Mark Robinson names his top 50 AFL players following the 2018 season
DEFENDERS have flourished this season - so too have ruckmen. Is that a sign that footy is in good nick or not asks Mark Robinson as he names his top players for 2018. Who made the cut? Who missed out?
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IT’S the case for the defence.
Only one defender, West Coast’s Jeremy McGovern, makes the 10, but another 11 defenders fill positions in the next 40 picks.
The critical inclusion of the defender has been growing as the overall strangulation of the game has been alarming.
Average points for in a game this year was 83.1, the lowest scoring average since 1968.
In comparison, in 2008 it was 97.3 In 1998 it was 93.4. In 1988 it was 97.3
And last year it was 89 average.
SCROLL DOWN FOR THE FULL LIST
At the end of the 2017 seasons, seven defenders made the cut in the end-of-season Top 50.
In the pre-season top 50 revealed in March this year, only five defenders were named in the top 50.
Today, there are 12 and at a pinch there could’ve been more.
Don’t know if that’s a sign the game is in good nick or not because scoring has always been a thrilling part of the game.
But coaches are slowing the scoring, which as an extension is pushing the defender to flourish.
Also flourishing is the ruckman.
Melbourne’s Max Gawn is the No.1 player and Collingwood’s Brodie Grundy is at No.4, which shouldn’ tbe a surprise.
The AFL Coaches Association voted Gawn the champion player of the year and Grundy was fourth.
Fans harangue about rules changes, but the scrapping of the third-man up rule, which arguably shouldn’t have been introduced in the first place, helped the renaissance of the ruckman.
And the game is better for it.
Carlton’s Patrick Cripps was No.2. He is a colossal player in a poor-performing team and would like to think he will become even more influential as the Blues emerge a better team.
At No.3 is Richmond’s Jack Riewoldt, the Coleman Medal winner and club best and and fairest winner. He is high not because he kicks goals, but he competes fearlessly and selflessly in the air. It would be a terrific effort if his standing remains the same in 12 months’ time after having Tommy Lynch beside him.
The midfielders make up four of the six next positions — Dustin Martin (No.5), Tom Mitchell (No.6), Steele Sidebottom (No.9) and Clayton Oliver (No.10).
Oliver is the bolter, Sidebottom the player of the finals, Mitchell the Brownlow medallist and Martin, who despite not reaching the heights of 2017, was the most influential scoring involvement midfielder in the competition.
Oliver was overlooked by the umpires, but not here. Love his aggression and the change in his game, becoming more of a kick-handball player than vice versa.
Among that group is McGovern (No.8), whose season propelled him above Alex Rance (No.15) and Lance Franklin (No.7). There were some commentators who didn’t rank Franklin’s season as high, but he remains the most dynamic and game-changing threat in the competition.
There are several newbies in the Top 50 including Lachie Whitfield (No.11), Jack Darling (No.16), Angus Brayshaw (No.31) and three players coming in at No.38-40 — Collingwood’s Taylor Adams, Essendon’s best and fairest winner Devon Smith and Geelong best and fairest winner Mark Blicavs, who claimed the No.1 key defensive spot at the Cats.
Of course, Jordan de Goey (No.18) is the star on the rise.
The 22-year-old kicked 48 goals from 21 games, is imposing for is size, balanced, terrific overhead and wins groundballs. He was one of the stories of the season after his pre-season escapade.
Another on the rise is West Coast’s Elliott Yeo (No.13). He’s become an outstanding player, full of aggression and competitiveness, and forever will be recognised as a best and fairest winner in a premiership side, which is a hell of an honor.
The defenders in this group were McGovern, Whitfield, Rory Laird, Rance, Phil Davis, Shannon Hurn, Tom Stewart, Harris Andrews, Blicavs, Grimes, Nev Jetta and Jeremy Howe.
There’s a mix of running, intercept marking and stoppers in that group and Sydney’s Jake Lloyd and Port’s Tom Jonas were unlucky not to join them.
Those who missed because of injury and hence didn’t play enough games for consideration include Eagle Josh Kennedy, Nat Fyfe, James Sicliy, Adam Treloar, Toby Greene and Josh Kelly, who will make the pre-season Top 50.
