Bob Skilton Medallist Luke Parker and midfielder Josh Kennedy have been voted by their peers among the top 50 players in the competition joining teammates Jarrad McVeigh and Dan Hannebery among those already on the list.
In conjunction with the AFL Players’ Association, AFL.com.au surveyed the league’s players to find out who they think are the game’s top 50 players.
Players from all 18 clubs took part in the survery with over 100 players receiving at least one vote.
Parker was voted in at number 27 on this year’s list after not making the cut in last year’s vote.
27. Luke Parker
Sydney Swans
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: -
Official AFL Player Rating: 48
Debut: 2011
Games: 82
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $585,000
The young midfielder won the Swans' best and fairest in a strong field, underlining his rise into the elite bracket at just 22. He separates himself from other on-ballers with his ability to push forward and punish his opponents – he kicked 25 goals in 25 games last season. He is told to push forward whenever he can to use his overhead marking to advantage. Parker ranked No. 3 among midfielders for contested marks last season and top 10 in the AFL for tackles and pressure acts.
Kennedy improved on his ranking of 18 last season to be named just outside the top ten at 11.
11. Josh Kennedy
Sydney Swans
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: 18 (+7)
Official AFL Player Rating: 10
Debut: 2008
Games: 134
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $595,000
One of the game's most consistent inside midfielders, Kennedy finished second to Luke Parker in the Swans' best and fairest last year and earned All Australian honours for the second time. The strong-bodied Swan is at the coalface for his team, ranking No.2 in the AFL for clearances and averaging six tackles a game. The 26-year-old has been used almost exclusively as a midfielder in his five years with the Swans, but he could push forward at times in 2015 to take advantage of his 96kg frame and allow more players to rotate through on-ball roles.
The countdown will continue until Friday, March 27, when the AFL’s No. 1 player – according to his peers – is revealed.
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