AFL coaching great Mick Malthouse has listed the five players in the AFL he thinks are most influential, as reported in the Herald Sun.
The triple premiership coach, who holds the record for most VFL/AFL games in the big chair has emphasised the importance of ruckman and key forwards, leaving out star midfielders like Dustin Martin, Tom Mitchell and Jack Macrae.
In no order, these were Mick's picks for the AFL's five most influential players:
Mick says Ben Brown "delivers the icing on the cake" for North Melbourne and that just his presence make the Kangaroos walk taller on the footy field, easing the load on the 35-year old Jarrad Waite.
According to Malthouse, Tom McDonald's return to the Demons side has been the catalyst for their good form, noting that he frees up Jesse Hogan who can play as a "floating tall."
Mick says Jack Darling has embraced the being the number one target in West Coast's forward line, highlighting his ability to perform away from Optus Stadium, his contested marking and goal kicking accuracy.
Brodie Grundy is the ultimate barometer for the Magpies according to Mick. He says that while their midfield can be up and down, the 24-year old always comes to play and his mobility, tap work and two-way running are first class.
Malthouse couldn't leave Richmond's quiet achiever Nank the Tank off this list, saying that the big man offers important traditional ruckman qualities while basically rucking solo ever week, shouldering a massive load for the reigning premiers.