ROBBO’S TOP 50 FOR 2018
1. Max Gawn
Club - Melbourne
Position - Ruck
SC Ave - 128
Robbo Says: We all saw him headline the renaissance of the ruckman and in that position he was No.1 for hitouts to advantage, marks, intercept marks, score launches, score assists and score involvements. Best ruckman since Dean Cox, and Dean Cox was the best ruckman since Simon Madden. Hefty company.
The Numbers say: Ranked No.1 for hitouts and hitouts-to-advantage and rated elite for score launches and intercept marks.
2. Patrick Cripps
Club - Carlton
Position - Midfield
SC Ave - 119
Robbo says: Love is a strong word, yet you have to love how Cripps plays his footy. Finicky folk point to his lack of spread when they should be highlighting his bravery, game awareness and ability to find the ball in traffic. Twenty votes in the Brownlow shows he is widely acclaimed.
The Numbers say: Ranked No.1 for contested possessions and rated elite for disposals, groundball-gets and clearances.
3. Jack Riewoldt
Club - Richmond
Position - Forward
SC Ave - 93
Robbo says: Best-and-fairest added to his Coleman Medal and this year he was the best key forward in the AFL. When Jack was hiding behind cars on the way to the train station, who would’ve thought he’d one day be considered a more productive forward in a season than Buddy Franklin.
The Numbers say: Ranked No.1 in the AFL for total scoreboard impact and marks inside 50, and second for total lead marks.
4. Brodie Grundy
Club - Collingwood
Position - Ruck
SC Ave - 131
Robbo says: Gawn, Grundy, Gawn, Grundy ... it was the most interesting comparison of the season. The winner is a matter of opinion - do you like more of Gawn’s guile or Grundy’s groundball aggression? Anyway, both are top five after super seasons.
The Numbers say: The only ruckman to rate elite for disposals, clearances and score launches.
5. Dustin Martin
Club - Richmond
Position - Midfield
SC Ave - 104
Robbo says: Didn’t repeat his stunning 2017 season, but we’re nitpicking here. Injury going into the preliminary final made for a bad end to a season in which he dominated many games. Kicked 37 goals in 2017 and 31 goals in 2018, playing two fewer matches.
The Numbers say: Won 49 per cent of his offensive one-on-one contests, ranked No.1, and kicked 31 goals, the most of any midfielder.
6. Tom Mitchell
Club - Hawthorn
Position - Midfield
SC Ave - 129
Robbo says: The Brownlow medallist gets called an ‘’accumulator’’ which rightly riles commentator Gerard Healy. The fact is Mitchell’s an astonishing ball-winner, is filthy fit and mentally strong and the opposition struggles to stop him whether he’s inside or outside.
The Numbers say: Ranked No.1 in the comp for disposals, winning fewer than 25 disposals in just five games. He also ranked No.1 for clearances and second for contested possessions.
7. Lance Franklin
Club - Sydney
Position - Forward
SC Ave - 100
Robbo says: Played 19 games and kicked 57 goals and remains Sydney’s matchwinner. He’s a better player than Riewoldt, but not as consistent in 2018. Still, he’s awesome approaching 33.
The Numbers say: ranked third for total scoreboard impact, rated elite for marks, score assists and score involvements.
8. Jeremy McGovern
Club - West Coast
Position - Defence
SC Ave - 89
Robbo says: Best defender and best intercept mark in the game and now at a stage where he’s being tagged as a key defender, which might be a league first. Courageous Grand Final effort which had Sam Mitchell saying post-match he’d never seen anything like it in terms of playing with injury.
The Numbers say: Ranked No.1 for intercept marks and fifth for disposals of all key defenders.
9. Steele Sidebottom
Club - Collingwood
Position - Midfield
SC Ave - 102
Robbo says: Hand up, underrated this bloke’s influence, but better late than never. Put together his finest season, and Richmond coach Damien Hardwick is probably still wondering why he didn’t try to tag him in the preliminary final.
The Numbers say: Rated elite for uncontested possessions and above average for metres gained, inside-50s and score involvements.
