THE rapid rise of Sydney defender Aliir Aliir has been recognised, with the Swans youngster named among the top 10 key defenders in the AFL by Champion Data.

The Kenyan-born Aliir enjoyed a standout start to his senior career and has been ranked as the eighth-best key defender in the competition according to the Official AFL Player Ratings.

Having only made his debut in Round 6 last season, Aliir played 13 games for Sydney but missed the side’s grand final due to a knee injury sustained the week prior.

It was a big blow for the Swans, with the 22-year-old averaging 14.4 disposals and 4.3 marks per game throughout the season. He also averaged 7.1 intercepts per match, the third-most at the club behind Dane Rampe and Heath Grundy.

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Alex Rance has been named as the AFL’s best key defender. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

Rampe ranks fourth in the AFL for key defenders going into season 2017, with Richmond defender Alex Rance leading the way.

Rance, who earned a third successive All-Australian guernsey last year, averaged 18.6 disposals, 9.3 intercepts and 7.8 marks per game across the course of the season.

The Tigers stalwart was followed by West Coast’s Jeremy McGovern and Melbourne’s Tom McDonald in the rankings.

Essendon pair Michael Hurley and Cale Hooker ranked as the first and second best key defenders respectively going into the 2016 campaign, but fell out of the top 10 due to Champion Data placing a higher emphasis on last season — a year where both were suspended.

Fremantle veteran Michael Johnson and West Coast defender Eric Mackenzie also fell out of the top 10, with Rampe, Aliir, Nick Haynes and Phil Davis taking their places.

The rankings are Champion Data’s measure of player quality for the 2017 AFL Prospectus, based on the Official AFL Player Ratings.

They are recognised as the best indication of a player’s performance, emphasising the quality of games played over the quantity.

CHAMPION DATA’S TOP 10 KEY DEFENDERS

1. Alex Rance (Richmond)

A three-time All-Australian who continued to improve his game in 2016.

2. Jeremy McGovern (West Coast)

The Eagles interceptor ranked fourth going into the year, but improved significantly.

3. Tom McDonald (Melbourne)

Enjoyed a standout start to the season and leapt up from seventh in the rankings last year.

4. Dane Rampe (Sydney)

An All-Australian who locked down a key position post effectively in 2016.

5. Steven May (Gold Coast)

The big-bodied backman capped a fine campaign by being named co-captain of the Suns.

6. Harry Taylor (Geelong)

The evergreen Cats backman maintains his position as the sixth-ranked key defender.

7. Nick Haynes (GWS Giants)

Elevated himself into the top 10 following a super consistent campaign with the Giants.

8. Aliir Aliir (Sydney)

Arguably the best young key defender in the AFL. Expect him to keep improving.

9. Josh Gibson (Hawthorn)

Falls down the rankings from fifth last year, but remains one of the game’s best key defenders.

10. Phil Davis (GWS Giants)

The Giants skipper enjoyed the rewards of an injury-free year to elevate himself into the top 10.