: 1
Debut: 2008
Games: 202
AFL Fantasy value: $849,000
Another explosive season from the midfield bull that could have very easily have ended with a second Brownlow Medal had he not been controversially deemed ineligible in round 19 for a tackle that left Matthew Kreuzer concussed. Blew midfields away with his consistent ability to win the ball and dominate at the clearances, and gave a preview of his future as a forward line weapon with an unstoppable display in the semi-final win over Sydney.
1. Dustin Martin
Richmond
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: 12
Official AFL Player Rating: 2
Debut: 2010
Games: 178
AFL Fantasy value: $800,000
Martin completed what Leigh Matthews described as the greatest individual season in the game's history in 2017, winning Brownlow, Norm Smith and premiership medals all in one year – a feat never before achieved.Martin kicked a career-high 37 goals last year and, with his ability to kick multiple goals in 13 of those games, there's nothing to suggest that tally can't shoot past 50 in 2018 if he plays longer periods forward. Martin's growth on and off the field could see him take on more responsibility in 2018, and that could impact both his and his team's performances if he relishes the opportunity.
