MIKE Sheahan names the top 50 AFL players for season 2014. See his top 10 and join the debate.

1. Joel Selwood (Geelong)

News_Image_File: Joel Selwood sets up another Geelong attack. Picture: Michael Klein

Position: Midfield

Games: 22

SuperCoach average: 121

Pre-season rank: 2

Mike says: I'm with the All-Australian selectors... on this one, anyway. He's a beauty, regardless of the never-ending discussion about the number of free kicks he garners for high tackles. He is a magnificent competitor; brave, durable and productive. There's none better when the game is in the balance.



2. Nathan Fyfe (Fremantle)

News_Image_File: Nathan Fyfe celebrates after kicking a goal at Patersons Stadium. Picture: Daniel Wilkins

Position: Midfield

Games: 18

SuperCoach Average: 122

Pre-season rank: 5

Mike says: He's everything every young footballer would want to be, right down to his surfer look. He is taller than you might think, has a great leap (coupled with an exhilarating sense of adventure), is a brilliant competitor and scary brave.



3. Lance Franklin (Sydney)

News_Image_File: Lance Franklin shoots from long range. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Position: Forward

Games: 19

SuperCoach Average: 100

Pre-season rank: 17

Mike says: The most exciting player in the game. No one ever has commanded the attention he drew this year, most of it for his aura and output on the field. Not quite as consistent as he was in 2008, but there were many weeks when he played at the peak of his awesome powers.



4. Robbie Gray (Port Adelaide)

News_Image_File: Robbie Gray turns towards goal.

Position: Forward/Midfield

Games: 22

SuperCoach Average: 111

Pre-season rank: -

Mike says: The story of the year in terms of individuals. The coaches' pick as player of the year and understandably so... even if he crept up on a lot of us. Averaged 25 disposals a game, kicked 34 goals and led the competition for goal assists. Brilliant in heavy traffic.



5. Gary Ablett (Gold Coast)

News_Image_File: Gary Ablett on the burst. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Position: Midfield

Games: 15

SuperCoach Average: 137

Pre-season rank: 1

Mike says: It seems almost blasphemous to park this bloke down at No 5. Fact is he missed seven games and was injured during the last of his 15. He remains the most accomplished player in the competition, but he must be marked according to output in the post-season 50.



6. Josh Kennedy (Sydney)

Position: Midfield

Games: 20

SuperCoach Average: 114

Pre-season rank: 11

Mike says: The best inside midfielder in the game. Built to play centre-half-forward yet nimble enough to dominate the whirlpool of midfield crushes. Probably wins the Brownlow if he plays the last two games, when he was rested. Averaged 30-plus possessions from rounds 4-12.



7. Jordan Lewis (Hawthorn)

News_Image_File: Jordan Lewis took his game to a new level in 2014. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Position: Midfield

Games: 21

SuperCoach Average: 109

Pre-season rank: -

Mike says: Career-best season for the smart, tough midfielder. Brilliant second half of the year including a Grand Final performance that might have earned him the Norm Smith medal. Had more than 20 possessions in 23 of his 24 games. Not bad as a third-man-up, either.



8. Jarryd Roughead (Hawthorn)

News_Image_File: Jarryd Roughead bags another goal. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Position: Forward

Games: 20

SuperCoach Average: 96

Pre-season rank: 10

Mike says: What a player. Can play forward and/or midfield, excellent overhead, surprisingly adept at ground level. Kicked 75 goals for the year including 13 in three finals. He is a giant in more ways than one.



9. Dyson Heppell (Essendon)

News_Image_File: Dyson Heppell pumps the Bombers forward. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Position: Midfield

Games: 21

SuperCoach Average: 106

Pre-season rank: 48

Mike says: Genuine young star. Equally competent in the crushes or on the outside. Has an amazing capacity to get to where the loose ball bobs up. Classy, brave and durable. Averaged 28 disposals a game, including a high of 40 against Geelong in a losing team.



10. Travis Boak

(Port Adelaide)

News_Image_File: Travis Boak thrives as captain. Picture Simon Cross

Position: Midfield

Games: 21

SuperCoach Average: 106

Pre-season rank: 26

Mike says: A born leader, he led Port superbly, in the manner of Joel Selwood. He is brave, a hard worker and driven; a footballer's footballer. His elevation to captaincy was an inspired decision.



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