10. Clayton Oliver
Club - Melbourne
Position - Midfield
SC Ave - 115
Robbo says: Umpires missed him, the coaches didn’t (he finished seventh in their award) and was runner-up behind Gawn in the Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Medal. He and Cripps are the young gladiators in the competition.
The Numbers say: Ranked No.1 in the competition for groundball gets per game, equal-second for contested possessions and sixth for pressure points
11. Lachie Whitfield
Club - GWS Giants
Position - Defence
SC Ave - 100
Robbo says: Finished equal-eighth with Dusty in the coaches award after being moved to half-back for most of the season. Running out of the back half and delivering by left or right foot was football at its highest quality. He and Sidebottom tie for the most skilful players by foot.
The Numbers say: Rated elite for disposals, uncontested possessions, metres gained and tackles.
12. Rory Laird
Club - Adelaide
Position - Defence
SC Ave - 108
Robbo says: Remains the premier running small defender who keeps knocking up getting the ball. Wonder how he would go as an out-and-out midfielder/wingman? If the Crows could find a replacement in the back half, Laird could be added to a midfield that needs speed.
The Numbers say: One of only two defenders to rate elite for disposals, uncontested possessions, metres gained and intercept possessions.
13. Elliot Yeo
Club - West Coast
Position - Midfield
SC Ave - 108
Robbo says: Hate to labour the point, but how Yeo missed the All-Australian team is a mystery. Who to kick out, of course, is the question. Anyhow, he’s a star. He’s ferocious competitor, strong overhead and Adam simpson’s Mr Fixit.
The Numbers say: Ranked No.1 of all midfielders for intercept possessions, also rated elite for tackles and pressure points
14. Patrick Dangerfield
Club - Geelong
Position - Midfield
SC Ave - 122
Robbo says: Might be too low but, similar to Dusty, he was a fraction down on his 2017 season. We mark them bloody hard, though. Has returned 617, 762, 718 and 619 disposals in his past four seasons.
The Numbers say: Gained the most metres per game of any mid-forward, and ranked No.1 for disposals and score involvements for his position.
15. Alex Rance
Club - Richmond
Position - Defence
SC Ave - 83
R obbo says: Beaten up somewhat in the preliminary final which had Rance doubters declaring he is overrated. That’s ridiculous. One poor game doesn’t ruin well-earned reputations. Yet another All-Australian guernsey and every fan would love him on their team.
The Numbers say: Won the most intercept possessions of all defenders and rated elite for intercept marks and spoils.
16. Jack Darling
Club - West Coast
Position - Forward
SC Ave - 87
Robbo says: Kicked 28 goals in his first nine games and 20 in the 10 games coming home and changed the GF in the third quarter. The talent bubbling way for so many years bubbled to the surface in 2018. Terrific player.
The Numbers say: Ranked fourth for contested marks, also rated above average for marks, forward 50 marks, goals and tackles.
17. Stephen Coniglio
Club - GWS Giants
Position - Midfield
SC Ave - 108
Robbo says: The Giants’ second-best midfielder behind Josh Kelly, who misses the top 50 because he missed too much of the season (he played 16 games). Coniglio stepped up big time. Averaged 28 disposals, kicked 24 goals and runs strongly both ways.
The Numbers say: Rated elite for goals and score involvements. Also rated above average for disposals and uncontested possessions.
18. Jordan De Goey
Club - Collingwood
Position - Forward
SC Ave - 88
Robbo says: What a season he had, and to think people were doubting if he was worth the money North Melbourne threw at him. A mix of Martin’s strength and Steve Johnson’s brilliant goal sense, with speed to boot. Aren’t we going to have fun watching him for the next five years.
The Numbers say: Ranked second for goals and seventh for score involvements of all general forwards. He also rated elite for contested marks.
19. Shaun Higgins
Club - North Melbourne
Position - Midfield
SC Ave - 103
Robbo says: Mr Smooth put together the best season of his career. Wouldn’t suggest he’s a defensive animal, but he’s a class above forward of centre.
The Numbers say: Rated elite for metres gained, inside-50s, score assists and score involvements.
