With no less than 17 players from the south-west playing AFL football, The Standard has analysed their impact and development at the elite level in 2016.

(Essendon)

AGE: 21

GAMES: 81

VERDICT: The Cobden export enjoyed a breakout season while many of his Essendon teammates were sidelined through the Bombers’ infamous supplements scandal in 2016. Led the Bombers’ disposals, with 659 for the season, and is in with a red-hot chance of claiming his second consecutive best-and-fairest after polling 15 Brownlow Medal votes.

(Essendon)

AGE: 23

GAMES: 69

VERDICT: Played 18 games across half-back and was a reliable operator for the Bombers. Averaged 16.4 disposals and 250 metres gained. Signed a new deal at the end of 2016 and is forging a solid career at the elite level after being drafted from Koroit.

(Essendon)

AGE: 24

GAMES: 54

VERDICT: Suffered a horrific broken leg playing in the VFL after struggling to break into Essendon’s best 22. Has a solid foundation of games behind him and is reportedly set to be ready for pre-season after recovering from injury.

(Brisbane)

AGE: 19

GAMES: 18

VERDICT: Lions’ captain Dayne Beams likened the South Warrnambool export to a young Scott Pendlebury after a strong start to life in the AFL. Booted eight goals and averaged 15.1 disposals in his debut year, showing glimpses of genuine class. Future star. 

(Brisbane)

AGE: 22

GAMES: 85

VERDICT: One of Brisbane’s most prolific ball-winners who is plying his trade across half-forward. Solid contributor, drafted from Terang Mortlake, who is yet to reach the heights of his rising star season, but is a rusted-on member of the Lions’ best 22. 

(Brisbane)

AGE: 20

GAMES: 8

VERDICT: Bagged a strong contender for goal of the year with his first career after showing glimpses of his dazzling talent in his first eight games. Well-liked by the Lions’ coaching panel and is genuine livewire. Bright future for the Camperdown prospect.

(Carlton)

AGE: 25

GAMES: 47

VERDICT: The top-15 pick moved to Carlton in search of more opportunities, but found it tough to break into the Blues’ young side. Played nine games, averaging 10 disposals at 78 per cent. Can play in a number of positions and is a versatile player, which could come into the North Warrnambool Eagles export’s advantage.

(Fremantle)

AGE: 19

GAMES: 8

VERDICT: Darcy’s first eight games of AFL football were enough to indicate he has a bright future at AFL level. Averaged 34 hitouts and landed an opportunity when Dockers big-man Aaron Sandilands fell to injury. Strong breakout season for the Cobden export.

(Melbourne)

AGE: 31

GAMES: 283

VERDICT: Still second on the Melbourne’s disposal list at 31 years of age after crossing to the club in the off-season. Polished performer who averaged 26.3 disposals, five marks, and 79 per cent disposal efficiency. Still years of quality left in the Warrnambool export’s legs.

(Melbourne) 

AGE: 19

GAMES: 0

VERDICT: The former North Warrnambool Eagle was listed as an AFL emergency in 2017, but played the majority of the season with Casey in the VFL. Established himself as a pressure midfielder with a like for tackling. 

(North Melbourne)

AGE: 26

GAMES: 165

VERDICT: Returned to his best this season after a reasonably quiet 2016. Averaged 25 disposals, five tackles and sat third on the league-wide list of clearances made. The Cobden and Timboon Demons export also finished second in the Kangaroos’ best-and-fairest.

(Port Adelaide)

AGE: 18

GAMES: 0

VERDICT: Was named as an emergency and listed on Port Adelaide’s extended bench this season, but couldn’t break through for a debut game. Enjoyed an impressive season in the SANFL, playing 20 games and was named among the bests frequently.

(St Kilda)

AGE: 21

GAMES: 1

VERDICT: Elevated from the Saints’ rookie list to make his AFL debut after years with North Ballarat in the VFL. Talented prospect who earned a two-year extension for his promise in both the AFL and VFL.

(Geelong)

AGE: 18

GAMES: 0

VERDICT: Enjoyed a strong back-end of the season in the VFL, booting five goals against Coburg to reignite his game mid-year. Still learning team structures but is a bright prospect from Portland.

(Sydney)

AGE: 26

GAMES: 95

VERDICT: The Cobden export demonstrated brilliant form throughout the season, breaking open games and using his devastating leg speed to his advantage. Only averaged 9.6 disposals this season, but doesn’t need a lot of the ball to make an impact. Still one of the Swans’ strongest at his best.

(Western Bulldogs)

AGE: 28

GAMES: 125

VERDICT: The boy from Camperdown hurt his hamstring late-on in the season but enjoyed a solid season across half-back. Averaged 14.1 disposals and 5.3 marks. Is in line to replace the retiring Bob Murphy as Bulldogs captain next season.

(Western Bulldogs)

AGE: 31

GAMES: 198

VERDICT: Began the season in red-hot form, kicking on from his key role in the Bulldogs’ grand final triumph. Managed 24 goals, and 18.6 disposals.