Every AFL club's most underrated player: Part I

Every side has its stars, and with 22 players fielded out every game, not everyone gets the recognition they deserve. We look at every team and determine who is underrated. Here are the first nine players in part one as we look at the players that have an impact that isn't necessarily marked down statistically. Adelaide Crows Paul Seedsman For a player going into his 12th season, having played over 130 games, Paul Seedsman flies under the radar. The star wingman doesn't get as much appraisal as his counterparts, but is integral to Adelaide, especially as a veteran in a developing side. The former Magpie finished third in the Crows' best and fairest and made the 40-man All-Australian squad after a career-best season that saw him average 26.1 disposals and rank fifth for inside 50s (5.7) and meters gained (599.1m). [player_widget player_id='paul-seedsman' season='2021' stats='Disposals,Marks,Inside50s' position="Midfielder"] The lights are starting to shine on the 2015 ANZAC Day medallist though, with Champion Data ranking him as an elite wing in 2022. Brisbane Lincoln McCarthy Since his arrival at the Lions in 2019, Lincoln McCarthy has been a consistent cog in Chris Fagan's machine. Prior to that, the former Cat only managed 29 games in an injury ravaged seven years at Geelong. Of those seven years, he only had one good shot, featuring on 19 occasions in 2016. McCarthy would play no more than four games for the rest of his time at Kardinia Park, which included two game-less seasons. He has only missed two of a possible 67 games since joining Brisbane. Last season, McCarthy averaged 12.8 disposals, 3.3 tackles and 1.5 goals. [player_widget player_id='lincoln-mccarthy' season='2021' stats='Disposals,Tackles,Goals' position="Forward"] The South Australian brings great pressure and displays incredible agility and speed in a forward line stacked with talent, and has truly earned his place. Carlton Zac Fisher Entering his sixth season, youngster Zac Fisher has yet to reach his full potential at Princes Park. The speedy mid-forward will be hoping for an injury-free season, after only managing 18 games in the last two years. In just 10 games last season, Fisher averaged 15.9 disposals. As the Blues enter a new period under coach Michael Voss, the 23-year-old could really blossom. His run and ball use getting out of traffic is a standout of his game, while Fisher always seems to know exactly where the goals are. http://gty.im/1324349159 Collingwood John Noble Drafted mid-season in 2019, John Noble has quickly risen the ranks at Collingwood to become a key part of the club's outfit. The defender played five games in his first season, including the final four games of the year. Since his first year, he has only missed one game. The soon-to-be 25-year-old has developed quickly at the Pies, providing dash and speed off half-back. He has cemented himself in a defence that has been highly touted in the years he has played. [player_widget player_id='john-noble' season='2021' stats='Disposals,Marks,Tackles' position="Defender"] Last season saw Noble average 18.6 disposals, 5.2 marks and 2.6 tackles. Essendon Will Snelling An underrated name at the Bombers, who had a breakout season last year is Will Snelling. Drafted at pick 10 in 2016 by Port Adelaide, he only played one senior game before his delisting in 2018. The Dons would pick him up midway through 2019. The 24-year-old rated elite for tackles (5.0) and disposals (17.7) for small forwards last season. http://gty.im/1320630939 His breakout season saw him finish third in the club's best and fairest. The West Adelaide export may soon find himself off the underrated list however. In the Bombers' recent practice match win over the Bulldogs, Snelling played as a pure midfielder and also kicked a goal, looking primed for a big season. Fremantle Alex Pearce Another name who hasn't had a real good shot at it is Docker Alex Pearce. The key defender has battled long-term leg injuries since 2016, missing two entire seasons completely (2017 and 2020), with last season not too different. He suffered a knee injury in Round 1 but returned for the final nine games of the season. With all the injuries and time lost, Pearce's abilities aren't realised by many. Take a look at 2019, prior to breaking his ankle, the Tasmanian native was in unbelievable form, and could be considered in All-Australian contention. http://gty.im/1335524619 After only managing 63 games in eight seasons, it would be understandable if Pearce wasn't rated by many, but another aspect of him that is underrated (outside of Freo) is his leadership. Geelong Brad Close Leading the way in a team lacking star power amongst its small forwards is Brad Close. While Geelong finds itself home to monster forwards, Close roams in the shadows. In 2021, the South Australian averaged 13.2 disposals, 3.3 tackles and kicked 15 goals. Close had an elite handball rating (7.2) and was consistent around the contest, averaging 10 effective disposals a game. http://gty.im/1233900582 Only playing 29 games thus far in his career, the best from the long-sleeved pressure player is still to come. The 23-year-old has also embraced being one of Geelong's unsung heroes, telling aflplayers.com.au last year: "I love kicking a goal if I can, but if it means my teammate kicks an easier goal … as a forward group, we’re all working towards one thing." Gold Coast Charlie Ballard An underperforming team is certain to find itself home to a plethora of unheralded players, and Gold Coast are no exception. Down back you will find one, Charlie Ballard, who fits such title. The key defender is an intercept king and plays an important part in the Suns' defensive structure. http://gty.im/1305924489 Last year the 22-year-old averaged 13.7 disposals, 4.7 spoils and 2.9 intercept marks, ranking 13th league wide for total intercepts. The South Australian has proven why he is an integral part of Stuart Dew's Gold Coast. Greater Western Sydney Connor Idun In a season where the Giants were undermanned in defence, youngster Connor Idun stepped up to the occasion. With star defender Sam Taylor missing chunks of footy and Jack Buckley rupturing his ACL in Round 16, Idun rose up the ranks. The former Geelong Falcon only played three games prior to 2021, but played a further 23 games where he proved his defensive skill. http://gty.im/1326735402 The London-born defender averaged an elite 3.3 spoils per game and affected four one-percenters a match. Alongside that, he won 84.3 per cent of contested one-on-ones and kicked at an efficiency of 82 per cent, helping the Giants carve their way out of the backline. Entering his fourth season, at just 26 games, there no telling what the future holds for the promising 21-year-old.

Every AFL club’s most underrated player: Part I

Who flies under the radar at your club?

5. Essendon

Will Snelling

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		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	COLL	19	15	4	60	135
2	ADEL	19	14	5	56	146
3	BL	19	13	5	54	110.8
4	GEEL	19	13	6	52	134.2
5	HAW	19	13	6	52	119.9
6	GWS	19	13	6	52	118.4
7	FRE	19	13	6	52	111.7
8	GC	18	12	6	48	119.5