AFL season snapshot: how your fave players rate

nmcmahon21
Jun 19
7 min read

In part 2 of his mid-season wrap, The Burne's AFL writer Darcy McCartin casts his expert eye over the player list at every club and rates the Best and Fairest favourites.

Collingwood:

Best and Fairest fancy: Nick Daicos

Who else but Collingwood’s golden child? Having narrowly missed his debut Brownlow in 2024, Daicos is steaming towards that goal in 2025. He’s the leading disposal getter in the competition, averaging nearly 30 a game, with 6.5 clearances and 94 total score involvements (second in the AFL). This young star is not slowing down.

Surprise packet: Steele Sidebottom

The 34-year-old veteran has turned back the clock in 2025, producing some of the best footy of his career. Averaging 23.9 disposals and nearly five clearances per game is a great output for a player many earmarked for retirement. He is pushing Nick Daicos for the coveted BNF.

Needs to lift: Dan Houston

A high-profile recruit, it hasn’t quite clicked for Houston in his first year at the Pies. While not a liability, he has not captured the form of his dual All-Australian years. If Houston can find his rhythm, Collingwood will become even more dangerous.

Brisbane

Best and Fairest fancy:: Hugh McCluggage

This Lions star has reached another level in 2025. The classy outside midfielder is averaging nearly 27 disposals, 6 tackles and 6 clearances per game. Surely set to be rewarded with his maiden All-Australian jacket after four years of being in the squad without selection.

Surprise packet: Jaspa Fletcher

A move into defence has seen Jaspa Fletcher enjoy his best season to date. Fletcher has provided Brisbane with composure, run, dash and elite rebound efficiency.

Needs to lift: Kai Lohmann

An interrupted season for the talented small forward. An ankle injury kept him sidelined for weeks, and ongoing management issues have hindered continuity. After failing to kick a goal in the first 11 rounds, his 3-goal performance against Essendon in Round 12 may kick-start his year.

Adelaide

Best and Fairest fancy: Jordan Dawson

The Crows skipper is leading from the front, dominating through the midfield. He sits second in the AFL Coaches Association award and is steering Adelaide into a top-four position.

Surprise packet: Josh Worrell

Worrell has developed into a reliable defender, locking down opponents and ranking third in the competition for intercepts. After 30 games in five seasons, the 24-year-old has now played all 14 games in 2025.

Needs to lift: Zac Taylor

With many Crows performing at their peak, this was a difficult call. Taylor has struggled for consistent game time and is yet to cement his place in a strong side.

Gold Coast

Best and Fairest fancy: Noah Anderson

In his first season as captain, Anderson is thriving. He ranks fourth in the AFL for average disposals (nearly 30) and fourth for clearances (7.6).

Surprise packet: John Noble

Noble has delivered much-needed run and carry from defence. Earlier this year, he amassed over 1000 metres gained in a single match, reaching new heights after a tough end to his Collingwood career.

Needs to lift: Sam Flanders

After a stellar 2024 playing half-back and midfield, Flanders has struggled in his 2025 half-forward role. With the Suns performing strongly, opportunities for him to return to his previous role may be limited.

Geelong:

Best and Fairest fancy: Bailey Smith

The much-anticipated recruit has not disappointed. Ranked first in the AFL for average disposals (32.3), Smith is in firm Brownlow contention.

Surprise packet: Connor O’Sullivan

The Cats continue to excel at drafting. Pick 11 in 2023, O’Sullivan has shone in defence, intercepting and shutting down key forwards.

Needs to lift: Oliver Henry

The young forward has not hit his stride in 2025, frequently subbed on and off. After seasons of 41 and 37 goals, he sits on 9 goals this year and is looking to recapture his form.

Hawthorn

Best and Fairest fancy: Karl Amon

While there’s no clear standout for the Hawks, running defender Karl Amon is likely ahead. Top 10 for metres gained and rebound 50s, Amon sets up much of Hawthorn’s ball movement.

Surprise packet: Jack Gunston

The 33-year-old key forward sits eighth in the Coleman Medal with 28 goals. Having not started the year in the Hawks’ best 22, his return to form has been remarkable.

Needs to lift: James Sicily

The Hawks skipper has been well below his usual standards. After multiple weeks sidelined with a hip injury, a much-needed reset may help him regain his best form.

GWS

Best and Fairest fancy: Lachie Whitfield/Lachie Ash

The Lachie half-back duo is too close to split. They lead the club for disposals, are top 10 for marks and rank first and second for effective disposals. This pair powers the orange tsunami.

Surprise packet: Joe Fonti

After missing the early rounds due to an off-field incident, Fonti has impressed since Round 8, cementing his spot in the Giants’ back six.

Needs to lift: Jake Stringer

Stringer has played just seven games, with injury dominating his season. At his best he can be highly impactful, but fitness is the key.

Fremantle

Best and Fairest fancy: Andrew Brayshaw

Averaging 28.3 disposals, 6.9 tackles and 7.4 score involvements, Brayshaw has been outstanding, with elite efficiency both inside and outside the contest.

Surprise packet: Murphy Reid

Pick 17 in 2024 has become a revelation up forward. With 15 goals and 5.5 score involvements per game, Reid’s future looks very bright.

