The Commentary Box: We discuss the AFL's best players

Brian Allen, Justine McCullagh-Beasy and Sean Hardeman are eager to talk sport via The Commentary Box.

BRIAN: It's awards week. The best AFL players have been recognised, including the All-Australian team. But the most coveted individual award - the Brownlow Medal - won't be presented for a few weeks. Who is your pick and why?

SEAN: It's extremely hard to go past Lachie Neale at this stage. He has dominated games more often than not in 2020 and his consistency in a Lions team which was winning is a handy bonus heading into the count. Melbourne bull Christian Petracca is an outside chance and so is Port Adelaide's Travis Boak. But this one is Lachie's to lose and I don't think anyone will be able to catch him.

JUSTINE: It would have been nice to watch Neale win in Freo colours! It's a midfielder's award and he's been the standout in that area. Works hard in the contest, has clean ball use and hits the scoreboard. He'll be hard to beat. Petracca, a game-changer who had a career-best season, will be thereabouts too. Don't discount those who always poll well - Paddy Dangerfield, Nat Fyfe and co - to finish high on the leaderboard.

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BRIAN: I watched all Richmond's games this year and Dusty has been the best player on the ground in most of them. He's more damaging than Neale. The one who has stood out to me this year is Petracca. Like Dusty, he just looks stronger than all the other players. Dangerfield is another strong-bodied player that causes headaches for other teams. There's also a part of me that wants to see veterans Boak or even Scott Pendlebury get it. Would cap off their wonderful careers.

JUSTINE: Petracca has always had game-breaking traits but used it consistently this year for the first time. He's just so powerful and his ability to go forward and have an impact is brilliant. Here's one for you - if a defender was to win the Brownlow - who would be your pick this year?

BRIAN: West Coast's Jeremy McGovern is perhaps the best defender I've seen. He's tall and strong and takes plenty of intercept marks. When fit he's the best key defender there is. Carlton's Sam Docherty impressed me this year after returning from a long-term injury. He's an attacking defender with a penetrating kick. Very reliable.

SEAN: Luke Ryan by a country mile! He has been awesome for the Dockers and should be an All-Australian lock as well. In an undermanned Fremantle defence he has stood up big time. Has shut down some of the best in the competition and also managed to average 18.6 disposals a game. Elite by foot, a strong mark and is never flustered when under pressure. Would be best on ground for a number of games this season. Caleb Daniel would be a chance if he didn't have the likes of Bontempelli, Macrae and Hunter having fantastic years as well.

JUSTINE: Summed it up perfectly, Sean. Ryan has patrolled the Dockers' back line superbly in the absence of Joel Hamling and Alex Pearce. He's a great advertisement for the VFL and why clubs should scour the state leagues. I also like how Darcy Moore plays. He's a dynamic defender for Collingwood. Strong and athletic and a ripping kick too.

BRIAN: We've covered the best mids and defenders in the game, who is the best forward? I'd say Saint Dan Butler has been the best small forward this year. I rate Eagle Liam Ryan highly. And reckon Tiger Tom Lynch is the best big man in the game when fully fit.

JUSTINE: I'd rate Tom Hawkins as the best key forward this year. He's just so powerful and when he's left on 'Hawkins' Island', look out. But I also feel the big Cat is just as dominant on the lead. If Tomahawk plays well in the finals then Geelong could go all the way. Butler has been a fantastic recruit for the Saints with his pace and creativity and Liam Ryan is capable on the ground and in the air. A good field kick too. When on song, Lion Charlie Cameron and Docker Michael Walters are among the league's most dangerous small forwards. Walters' kicking style is a sight to behold. Of the next gen, I reckon Gold Coast's Ben King could be anything.

SEAN: I agree Jmac. Tomahawk is the best forward in the game at the moment and just frustrates opposition supporters with how easy he can beat all defenders. Continuing the next generation choices I'd have both King brothers in there as they will be impossible to stop when they have a few pre-seasons under their belt. Aaron Naughton is also a huge chance to dominate. Has shown in a short time since switching from defence that he can grab a game with both hands. Did it against Richmond last year and the Crows this year. Just needs to be consistent and get some luck with injuries.

BRIAN: There's a position we've neglected, the ruck! Who would be your All-Australian ruckman? It's certainly hard to go past Eagle Nic Naitanui. A terrific athlete and can kick clutch goals. Richmond's Mabior Chol has one of the best kicks I've ever seen for a big man. I've felt Portland's Rowan Marshall has stepped up this year too.

SEAN: Todd Goldstein is stiff to not even be in the 40-man squad. By far the best ruckman in the competition this season and he doesn't just do tap outs, which he had the second most for the season. He was equal seventh for clearances and was also a good link for the Kangaroos' midfield. He also had more score involvements out of the elite ruckmen this season. Seriously can't understand how he was not even in the 40.

JUSTINE: Stunned Goldstein was left out. He was seventh in the league for clearances! Is the fact he is off Broadway with the Roos a factor? He certainly deserved it. I felt he had a better season than Melbourne's Max Gawn, who is a wonderful player too.

BRIAN: A telling sign of a great player is if they can perform well in finals. Let's see who step ups when their team needs them most.

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