Whether they're playing for a lesser-followed club, excelling in an overlooked position, or simply not getting the recognition they deserve — these five stars have flown under the radar this season.
One GWS star is having an All-Australian season, while a Gold Coast defender is reaping the rewards of a positional switch.
These footballers are in career-best form or have simply found the perfect balance of ball-winning and impact for their team.
4. Darcy Macpherson
Darcy Macpherson is in career form, with a switch from small forward to the backline a masterstroke in unlocking his potential.
The medium defender is winning 13 more possessions this year than he was in 2022, for an average tally of 23 disposals in 2023.
At 175cm, Macpherson has been elite overhead and has been able to take the occasional contested or intercept mark to influence the game.
Having struggled to consolidate a position in the Sun's best 22, the 24-year-old has breathed new life into his career as a defender.
