Top-Rated 23: Pick the Best AFL Players

The Ultimate Fan-Powered AFL Player Ratings

AFL fans have spoken, and the top-rated players have been chosen through a unique and interactive process. Zero Hanger’s AFL Player Rater is a fan-driven platform that evaluates the best AFL players head-to-head, creating an ultimate ranking based on real-time votes. This system allows fans to influence who they believe is the best in each position, from defenders to forwards, midfielders, and rucks.

The ratings are calculated using a proven Elo rating algorithm, similar to the one used in global sports rankings. Every player starts with the same rating, and their score changes based on the strength of their opponent. Beating a highly ranked player earns more points, while losing to a lower-ranked player results in a bigger drop. This dynamic system ensures that the best players rise to the top based on form, consistency, and performance, reflecting true fan opinion.

Fans can track the live AFL Player Ratings to see how their favourite players are performing throughout the season.

Defenders

In the defender category, Harris Andrews, a dual premiership player for Brisbane, has taken the top spot as the No.1 rated defender in the competition. Andrews has won 80.64 percent of his matchups, earning a total of 2284.6 ratings points.

Sam Taylor, a Giant, follows closely behind. Despite only returning to the field last weekend, he has gained popularity among voters. Sydney’s Nick Blakey, St Kilda’s Callum Wilkie, Geelong’s Tom Stewart, and Taylor’s teammate Lachie Whitfield round out the six defenders. These six defenders are the only ones with ratings points over 2000.

FB: Tom Stewart, Harris Andrews, Callum Wilkie
HB: Nick Blakey, Sam Taylor, Lachie Whitfield

Midfielders

Choosing the best midfielders is always a challenge, but the consensus has highlighted Marcus Bontempelli, Nick Daicos, and Isaac Heeney as locks. These three have delivered stellar performances this season and are strong contenders for the coveted No.1 spot in the rankings.

Bontempelli currently leads the pack, with Daicos and Heeney close behind. Zak Butters, who may be considering a move to Bontempelli’s team in the off-season, comes in at fourth place. Errol Gulden secures one of the wing roles, albeit in sixth position.

Max Gawn is the clear choice for the No.1 ruck, but his former teammate and Swans gun is also making a strong claim for the top gong.

C: Zak Butters, Nick Daicos, Errol Gulden
FO: Max Gawn, Marcus Bontempelli, Isaac Heeney

Forwards

Christian Petracca has been named on the half-forward flank despite being placed under the midfield category, much like the All-Australian selection. His season so far has been impossible to ignore.

Emerging stars of the competition include Murphy Reid, Nick Watson, and Josh Treacy, who occupy three of the six positions inside 50. Jeremy Cameron leads the way as the No.1 rated forward, while Jack Gunston takes the third spot.

HF: Murphy Reid, Jeremy Cameron, Christian Petracca
FF: Jack Gunston, Josh Treacy, Nick Watson

Bench

Adelaide skipper Jordan Dawson has claimed a spot on the bench as the 13th rated player in the rankings. This places him sixth in the overall midfielders.

Bailey Smith follows closely behind in No.8, or 14th overall. Miraculously, the injured Sam Darcy has maintained his status as one of the best players, despite not playing much of 2026. He ranks 15th overall, but fourth as a forward.

Brodie Grundy is the second-best ruck in the competition, while Kysaiah Pickett’s spike in form amid a permanent midfield role has earned him a spot in the best 23.