2023 AFL Player Ratings for Round 22

Stats Insider's AFL Player Ratings have been updated prior to the commencement of Round 22 of the 2023 AFL season.

Our player ratings look to answer the most asked question of footy fans Australia-wide: 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 defender ratings remained unchanged following Round 21 of the 2023 AFL season.

Magpies skipper Darcy Moore is the best key defender in the AFL according to Stats Insider's player ratings despite Collingwood's shock loss to Hawthorn.

AFL Player Ratings: General Defenders

1. Jordan Dawson (Adelaide)

2. James Sicily (Hawthorn)

3. Tom Stewart (Geelong)

4. Dan Houston (Port Adelaide)

5. Bailey Dale (Western Bulldogs)

With St Kilda's Jack Sinclair's positional change to a midfielder, Adelaide's Jordan Dawson is the best general defender in the AFL.

Every other player moved up one position, with Western Bulldog Bailey Dale rounding out the top five.

AFL Player Ratings: Midfielders

1. Christian Petracca (Melbourne)

2. Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs)

3. Clayton Oliver (Melbourne)

4. Zach Merrett (Essendon)

5. Nick Daicos (Collingwood)

Melbourne's Christian Petracca is the best midfielder in the AFL after another strong performance, this time against North Melbourne in Tasmania.

Essendon's Zach Merrett was the big mover in the midfielder rankings, shifting into fourth position overall.

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 after playing a key role in Melbourne's come from behind victory over North Melbourne.

Every other position stayed the same, including Western Bulldog Tim English remaining as the second best ruckman in the game. English will be relied upon as the Bulldogs face the Hawks in Round 22.

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 five key forwards in the game all remained the same following Round 21.

Carlton's Charlie Curnow is the best key forward in the AFL, while Adelaide's Taylor Walker maintained his position in second after kicking two goals in Adelaide's victory over Gold Coast.

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)

GWS captain Toby Greene the best general forward in the AFL after there was no change to the player ratings following Round 21.

Richmond's Dustin Martin remained in second position and will be a key figure in the Tigers' match up against St Kilda in Round 22.

AFL Player Ratings: Overall

1. Christian Petracca (Melbourne)

2. Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs)

3. Clayton Oliver (Melbourne)

4. Zach Merrett (Essendon)

5. Nick Daicos (Collingwood) 

6. Jordan Dawson (Adelaide)

7. James Sicily (Hawthorn)

8. Lachie Neale (Brisbane)

9. Zak Butters (Port Adelaide)

10. Toby Greene (GWS)

How We Rank Every AFL Player

Ranking every player in the AFL requires a dedicated undertaking that demands a methodical and data-driven approach.

At Stats Insider, we readily embrace this task by implementing a tailored strategy aimed at crafting precise AFL player assessments. Our procedure involves a comprehensive examination that considers a range of variables, including game summaries, input from coaches, and opinions from AFL media sources. Through this all-encompassing method, we can pinpoint players who have made noteworthy impacts in each match.

To ensure the utmost accuracy in appraising AFL players, we employ a distinctive scoring system reminiscent of the AFL SuperCoach approach. This system empowers us to effectively gauge players' displays on the field.

Our central objective is to offer the most accurate player evaluations within the AFL. We are dedicated to recognising the deserving accomplishments of every player, regardless of whether they are celebrated stars or unsung heroes. Through our assiduous endeavors, we strive to rank every player in the league, affording them the acknowledgment they truly deserve.

(Photo by Graham Denholm/AFL Photos via Getty Images)