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.
9. Greater Western Sydney
Connor IdunÂ
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.
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.
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