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.
7. 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.
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."
