Welcome to Zero Hanger's top 50 player rankings for 2025 - a list based primarily on a player's 2025 production in addition to their career pedigree and future projections.

The bar is as high as ever to impact as an AFL footballer consistently, let alone to a star level. All-Australian discussions are in constant debate as several guns often find themselves snubbed from proper recognition.

Here is the final edition (10-1) of our top 50 AFL players of 2025...

READ: PART 1 (50-41)
READ: PART 2 (40-31)
READ: PART 3 (30-21)
READ: PART 4 (20-11)

6th - Bailey Smith

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 19: Bailey Smith of the Cats celebrates a goal during the AFL Second Preliminary Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Hawthorn Hawks at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 19, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 19: Bailey Smith of the Cats celebrates a goal during the AFL Second Preliminary Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Hawthorn Hawks at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 19, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

2024 rank: N/A

The former Bulldog relished in his increased midfield minutes at the Cattery, leading the league in disposals per game and averaging career-highs in metres gained, clearances, inside 50s and score involvements.

While many thought Bailey Smith would perform well with a change of scenery, few expected him to become one of the league's most dominant ball winners so soon, nor turn Geelong's once middling midfield into one of the league's most dangerous engine rooms.

With a grand final appearance, All-Australian nod and AFLCA Champion Player of the Year title to boot, Smith has certainly staked a claim to be a top 10 player in the league at minimum.

If he can clean up his efficiency by foot to further capitalise on his run-and-gun power, there's a strong likelihood he's up even higher this time next year.

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