The AFL website have begun their top 50 player countdown heading into the 2018 season, starting with numbers 41-50 of the Players' Annual top 50.
The list has eight newcomers of the 10 revealed, in Nic Naitanui, Rory Laird, Ollie Wines, Shaun Higgins, Tom Scully, Seb Ross, Dane Rampe and Steven May.
Naitanui opens the countdown at 50 and is hoping to bounce back from a lost 2017 season that he missed due an ACL injury.
Laird makes his first appearance at 49 and could be a little unlucky to fall so early after an outstanding season for the minor premier Adelaide, capped off with his first All-Australian honour.
Wines and Ross headline a new era of midfielders coming through the competition after breaking through the elite ranks over the past couple of seasons.
Two Collingwood midfielders, Adam Treloar and Steele Sidebottom, feature right at the tale end at 47 at 46 respectively, victims of their side’s poor performance in recent times.
Gold Coast co-captain May signs the 10 off at 41 and will be relied on heavily this year for his leadership and defensive prowess by the rebuilding Suns.
AFL Players' Top 50
50. Nic Naitanui – West Coast
Last year ranking: -
49. Rory Laird – Adelaide
Last year ranking: -
48. Ollie Wines – Port Adelaide
Last year ranking: -
47. Adam Treloar – Collingwood
Last year ranking: 40 (⇓7)
46. Steele Sidebottom – Collingwood
Last year ranking: 39 (⇓7)
45. Shaun Higgins – North Melbourne
Last year ranking: -
44. Tom Scully - GWS
Last year ranking: -
43. Seb Ross – St Kilda
Last year ranking: -
42. Dane Rampe – Sydney
Last year ranking: -
41. Steven May – Gold Coast
Last year ranking: -
