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:

4. Brodie Grundy

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.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 13: Brodie Grundy of the Magpies celebrates a goal during the 2018 AFL Round 04 match between the Adelaide Crows and the Collingwood Magpies at Adelaide Oval on April 13, 2018 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Media/Getty Images)