20. Tom Hawkins
Club - Geelong
Position - Forward
SC Ave - 102
Robbo says: He was the ‘’three-bag man’’ this year, kicking three or more goals in 11 games to finish with a tally of 60. To be honest, thought Hawkins’ graph was heading south, instead it was his best season since 2014.
The Numbers say: Ranked third among key forwards for goals per game, No.1 for both score assists and score involvements, and second for marks inside 50.
21. Phil Davis
Club - GWS Giants
Position - Defence
SC Ave - 78
Robbo says: Has been controlling the Giants’ back half for so long, Davis is taken for granted. Always gets asked how he plays Buddy and other key forwards, but forwards rarely get asked how tough it is to play on Davis. That answer would be: Very.
The Numbers say: Won 35 per cent of his defensive one-on-one contests, ranked fourth in the AFL. He also rated elite for intercept possessions and spoils.
22. Jack Gunston
Club - Hawthorn
P osition - Forward
S C Ave - 96
Robbo says: Suspect if you ask any coach how important is a player who can kick 51 goals, take 124 marks, pinch-hit in the midfield, and play rebound defence when the team is being stretched, they’d say extremely important. That’s Jack Gunston.
The Numbers say: Ranked sixth in the AFL for scoreboard impact and seventh for goals. He also rated elite for disposals and above average for marks and score assists.
23. Jack Macrae
Club - Western Bulldogs
Position - Midfield
SC Ave - 127
Robbo says: Lost the B&F by a vote and played two fewer games (well played played Lachie Hunter, by the way) and was equal-fifth in the coaches award. Some say he’s not damaging enough with the ball, others say he’s damaging simply because he has the ball and the opposition doesn’t.
The Numbers say: Ranked second in the AFL for disposals and third for effective disposals. Also rated elite for marks and score assists.
24. Dayne Beams
Club - Brisbane Lions
Position - Midfield
SC Ave - 103
Robbo says: Still getting spoken of as a trade option despite his commitment to the club at the B&F, where he came second to Dayne Zorko. Amazing season after losing his father and giving up the captaincy. Well played, Dayne.
The Numbers say: Rated elite for goals and uncontested possessions, and above average for disposals and metres gained.
25. Dyson Heppell
Club - Essendon
Position - Midfield
S C Ave - 102
Robbo says: Another player who gets unders from fans but who does the fundamentals very well, evident by his high placing in the coaches award. The coaches, I’d argue, know best and they know what Heppell brings week in, week out.
T he Numbers say: Rated above average for disposals, inside 50s and score involvements and average for clearances.
26. Luke Breust
Club - Hawthorn
Position - Forward
SC Ave - 95
Robbo says: There’s more defence in AFL footy than ever before so kicking goals is premium. Poor finals, no doubt, but still kicked 54 goals. Does his September make it a poor season? No. It just gives him something to think about until next September, if they make it.
The Numbers say: Ranked No.1 of all general forwards for goals, forward-50 marks and score involvements, and second for score assists.
27. Andrew Gaff
Club - West Coast
Position - Midfield
SC Ave - 108
Robbo says: What can you say bout Andrew ‘’Knuckles’’ Gaff? Stupid decision cost him a premiership and dented a perfect CV. Was on track to win the club B&F in a premiership season, which is one of football’s most cherished achievements.
The Numbers say: One of three wingmen to rate elite for disposals, uncontested possessions, clearances and score involvements.
28. Callan Ward
Club - GWS Giants
Position - Midfield
SC Ave - 105
Robbo says: Another Giant who turns up every week, gives every fibre of his body, and probably is taken for granted because he’s done it for eight seasons. Ward remains one of the toughest and inspiring mids in the competition.
The Numbers say: Ranked sixth for clearances and rated above average for disposals, contested possessions and score involvements.
29. Shannon Hurn
Club - West Coast
Position - Defence
SC Ave - 96
Ro bbo says: Didn’t get AA captaincy but I’m sure he’d take being captain of the premiership team by the length of the straight anyway. At 31, he played the best season of his career. Was an Eagles great, now is a Eagles legend.
The Numbers say: Recorded the best disposal efficiency of the top-100 ball-winners across the competition. He also rated elite for marks, intercept marks and intercept possessions.
