There are not many surprises in Champion Data’s list of the top 10 players in the AFL ahead of the 2019 season, with the list dominated by veterans of the competition.
Only one of the top 10, Clayton Oliver, is under 25 years of age, while three have already topped 30.
Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield is ranked the best player in the league, just ahead of fellow Brownlow medallist Dustin Martin and Sydney figurehead Lance Franklin.
MORE: 2019 AFL club rankings according to Champion Data
Reigning Brownlow winner Tom Mitchell is notably absent despite a historical record-breaking season.
The Hawks disposal machine comes in at 28th on the list, something that may not surprise those that understand the rankings (does anybody?), but seems strange when similar accumulators Dayne Zorko (9th) and Lachie Neale (10th) both figure highly.
Dangerfield has been a constant on top of Champion Data’s list in recent times, but has had his crown stolen on the ‘official AFL ratings’ as done by the league’s own website, with Martin the man to beat according to AFL.com.au .
Champion Data’s interpretation of statistics seems to acknowledge key position players more so than the AFL’s system, with Jack Riewoldt (6th by CD, 34th by AFL.com.au), Tom Hawkins (7th and 56th) and Jeremy McGovern (8th and 23rd) all figuring much higher.
Both outlets would back the Brisbane Lions’ trade period activity with Neale’s 10th on Champion Data’s ratings backed by a 12th-placed finish in the AFL’s list, well ahead of outgoing former skipper Dayne Beams at 65th.
| Champion Data | AFL Official ratings | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong Cats) | Dustin Martin (Richmond Tigers) |
| 2 | Dustin Martin (Richmond Tigers) | Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong Cats) |
| 3 | Lance Franklin (Sydney Swans) | Nat Fyfe (Fremantle Dockers) |
| 4 | Nat Fyfe (Fremantle Dockers) | Brodie Grundy (Collingwood Magpies) |
| 5 | Clayton Oliver (Melbourne Demons) | Clayton Oliver (Melbourne Demons) |
| 6 | Jack Riewoldt (Richmond Tigers) | Dayne Zorko (Brisbane Lions) |
| 7 | Tom Hawkins (Geelong Cats) | Max Gawn (Melbourne Demons) |
| 8 | Jeremy McGovern (West Coast Eagles) | Lance Franklin (Sydney Swans) |
| 9 | Dayne Zorko (Brisbane Lions) | Callan Ward (GWS Giants) |
| 10 | Lachie Neale (Brisbane Lions) | Rory Sloane (Adelaide Crows) |