Every pre-season, fans are enthralled by ranks and lists which regularly compile the best group of current players.
What started with an annual edition from former chief Herald Sun journalist Mike Sheahan, has in recent years been taken over by Mark 'Robbo' Robinson's list of top 50 players.
The list derives of who Robinson thinks will end up inside the top 50 at the conclusion of the season, and it seems to always create divide between fans.
What can be agreed upon, is that some players are simply ranked too high/low, while others have curiously been left off the list entirely.
This creates speculation, and while any independent list will always remain subjective, Robbo has made some stark calls as one of footy's most prominent journalists.
Starting at the top, Robinson names Bulldogs superstar Marcus Bontempelli as the league's best. Bontempelli is undoubtedly inside the best five players, but ranking him above both Nat Fyfe and Dustin Martin - two AFL stalwarts - is a major statement.
"Of course he's a jet, but interesting that Fyfe is talking about becoming a better leader, when Bontempelli seems to do it naturally. Just a thought.
Here, Robinson alludes to the leadership of two players. Yet, Fyfe - who is now a two-time Brownlow winner - is still at the peak of his powers and both leadership and ability need to be taken into consideration. While Martin is coming off another award-winning season, and has proven his worth as the greatest player on the greatest stage winning his second Norm Smith medal.
It is difficult to separate the very best from each other, but rounding out the five with Patrick Cripps and Patrick Dangerfield is a tick from Robinson.
Richmond spearhead Tom Lynch makes his debut inside the top 10 after the Tigers recruit booted 63 goals from 25 games. Listed at number eight, Lynch is ranked 13 spots higher than the reigning Coleman medalist Jeremy Cameron.
While Lynch was an imposing figure last season, and could potentially stamp himself as the best key forward by seasons end, the prediction feels high, and Herald Sun readers agree - with the majority voting Lynch at #8 as 'overrated'.
Staying with the key forward discussion, its strange to see Lance Franklin as high as #11 (with Cameron much lower) given he has missed a lot of recent competition. When fit, Franklin is every bit a top 10 player, but we are approaching the back-end of his career.
Hawks defender James Sicily is arguably one of the league's best interceptors, and his growth is inevitable. Ranking him at #22 might be a little kind after a season with less impact statistically. In contrast, each of Nick Vlastuin, Mark Blicavs, Jeremy Howe, Robbie Tarrant, Rory Laird, Bachar Houli and Shannon Hurn missed out on selection - the latter two were All-Australian defenders in 2019.
St Kilda ruck Rowan Marshall makes his debut in Robbo's 50 after a breakout season. At 24, the potential is limitless for Marshall. Robbo is predicting another major jump, but he is closing the gap on Gawn/Grundy.
Other players certain to generate discussion
LOWER: Shaun Higgins ranked at #38 - a classy, somewhat underrated veteran. Higgins just turned 32, and despite a strong season driving North forward, his natural trajectory should have him lower than some of those who missed out. Below him, Giants pair Toby Greene (40) and Zac Williams (41) have shown more signs of improvement.
LOWER: Christian Petracca ranked at #49 - we have been patient with Petracca, and despite another dominant pre-season it's hard to view him pushing the envelope of top 50 this season. Players aren't made in February, unfortunately.
HIGHER: Nick Haynes at #47 - coming off a career-best season, has held together with the backline for several years now, while also propelling their offence.
At 22 years old, Hugh McCluggage is widely considered the best pure wing in the competition. Probably deserving of a spot higher than #44 given he ranked elite for groundball-gets, clearances and score involvements at a young age.
SNUBBED: Jade Gresham, Brad Hill, Mark Blicavs, Bachar Houli, Jeremy Howe, Luke Parker, Phil Davis, Steele Sidebottom, Robbie Tarrant, Robbie Gray, Nick Vlastuin, Isaac Heeney, Andrew Gaff, Josh Kennedy (WC), Dylan Shiel, Zach Merrett, Brad Crouch, Brodie Smith, Rory Laird, Shannon Hurn
