Kane Cornes has unveiled his top 50 AFL players for the current season, with Sam Darcy claiming the number one spot. The list is dominated by midfielders, with eight of the top 10 coming from the engine room, but forwards Jeremy Cameron and Charlie Curnow also feature prominently.
Darcy, a young key forward for the Western Bulldogs, has been praised for his versatility and impact. Cornes noted that Darcy's ability to influence games both as a forward and in the ruck sets him apart. His athleticism and marking prowess have made him a nightmare for defenders.
The top 10 includes established stars like Patrick Cripps, Christian Petracca, and Marcus Bontempelli, but Cornes highlighted Darcy's rapid rise. 'He has the potential to dominate for years to come,' Cornes said. 'His combination of size, skill, and footy IQ is rare.'
Notable omissions include West Coast's Harley Reid, who did not make the list. Cornes explained that while Reid shows promise, he needs more consistency to crack the top 50. Only one ruckman, Max Gawn, features in the entire rankings.
Cornes also praised Sydney's Chad Warner, who sits at number 10, for his explosive speed and goal-kicking ability. 'Warner can tear a game apart in 20 minutes,' Cornes said. 'By 2025, he could be a top-three player.'
