With the 2024 season almost upon us, let's look through some stars of the competition to watch out for this year.
We've compiled a list of the projected top 50 players in the competition for 2024, starting with the names at spots 50 overall through to 41.
Rather than naming the best performers of 2023 or the top players entering Opening Round, this list will look at the best players currently with some projections as to how they may rank at the end of the year.
1. 50 - Mitch Owens
St Kilda's fan favourite hybrid mid-forward broke onto the scene last season with standout games and moments recognised mostly by Saints fans and the Champion Data analytics department.
Owens' knack for winning contested ball post-clearance, while a relatively niche stat, makes him one of the most dangerous players on any footy field.
He's a 191cm, 91kg 20-year-old who thrives in chaos, can drift forward and hit the scoreboard, or pinch-hit in the ruck if required.
Top 50 placement may be generous right now, but there are few players in the competition coaches would pick for the next decade over Mitch Owens.
