2023 AFL Player Ratings for Round 23

Stats Insider's AFL Player Ratings have been updated prior to the commencement of Round 23 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 22 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 being subbed out of Collingwood's win over Geelong.

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)

The top five general defenders remained unchanged after Round 22, with Adelaide's Jordan Dawson rated as the best general defender in the AFL.

Dawson will be relied upon as the Crows host the Swans in Round 23.

AFL Player Ratings: Midfielders

1. Christian Petracca (Melbourne)

2. Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs)

3. Clayton Oliver (Melbourne)

4. Nick Daicos (Collingwood)

5. Zach Merrett (Essendon)

Melbourne's Christian Petracca is the best midfielder in the AFL.

Zach Merrett shifted down to fifth in the midfielder rankings after having minimal impact in Essendon's win over North Melbourne.

AFL Player Ratings: Rucks

1. Max Gawn (Melbourne)

2. Jarrod Witts (Gold Coast)

3. Tim English (Western Bulldogs)

4. Rowan Marshall (St Kilda)

5. Sean Darcy (Fremantle)

Melbourne captain Max Gawn is the best ruckman in the AFL.

The only positional change within the top five saw Jarrod Witts and Tim English swap between second and third.

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 after helping the Blues overcome the Demons in Round 22.

AFL Player Ratings: General Forwards

1. Toby Greene (GWS)

2. Dustin Martin (Richmond)

3. Isaac Heeney (Sydney)

4. Charlie Cameron (Brisbane)

5. Mitch Owens (St Kilda)

GWS captain Toby Greene the best general forward in the AFL after Round 22.

Charlie Cameron re-entered the top five after a key role in Brisbane's win over the Crows, and he will need a similar impact in Round 23 as the Lions travel to Melbourne to face the Magpies.

AFL Player Ratings: Overall

1. Christian Petracca (Melbourne)

2. Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs)

3. Clayton Oliver (Melbourne)

4. Jordan Dawson (Adelaide)

5. Nick Daicos (Collingwood) 

6. Zach Merrett (Essendon)

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 endeavours, 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)