50. Leigh Montagna
St Kilda
Midfielder
Official AFL Player Rating: 35
Debut: 2002
Games: 212
The seasoned midfielder was outstanding in 2013. Placed a narrow third in the best and fairest, two votes behind Nick Riewoldt, after a strong run of performances from round 17 onwards. Topped the club for disposals, kicks, inside 50s and uncontested possessions, was second in goal assists and rebounds, and third in handballs, tackles and clearances. Played every game except one and averaged nearly 30 disposals, as well as collecting a career-high 47 in round 23 against Fremantle.
49. Brent Harvey
North Melbourne
Midfielder
Official AFL Player Rating: 12
Debut: 1996
Games: 362
Harvey continued to defy father time in 2013, returning from a six-week suspension at the start of the season to be one of North’s best players. Playing predominantly as a high half-forward, the former skipper’s speed and ability to turn a game remained undiminished as he averaged more disposals than any other Roo (24.1 a game). He was also ranked second in the AFL for average bounces (3.1 a game), was equal fourth in goal assists (1.2 a game) and kicked 19 goals. Harvey turns 36 in May and sits ninth on the all-time AFL games list with 362.
48. Dayne Beams
Collingwood
Midfielder
Official AFL Player Rating: 22
Debut: 2009
Games: 92
His class ensures he ought to be in the elite category, notwithstanding the fact last year was a dreadful one for the 2012 Copeland Trophy winner and All-Australian, who tore his quad muscle with the final kick of his last training session before round one. Did not resume until round 16, but immediately had an impact and averaged 28 possessions and eight clearances a match for the rest of the season, figures just marginally below those of the year before. Fully fit, he adds an important dimension to the Collingwood midfield and is a genuine mathc-winner.
47. Matt Priddis
West Coast
Midfielder
Official AFL Player Rating: 37
Debut: 2006
Games: 151
The stoppage specialist led West Coast for clearances (149), contested possessions (298), handballs (344) and total disposals (565) in 2013 in yet another strong season. A rookie list success story who remains underrated, he is valued for his ability to feed midfield runners with clean hands. He gained life membership at West Coast last year and capped a fine season by winning his first best and fairest and extending his contract.
46. Aaron Sandilands
Fremantle
Ruckman
Official AFL Player Rating: 295
Debut: 2003
Games: 194
Sandilands is always a headache for opposition teams. A dominant ruckman and the tallest player in the AFL, he was sidelined with a severe hamstring injury missed the first 14 rounds of last season. He battled for touch on his return before delivering an emphatic reminder of his ruck prowess, averaging 37 hit-outs in his last four games. His performance in the qualifying final against Geelong was extraordinary and he had 44 hit-outs in the Grand Final. The Dockers may need to manage his workload again this year to ensure he is in peak form at the right time.
45. Scott Thompson
North Melbourne
Defender
Official AFL Player Rating: 48
Debut: 2008
Games: 112
Thompson confirmed his status as one of the AFL’s best key defenders with selection at full-back in last year’s All-Australian team. Despite missing the final three games with a bruised lung, he shared North’s best and fairest with Daniel Wells. Manned star opposition forwards such as Travis Cloke, Lance Franklin and Jonathan Brown each week, but still averaged 19.6 possessions a game. He also led the Roos in rebound 50s (11th in the League) and finished third in contested marks. Had post-season knee surgery that delayed his return to full training until Christmas. Recently extended his contract to the end of 2017.
44. Steven Motlop
Geelong
Forward
Official AFL Player Rating: 66
Debut: 2010
Games: 51
Capable of spectacular things, Motlop is one of the most exciting players in the game. The brilliant forward/midfielder set the competition alight last season, booting the second-most goals of any Geelong player (44). He was nominated for the All-Australian squad but did not make the final team.
Will miss the early rounds of the season after having surgery in London to ease inflammation in his knee.
43. Lenny Hayes
St Kilda
Midfielder
Official AFL Player Rating: 105
Debut: 1999
Games: 277
The veteran midfielder has been a genuine star and one of the most respected players in the competition, his hard running, ability to win the ball in contests and toughness features of his play.
Hayes had an injury-interrupted 15th season, but that did not stop him from showing consistent form to warrant a one-year contract for 2014. He played 14 games and averaged more than 23 disposals, making a full recovery after needing surgery to repair a heart valve at the end of 2012.
A nagging calf complaint hindered him, but he played eight of the last nine games to give himself a solid base heading into this season. Recently turned 34, but still has plenty to offer at AFL level. Missed round one after being suspended during the pre-season.
42. Luke McPharlin
Fremantle
Defender
Official AFL Player Rating: 331
Debut: 2000
Games: 226
McPharlin is the rock in Fremantle’s back six, having developed into one of the most reliable defenders in the AFL in recent seasons with his marking and spoiling skills especially strong. Usually assigned the opposition’s most dangerous key forward, he is also capable of providing rebound from the back half and has shown he can be a handy forward.
An All-Australian in 2012, McPharlin played just 16 games last season. He tore his calf in round 15 against St Kilda and was a day-to-day prospect leading into September, but returned to play in all three finals.
41. Jack Steven
St Kilda
Midfielder
Official AFL Player Rating: 19
Debut: 2009
Games: 73
The speedy midfielder has emerged as one of the elite young midfielders in the competition. He announced himself to a broader audience last year when he was named in the All-Australian squad and won the Saints’ best and fairest, having played every game and averaging just on 27 disposals. He topped the club for goal assists, clearances and contested possessions and was second to Leigh Montagna in disposals and David Armitage in tackles.
One of a group of young players the club will build around in the next few years, Steven signed a two-year extension in February, tying him to the club until at least the end of 2015. He suffered a setback late in pre-season when he injured his right foot at training and is set to miss at least the first six rounds.