Needs to lift: Sean Darcy

Another year disrupted by injury for Darcy. Just seven games played, and with Luke Jackson’s form, his spot in the team is not guaranteed when healthy.

Western Bulldogs

Best and Fairest fancy: Ed Richards

Formerly a defender, Richards is now a star midfielder. First in the AFL for score involvements (115) and averaging nearly 27 disposals, he has been a revelation in 2025.

Surprise packet: Joel Freijah

Pick 45 in 2023, this young pup, nicknamed ‘Mini Bont’, has been a steal. Kicking big goals and bursting through packs, Freijah has Bulldogs fans excited.

Needs to lift: Liam Jones

Once a reliable defender, Jones was dropped in Round 7 after a form slump. The Dogs will be hoping for a return to his intercepting best.

Essendon

Best and Fairest fancy: Zach Merrett

The Bombers captain is on track for his sixth Crichton Medal. Averaging 28.2 disposals, he has carried his team at times.

Surprise packet: Archie Roberts

A smoky for the Rising Star award, Roberts averages 23.5 disposals and had a standout 34-disposal game against Richmond.

Needs to lift: Archie Perkins

Pick 9 in 2020, Perkins remains inconsistent. At his best he is damaging, but he struggles to find consistency week to week.

St Kilda

Best and Fairest fancy: Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera

An elite kick with outstanding run and carry, Wanganeen-Milera leads the competition for bounces (56) and averages 28 disposals and over 600 metres gained per game. He is quickly becoming a star.

Surprise packet: Jack Higgins

The small forward has stunned with his goal-kicking, tallying 30 goals and sitting fifth in the Coleman Medal.

Needs to lift: Liam Henry

After a promising 2023 season at the Saints, Henry has struggled in 2025. He has managed just one AFL game, recording one disposal before being subbed out.

Melbourne

Best and Fairest fancy: Max Gawn

The 33-year-old skipper shows no signs of slowing. Leading the competition for contested marks (34), averaging over 37 hit-outs and ranking fifth in the coaches’ votes, Gawn is on track for his eighth All-Australian blazer.

Surprise packet: Daniel Turner

After starting in attack, Turner moved into defence and has been rock solid. Between Rounds 7 and 11 he was the highest-rated key defender in the AFL.

Needs to lift: Jacob van Rooyen

The young key forward had a poor start to 2025, with just four goals before being dropped in Round 6. Returning in Round 13, he booted two goals in Round 14. The Dees will hope this sparks a return to form.

Carlton

Best and Fairest fancy: George Hewett

Back in the Blues midfield, Hewett has been huge, averaging 28.5 disposals, 13.1 contested possessions, 6.3 clearances, 6.8 score involvements and six tackles.

Surprise packet: Jack Silvagni

A move to defence has seen Silvagni excel, partnering Weitering and becoming a rock-solid and dependable defender.

Needs to lift: Jesse Motlop

Averaging 10 disposals and 0.6 goals through 12 rounds, Motlop has struggled. His two-goal performance against Essendon may help rebuild his confidence.

Sydney

BNF fancy: Brodie Grundy

In a disappointing year for the Swans, Grundy has stood tall. Averaging 34.6 hit-outs, 10.4 to advantage and 17.8 disposals, he has been among their best.

Surprise packet: Riley Bice

The mature-age recruit from Werribee has added speed and a lethal kick. It’s surprising he was only drafted at 24.

Needs to lift: Oliver Florent

Florent was dropped in Round 11 after an average start. A talented player, but perhaps suffering from Sydney’s overall downturn.

Port Adelaide

Best and Fairest fancy: Connor Rozee

The move to half-back has rejuvenated Rozee. Now top 10 in the coaches’ votes and averaging 29 disposals, he is clearly Port’s standout.

Surprise packet: Sam Powell-Pepper

After missing 2024 with an ACL injury, Powell-Pepper has returned strongly, providing forward pressure and kicking 15 goals.

Needs to lift: Jordon Sweet

Sweet has struggled in the ruck this year, leading to his omission in Round 9. He’ll be looking to regain form and reclaim the number one ruck role.

Richmond

Best and Fairest fancy: Nick Vlastuin

Vlastuin has been superb, ranking ninth for rebound 50s, eighth for intercept marks and fifth for intercept possessions. His experience is invaluable to Richmond’s young defence.

Surprise packet: Seth Campbell

Campbell made an early statement with a backflip celebration in Round 1. Leading Richmond with 19 goals, it has been an impressive season for the 20-year-old.

Needs to lift: Jayden Short

Short has struggled with injury and inconsistent form. Known for his kicking, it has not been at its usual level. Richmond will be hoping he can bounce back on return.

North Melbourne

Best and Fairest fancy: Tristan Xerri

Xerri is a dominant ruck presence, ranked second in the AFL. Averaging 36.6 hit-outs, 7.7 clearances, 5.6 tackles and 18 disposals, he is emerging as a rival to Max Gawn.

Surprise packet: Paul Curtis

Curtis brings power, marking ability and forward pressure. First for tackles inside 50 and averaging 2.2 goals per game, he is fast becoming one of the league’s best small forwards.

Needs to lift: Griffin Logue

Logue has struggled this season, averaging under 10 disposals and being beaten often in defence. Dropped in Round 7 and still inconsistent on return, another omission may be looming.