MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 17: Mitch Duncan of the Cats celebrates a goal during the 2017 AFL round 04 match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 17, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)
Underrated and undervalued yet undeniable on their day. These blokes don't get the recognition they deserve but can single-handedly turn a game.
None of these players have ever earned an All-Australian cap, but their teammates must love going to war with them as some of the unheralded stars of the game.
Here are the 20 most underrated players in the AFL:
They say St Kilda don't posses any A-grade players, but Ross can't be far off. Averaging over 26 disposals in each of the past three seasons, the 25-year old is one Saint who can hold his head up high in recent times.
Caddy has averaged two goals a game in 2018 and is one of the most reliable set shots at goal in the competition. The Tigers love goal-kicking midfielders and they definitely have an elite player that can perform this role in Caddy.
Jack Crisp has kick started his career ever since joining the Pies as the steak knives in the Dayne Beams trade. The quick rebounding defender has not missed a single game in the black and white. As consistent as they come, Crisp is embarking on his first finals series at AFL level.
Lynden Dunn has found some form since his arrival at the Holden Centre. Dunn's ability to regularly shut down the opposition's number one defender was major reason for the Pies rise up the ladder this season. Unfortunately, Dunn wont be playing finals after rupturing his ACL in round 15 against Gold Coast, tragic considering the hardship and lack of September action he experienced at the Demons.
From not being in Richmond's grand final side to now being locked into their best 22, Short may be the most improved player in the competition. His booming kick has proved to be a weapon for the Tigers, with all of his goals in 2018 coming from beyond the arc. Make no mistake, if the Tigers go back to the big dance, Short will be there.
He has played every game in the back line for the Eagles this season and is arguably the most underrated defender in the competition. Doesn’t stand out, but he gets the job done week in week out. Averaging 16 touches a game, Sheppard's efficiency is enormous, going at 84% as a defender.
During the three peat, Liam Shiels was being projected as the next Hawks skipper but never got mainstream credit. All the praise went to the flashy stars of the team, while he was the one who consistently put his body on the line. Averaging six tackles a game, Shiels has had another outstanding season for the Hawks. One of the true unsung heroes.
Averaging 29 touches a game, Hunter is an important player for the Bulldogs. With Bontempelli claiming all the appraisal, Hunter flies under the radar but is capable of completely breaking games open.
With all the talk being about Gawn and Grundy for All-Australian, Martin has gone along his business quite nicely. Thee star ruckman averages 19 touches a game as well as 34 hit outs. He has had multiple 20+ disposal games this year which is very rare for a big man. The most underrated ruckman of the modern era.
When you talk about Geelong, Menegola is one that never gets the plaudits that the likes of Dangerfield, Selwood, Stewart and Hawkins get, yet he is equally inportant. Menegola is deadly dangerous and has caught He eye of Champion Data, who label him an elite player in the competition.
The Hoff has arguably been Port's most consistent player this year, often kicking goals in big moments or dropping behind the ball as their safeguard. Capable of playing just about every position on the field, Westhoff is the ultimate X-Factor.
It seems like this bloke is snubbed from the All-Australian team every year, yet he is consistently one of the best defenders in the competition. The 29-year old has enjoyed another impressive campaign for the Kangaroos this season, averaging 16 disposals and six marks a game.
North Melbourne is a much better team with Jacobs in their side for the simple reason that he is the best tagger in the game today. No one can shut down the star midfielders of the competition like Jacobs can.
A player who always plays his role for the team yet never seems to get the plaudits he deserves. The veteran has managed to score goals in crucial times for the Crows in a disappointing year. Averaging 18 touches and a goal a game, Douglas is the first name picked in Adelaide's side due to his ability to do the intangibles of footy.
Jack Redden has quietly enjoyed a stellar season for the Eagles, returning to the level he showed he was capable of at the Lions. The 27-year old is averaging 24.6 disposals and is the second best midfielder for the second best team in the competition.
With Dangerwoodlett happening down at the Cattery, people seem to forget about Duncan. Averaging 26 touches a game, Duncan doesn't get much attention with the Cats star studded midfield. Make no mistake, Duncan is a genuine A-grader of the game.
BT seems to be the only one onto it. Jake Lloyd is an elite runner and has elvated his game in 2018 as he averages 28 touches and six marks a game. He is making a strong claim of being in the All-Australian team as the Swans look to make the eight with two games remaining.
Shane Edwards doesn't get much of the ball, but when he does, something always happens for the Tiger. Averaging 19 touches a game, Edwards has 26 goal assists as well as 130 score involvements. An excitement machine and match winner.
Tom McDonald's name never gets mentioned as one of the elite talls in the competition, yet he can dominate at either end of the ground. The 25-year old has bagged 42 goals from 15 games this season, ranking eighth in the league.
Who said the don't argue was Dusty's move? Cunnington leads the competition in broken tackles and is one of North Melbourne's most valuable players. He doesn't get a heap of media attention, but when he is on, the Kangaroos rarely lose. Averaging 26 touches a game as well as seven clearances. A beast in the contest.