Bob Murphy’s top five underrated players in the AFL
Published by
Zero Hanger
Much loved Western Bulldogs' captain Bob Murphy has named his top five most underrated players in the AFL.
Jarryn Geary (St Kilda)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 17: Jarryn Geary of the Saints celebrates after scoring a goal during the round 17 AFL match between the St Kilda Saints and the Melbourne Demons at Etihad Stadium on July 17, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
The Saints' veteran may not fly under radar any more, following his appointment as captain, but the 28-year-old has gotten the job done for St Kilda for 141 games and gone largely unnoticed by many opposition fans. He plays his role to aplomb and is highly rated at his club and around the league.
Liam Shiels (Hawthorn)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 25: Liam Shiels of the Hawks kicks the ball during the round one AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Hawthorn Hawks at Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 25, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Shiels is another who has been promoted to a leadership role this season, named vice-captain of the Hawks. He has played 145 games and is a three-time premiership player.
Rory Laird (Adelaide)
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 08: Rory Laird of the Crows breaks a tackle during the round three AFL match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Adelaide Crows at Adelaide Oval on April 8, 2017 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Morne de Klerk/Getty Images)
“People in Adelaide would be up in arms about this, he could easily be a two-time All Australian,” Murphy said of the 23-year-old on SEN radio.
Laird, the No.5 pick in the 2011 rookie draft, has played 76 games for the Crows. He has averaged 28.7 disposals in his three games so far this season.
Nick Smith (Sydney)
"He’s desperately unlucky to miss out (as number one). He is the poster boy for underrated," Murphy said of the Swans' defender.
Sean Dempster (St Kilda)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 9: Sean Dempster of the Saints leaves the field after his 200th match during the 2015 AFL round 19 match between the St Kilda Saints and the Fremantle Dockers at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne, Australia on August 9, 2015. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)
Despite announcing his retirement last week, Murphy named Sean Dempster as the game's most underrated player.
"He retired last week, (but) ask any forward in the competition who’s played on him and said he’s a nightmare to play on," Murphy said.