https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5BiMZ9Jr7g
Which players are most respected by their peers?
We asked the players to share their opinions via a survey for AFL.com.au’s Players’ Top 50
“I would have loved to have played like that, and would have loved to have had a role model around like that” – Nathan Buckley
Collingwood skipper Scott Pendlebury is the first player named in the top five of the Players’ Top 50. The silky 27-year-old midfielder has fallen three spots, having been picked at number two in last year’s Top 50.
Pendlebury averaged 28 possessions, five tackles and five clearances per match in 2014 – a year that saw him claim his fifth consecutive All-Australian selection and third Collingwood best and fairest award. Lauded for his ability to make smart decisions in heavy traffic, Pendlebury is said to be just as clear-headed and balanced when it comes to his approach to preparation and leadership.
“There’s no greater competitor or bloke who has a will to win and to perform than ‘Pendles’, but his manner is so even and he’s a fantastic leader to have around the place,” coach Nathan Buckley said last year.
“I would have loved to have played like that, and I would have loved to have had a role model around like that.”
Thanks to everyone who entered our #FridayGiveaway competition. Winners will be notified on Friday, when number one of the Players’ Top 50 is revealed.
AFL PLAYERS’ TOP 50 SO FAR – 50 TO 5
5. Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood)
6. Jarryd Roughead (Hawthorn)
7. Patrick Dangerfield (Adelaide)
8. Luke Hodge (Hawthorn)
9. Travis Boak (Port Adelaide)
10. Robbie Gray (Port Adelaide)
11. Josh Kennedy (Sydney Swans)
12. Jobe Watson (Essendon)
13. Trent Cotchin (Richmond)
14. Matt Priddis (West Coast Eagles)
15. Dyson Heppell (Essendon)
16. Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda)
17. Steve Johnson (Geelong)
18. Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn)
19. Tom Rockliff (Brisbane Lions)
20. Aaron Sandliands (Fremantle)
21. Dayne Beams (Brisbane)
22. Jordan Lewis (Hawthorn)
23. Tom Hawkins (Geelong)
24. Rory Sloane (Adelaide)
25. Harry Taylor (Geelong)
26. Brent Harvey (North Melbourne)
27. Luke Parker (Sydney)
28. Chris Judd (Carlton)
29. Callan Ward (Greater Western Sydney)
30. Marc Murphy (Carlton)
31. Nathan Jones (Melbourne)
32. Bryce Gibbs (Carlton)
33. David Mundy (Fremantle)
34. Brendon Goddard (Essendon)
35. Jarrad McVeigh (Sydney)
36. Chad Wingard (Port Adelaide)
37. Pearce Hanley (Brisbane Lions)
38. Cyril Rioli (Hawthorn)
39. Dustin Martin (Richmond)
40. Dan Hannebery (Sydney)
41. Shaun Burgoyne (Hawthorn)
42. Jimmy Bartel (Geelong)
43. Josh Kennedy (West Coast Eagles)
44. Ryan Griffen (Greater Western Sydney)
45. Matthew Pavlich (Fremantle)
46. Luke Breust (Hawthorn)
47. Travis Cloke (Collingwood)
48. Dane Swan (Collingwood)
49. Brett Deledio (Richmond)
50. Steele Sidebottom (Collingwood)