Diehard AFL fans will never let one of their own go unrecognised, even if external praise eludes them.
Players like Josh Battle, Matt Cottrell, Tom Sparrow and Brent Daniels have played a crucial role at their respective club for years, but never seem to reach the limelight of external discussion or award recognition. Some of that has changed, but a plethora of players need some more love.
This year, several players have stood up in a pivotal spot or in a new role and thrived. Others have toiled away at their job without public acknowledgement of the year they're having.
This piece aims to congratulate those who haven't received the widespread appreciation they deserve, offering a brief moment of stardom before they likely escape discussion once again this weekend...
Western Bulldogs
This guy has been renowned as an unregarded contributor at the Dogs in a few seasons and is clearly a career-best year, his name continues to elude discussion.
He doesn't catch the eye, he doesn't kick bags, he doesn't own stoppages, but he pretty much does everything else.
He's a big-bodied winger who's strong overhead, very efficient with his disposal and a versatile magnet.
He's finding the most footy of his career, going at 20.5 touches, 6.1 marks and 4.2 score involvements, each a personal best.
The impact of players like Adam Treloar, Ed Richards, Aaron Naughton, Bailey Dale and Liam Jones may be understated, but not as undiscussed as Bailey Williams.
