2016 Brownlow Medallist Patrick Dangerfield has compiled a list of each club's most important and valuable player.
The Geelong midfielder said his choices were made based on which players are the most valuable to each side, and not necessarily just the best player on each team.
Here are all Dangerfield's selections, and the full article can be viewed here.
PHIL DAVIS (Giants)
Davis is as integral to the Giants backline as Alex Rance is to Richmond. He takes the best forward, is their general across halfback and if they lost him, structurally there is really no-one else.
PADDY RYDER (Power)
He can play forward and he can play in the ruck but his ground level ability around the ball sets him apart because his follow-up work is quick and very effective.
JOSH JENKINS (Crows)
He kicked 65 goals last year and his ability to offer ruck support for Sam Jacobs is crucial to Adelaide. He just doesnโt sit in the goalsquare the whole game, he works up and down the ground.
DALE MORRIS (Bulldogs)
Dale Morris is an absolute luxury for the Bulldogs, particularly given his age. Theyโre a very balanced team with good depth, but take Morris out and things suddenly donโt look as healthy.
JOBE WATSON (Bombers)
I think football needs people such as Watson โ as an industry and Essendon as a football club. Heโs like Rory Sloane in many ways with this sheer want and determination to succeed.
ALEX RANCE (Tigers)
He is a once-in-a-generation defender, heโs that good. He was like a brick wall [when we played them last year] with his ability to intercept mark, nullify his direct opponent, influence others and influence his team.
GARY ABLETT (Suns)
The rules apply to a lot of people when it comes to slowing down with age, not sure that applies with Gaz. I think he will use all the doubters to prove how good he is this year and I think very early on in the season weโll be reminded why he is rated as one of the all-time greats.
BEN REID (Magpies)
Injuries have been cruel but last year we finally saw him get some continuity and instantly Collingwood were a better team. Iโm a big, big fan.
NICK RIEWOLDT (Saints)
This is from a mental perspective as much as physical. He just has this aura about him, a presence, and as a St Kilda player you would pump your chest out when he is there.
LANCE FRANKLIN (Swans)
They have a very good midfield that is clearly one of the best in the game but Buddy is the heartbeat of the side. Without him the Swans are a completely different outfit.
MAX GAWN (Demons)
Jesse Hogan long-term might be the man here but Gawn had an amazing year. He won games off his own boot and not too many ruckmen do that. I also like his swagger and the fact he does things a bit differently.
NATHAN FYFE (Dockers)
Fyfe is a Brownlow Medallist for a reason โ heโs great in the air, heโs great around stoppages and really not much more needs to be said.
JOSH KENNEDY (Eagles)
They have to deal without Nic Naitanui, but if they lost Kennedy it would change their whole dynamic. While it might make them more unpredictable, the Coleman medallist is irreplaceable.
LUKE HODGE (Hawks)
I think he does what he needs during the season and then when it comes to the business end of the year, he shaves that ugly goatee moustache and says โletโs get rollingโ.
ROBBIE TARRANT (Kangaroos)
If youโd asked anyone 12 months ago about Tarrant winning the best and fairest they would have laughed. He had a wonderful season and his importance to the Roos grows by the week.
MATTHEW KREUZER (Blues)
His influence over how they play is so telling and itโs been sad that injuries have limited him in recent years.
DAYNE BEAMS (Lions)
But the elevation of Beams to the captaincy is a statement from the new coach and if the classy midfielder can stay injury-free then the Lions are significantly better straight away.
JOEL SELWOOD (Cats)
His sheer will to win is infectious. Just to see up close how hard he hits packs and tackles is frightening. This year he will play his 250th game so to play the way he does for that long is something truly special.
