2023 AFL Player Ratings for Round 21

Stats Insider's AFL Player Ratings have been updated prior to Round 21 of the 2023 AFL season.

Our player ratings look to answer the age old question asked at footy clubs, pubs and online forums: who is the best player in the AFL?

Check out Stats Insider's latest AFL Player Ratings, sorted by position, and their overall standing across the competition.

MORE: 2023 AFL Player Ratings

AFL Player Ratings: Key Defenders

1. Darcy Moore (Collingwood)

2. Harris Andrews (Brisbane)

3. Sam Taylor (GWS)

4. Jacob Weitering (Carlton)

5. Steven May (Melbourne)

The top five key defenders remained the same after Round 20, with the only change seeing Carlton's Jacob Weitering jumping ahead of Melbourne's Steven May following the Blues' win over Collingwood on Friday.

Darcy Moore is the best key defender in the AFL according to Stats Insider's ratings.

AFL Player Ratings: General Defenders

1. Jack Sinclair (St Kilda)

2. Jordan Dawson (Adelaide)

3. James Sicily (Hawthorn)

4. Dan Houston (Port Adelaide)

5. Tom Stewart (Geelong)

The AFL player ratings for general defenders remained unchanged following Round 20.

St Kilda's Jack Sinclair is the best general defender in the AFL and will be asked to have a big impact as the Saints host the Blues at Marvel Stadium this week.

AFL Player Ratings: Midfielders

1. Christian Petracca (Melbourne)

2. Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs)

3. Clayton Oliver (Melbourne)

4. Nick Daicos (Collingwood)

5. Lachie Neale (Brisbane)

Christian Petracca is the best midfielder in the AFL after a strong showing in Melbourne's win over Richmond. 

Brownlow Medal favourite at Betfair Nick Daicos is ranked the fourth best midfielder in the game.

AFL Player Ratings: Rucks

1. Max Gawn (Melbourne)

2. Tim English (Western Bulldogs)

3. Jarrod Witts (Gold Coast)

4. Rowan Marshall (St Kilda)

5. Sean Darcy (Fremantle)

Melbourne skipper Max Gawn is the best ruck in the AFL following his best on ground performance against Richmond in Round 20.

Tim English moved to second despite his strong showing in the Western Bulldogs' loss to GWS. English will be called upon to have a big impact against the Tigers in Round 21 with Toby Nankervis set to return for Richmond. 

AFL Player Ratings: Key Forwards

1. Charlie Curnow (Carlton)

2. Taylor Walker (Adelaide)

3. Jeremy Cameron (Geelong)

4. Tom Hawkins (Geelong)

5. Joe Daniher (Brisbane)

The top key forwards in the game all remained the same following Round 20.

Carlton's Charlie Curnow is the best key forward in the AFL after a five-goal haul against Collingwood, while Taylor Walker slotted seven goals in Adelaide's win over Port Adelaide in the Showdown.

AFL Player Ratings: General Forwards

1. Toby Greene (GWS)

2. Dustin Martin (Richmond)

3. Isaac Heeney (Sydney)

4. Mitch Owens (St Kilda)

5. Zac Bailey (Brisbane)

The top four general forwards remained the same after Round 20, with Toby Greene the best general forward in the AFL.

The big mover was Zac Bailey, who is now the fifth best general forward in the AFL. Bailey will be relied upon to have a big impact against Fremantle as Brisbane looks to lock down a top two spot.

AFL Player Ratings: Overall

1. Christian Petracca (Melbourne)

2. Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs)

3. Clayton Oliver (Melbourne)

4. Nick Daicos (Collingwood) 

5. Lachie Neale (Brisbane)

6. Jack Sinclair (St Kilda)

7. Toby Greene (GWS)

8. Zach Merrett (Essendon)

9. Jordan Dawson (Adelaide)

10. Charlie Curnow (Carlton)

How We Rank Every AFL Player

Ranking every player in the AFL is an arduous endeavour that necessitates a meticulous and data-centric approach.

At Stats Insider, we embrace this challenge by employing a methodology specifically designed to generate accurate AFL player ratings. Our process entails a thorough analysis that takes into account various factors, such as match reports, coaches votes, and AFL media votes. By employing this comprehensive approach, we can identify players who have made notable contributions in each game.

In order to ensure utmost precision in evaluating AFL players, we utilise a unique scoring methodology akin to AFL SuperCoach. This methodology enables us to effectively assess players' performances on the field.

Our primary goal is to provide the most precise player ratings in the AFL. We are committed to acknowledging the deserving achievements of every player, regardless of their stature as superstars or their underappreciated status as contributors. Through our diligent efforts, we aim to rank each player in the league and give them the recognition they genuinely merit.

(Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)