30. Ben Brown
Club - North Melbourne
Position - Forward
SC Ave - 83
Robbo says: Played the back end of the season with an injury which required immediate surgery in the post-season. Kicked 61.24 behind Riewoldt’s 70.36 and came home with 3, 0, 4, 1, 1 and 2 goals in his final six matches. He was good, it could’ve been much better.
The Numbers say: Ranked fourth for scoreboard impact and sixth for lead marks across the competition. He also rated elite for goals and above average for contested marks.
31. Angus Brayshaw
Club - Melbourne
Position - Midfield
SC Ave - 97
Robbo says: Third place in the Brownlow Medal was strong recognition of a sensational second half of the season. Paul Roos always said Brayshaw would be a star and we saw plenty of it this season.
The Numbers say: Rated elite for metres gained and inside-50s, and above average for disposals, uncontested possessions and score involvements.
32. Kane Lambert
Club - Richmond
Position - Midfield
SC Ave - 89
Robbo says: Runner-up in the B&F in the best team of the season for 26 weeks and only got the tag at the end. Does everything very well without being a knock ‘em dead superstar.
The Numbers say: Won the most disposals of all general forwards and rated elite for contested possessions and score involvements.
33. Dayne Zorko
Club - Brisbane Lions
Position - Midfield
SC Ave - 96
Robbo says: Did you know this bloke has won eight of the past 11 best-and-fairests in teams he’s played for? Did it again this year - by a vote - on the back of strong offense and underrated defence.
The Numbers say: Rated elite for inside-50s, goals, pressure points and tackles.
34. Scott Pendlebury
Club - Collingwood
P osition - Midfielder
SC Ave - 104
Robbo says: Captained of the most improved team in the competition and led by example once again. Has dropped in ranking this year, but didn’t drop any respect. Collingwood folk say he was magnificent this year.
The Numbers say: Rated above average for disposals, uncontested possessions, clearances, pressure points and tackles.
35. Jack Steven
Club - St Kilda
Position - Midfielder
SC Ave - 95
Robbo says: Don’t know how much truth is in the ‘Stevens is unhappy at the Saints’ narrative, but do know he has more tricks than most midfielders. Strong Brownlow Medal finish and little wonder the Cats were/are sniffing around him.
The Numbers say: Ranked sixth for centre-bounce clearances and rated elite for pressure points and tackles.
36. Tom Stewart
Club - Geelong
Position - Defender
SC Ave - 85
Robbo says: One of the stories of the competition - a local Geelong lad joins the big league and inside two years is an All-Australian defender. Far from his equal, but gee he plays like his great friend, Matthew Scarlett.
The Numbers say: Ranked eighth for intercept possessions and intercept marks of all general defenders. Also rated above average for disposals and spoils.
37. Harris Andrews
Club - Brisbane Lions
Position - Defence
SC Ave - 88
Robbo says: Might’ve been an All-Australian if Jeremy Cameron didn’t rearrange his head, which robbed him of four games. Old fashioned defender who spoils and marks and continues the list of defenders in top the 50.
The Numbers say: Recorded the second-most spoils across the season and rated above average for disposals, intercept marks and marks.
38. Taylor Adams
Club - Collingwood
Position - Midfield
SC Ave - 96
Robbo says: Teammate Steele Sidebottom won the Gary Ayres Medal, but across the four finals Adams was among Collingwood’s best. Clearly his best season for the club which has set the standard for the seasons ahead.
The Numbers say: Rated elite for disposals and above average for metres gained, groundball-gets and score involvements.
39. Devon Smith
Club - Essendon
Position - Forward
SC Ave - 98
R obbo says: High-half-forward or seventh midfielder or whatever you want to call him, Smith delivered in his first season at Essendon, winning the Crichton Medal. Finds the ball and defends strongly, which is gold in the AFL.
The Numbers say: Ranked No.1 in the competition for pressure points and tackles. He also rated above average for disposals and clearances.
40. Mark Blicavs
Club - Geelong
Position - Defence
SC Ave - 75
Robbo says: To continue the theme of stopping forwards, Blicavs was among the best full-backs of the season, and it was his first season playing as a key defender. Beat Dangerfield for the Cats B&F.
