Herald Sun chief football writer Mark Robinson’s annual list of the Top 50 players in the AFL generates plenty of debate in footy circles when it’s released and this year’s edition is no different..
The Western Bulldogs’ Jake Stringer made it into the top 10 for the first time, and Marcus Bontempelli and Bob Murphy also found a place amongst the top 50, however it was the omission of Sutton Medallist Easton Wood that would have caught the attention of the red, white and blue faithful.
The Dogs had three players in the list, placing them alongside Geelong, Fremantle, Port Adelaide and Adelaide as the teams with the fourth most players on the list. Hawthorn has the most, with eight.
In selecting the Bulldogs trio into his Top-50, and omitting Wood, this is what Robinson used to support his selections.
10: Jake Stringer
“The bolter. It’s not a case of Jake in the top 50, it’s a case of where. I’ve got him high. He’s 22 in April, he’s already an All-Australian and set to elevate his game. Great combo of strength, speed, goal sense and attitude.”
30: Marcus Bontempelli
“Did I say (Dylan Shiel) is the emerging star? This young man – he’s just 20 – might be the best of the group. Some rate him higher than Stringer.”
43: Robert Murphy
“Career 2015 season for Bob and speed/agility should be a problem in 2016. Shaw, Burgoyne and Murphy just have to be in the top 50 because they are so valuable.”
Easton Wood
“Mike Sheahan used to always have a 51st player, and Easton Wood was mine.
“Look, I went with Heath Shaw, Shaun Burgoyne, Josh Gibson, Bob Murphy, Harry Taylor and Alex Rance as my defenders, and was pretty heavy on the emerging players.
"Yes, Wood was unlucky because the intercept defender is gold.”
