The debate over who the best player in the AFL is rages on week-in-week-out and will forever more as the answer remains subjective rather than objective.
However, in 2026, Zero Hanger has used our fan-driven Player Rater system to determine where footballers rank across the league in the eyes of the devoted.
The ratings are done through the AFL Player Rater and are based on performance and consistency and look to provide real-time rankings of where each player sits.
So how does your club's best 10 players stack up when compared to the rest?
At the halfway mark of the season, we have delved into how you, the fans, have rated players' opening 12-13 games at all 18 clubs, with the analysis below.
Geelong currently has the most players in the overall top 10, with Jeremy Cameron (fourth), Tom Stewart (fifth) and Patrick Dangerfield (10th).
Brisbane, Collingwood, Fremantle, Hawthorn, Port Adelaide, Sydney and Western Bulldogs all have one player inside the top 10.
Ladder leaders Fremantle and Sydney are tied with the most players inside the top 50 with six-apiece making the cut from their respective talent-laden squads.
Rankings are as of start of the day June 11, 2026.
5Essendon
The Bombers only have one player feature in the top 100 players. Want-away midfielder Zach Merrett who squeezes into 91st place.
In good news for Essendon fans, young talent Nate Caddy, Archie Roberts, Sam Durham and Nic Martin are among the top 10.
However, the Bombers are in a poor state currently as a club and their talent across the squad is lacking as they ask the AFL for an assistance package.
- Zach Merrett (91)
- Nate Caddy (120)
- Archie Roberts (130)
- Andrew McGrath (172)
- Jordan Ridley (191)
- Sam Durham (221)
- Nic Martin (231)
- Darcy Parish (234)
- Xavier Duursma (256)
- Mason Redman (258)