The Numbers say: Lost only 16 per cent of his defensive one-on-one contests – ranked third in the competition. Also rated above average for disposals.
41. Joel Selwood
Club - Geelong
Position - Midfield
SC Ave - 105
Robbo says: Can’t remember Selwood ever being so low, but the baton is being passed in the Cats midfield. Still, a pretty good season doing the heavy lifting, as usual. Selwood and Pendlebury are the two players who I would’ve liked to have seen win the Brownlow.
The numbers say: Rated above average for disposals, contested possessions, clearances and tackles.
42. Luke Parker
Club - Sydney
Position - Midfield
S C Ave - 104
Robbo says: A constant in an up-and-down season for the Swans. Similar to Selwood, does the heavy lifting and also kicks goals (25) as a midfielder.
The numbers say: Rated elite for goals and above average for contested possessions, marks, clearances and tackles.
43. Justin Westhoff
Club - Port Adelaide
Position - Forward/defender
SC Ave - 101
Robbo says: The big fella had one of his best seasons and there was no doubt he would play on next year. Played everywhere and anywhere.
The numbers say: Rated elite for disposals, contested possession and tackles, and above average for marks and score assists.
44. Ben Cunnington
Club - North Melbourne
Position - Midfield
SC Ave - 96
Robbo says: Get a feeling the top 50 is loaded with hard heads? As Denis Pagan said through the finals, winning your own ball is a top priority and Cunnington continues to do that.
The numbers say: Ranked fifth for contested possessions, and rated above average for clearances and score assists.
45. Dylan Grimes
Club - Richmond
Position - Defence
SC Ave - 62
Robbo says: Mr Reliable at Richmond and had to be a whisker away from the AA team. Can’t think of a game where he was beaten and can’t think of a game where he didn’t inspire.
The numbers say: Lost 16 per cent of his defensive one-on-one contests – ranked seventh in the competition. He also rated elite for spoils and tackles.
46. Jack Redden
Club - West Coast
Position - Midfield
SC Ave - 95
Ro bbo says: Seriously, Redden had a better year than, say Gazza? I’d argue yes. He was the bolter this year, as Kane Lambert was last year. When the whips got cracking from Round 16, Redden, who can play inside and out, had 32, 30, 26, 26, 33, 24, 25, 27, 32, 31 and 21 disposals in his games.
The numbers say: Rated elite for his position for marks and averaged a career-high 25 disposals.
47. Shane Edwards
Club - Richmond
Position - Forward
SC Ave - 87
Robbo says: He and Melbourne’s Jake Melksham are similar although Melksham plays deep more often. Still, those two are the No.1 and No.2 assist players in the game. And All-Australian for Titch.
The numbers say: Ranked No.1 for score assists, second for groundball-gets and fourth for score involvements of all mid-forwards.
48. Neville Jetta
Club - Melbourne
Position - Defence
SC Ave - 59
Robbo says: Won’t find him huge on stats, or on film for high marks, yet he was a pivotal one-on-defender for the Demons. The Melbourne mafia pushed him for AA, but they missed out. At least he made the squad of 40.
The numbers say: Rated elite for tackles and above average for intercept marks, intercept possessions and spoils.
49. Jeremy Howe
Club - Collingwood
Position - Defence
SC Ave - 92
Robbo says: Less flash and more hard-nosed from Howe this year and he probably played the best season of his career. It still didn’t stop him taking his marks and being one of the intercept kings.
The numbers say: Rated elite for marks, intercept marks, intercept possessions and spoils. Took the second-most intercept marks of all general defenders.
50. Luke Shuey
Club - West Coast
Position - Midfielder
SC Ave - 91
Robbo says: Last spot was a toss-up between Jake Lloyd, Matt Crouch, Gary Ablett, Ollie Wines, Lachie Neale, Tom Jonas, Nick Vlastuin and Isaac Smith, among others, but winning the Norm Smith Medal can’t be ignored. When you’re looking for a point of difference, being BOG in a Grand Final hits you in the face. He delivered when it mattered most.
The numbers say: Rated elite for inside-50s and score assists, and above average for metres gained, clearances and score involvements.
Originally published as Mark Robinson names his top 50 AFL players following the 2018 season
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