Who’s the Best? Stats Insider Unveils 2023’s Top AFL Players

Melbourne superstar Christian Petracca ended the 2023 AFL home and away season as the league's best player.

According to Stats Insider's AFL Player Ratings, Petracca is the AFL's best player, finishing ahead of Western Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli and Brisbane on-baller Lachie Neale. 

Stats Insider evaluated 670 players throughout 2023 to give objective, accurate AFL player ratings throughout the home and away season.

Take a look below to see the final results for our 2023 AFL player ratings.

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)

Despite missing the last two games of the 2023 AFL season through injury, Collingwood captain Darcy Moore is the AFL's best key defender. Moore is expected to return for Collingwood's first final against Melbourne.

AFL Player Ratings: General Defenders

1. Jordan Dawson (Adelaide)

2. James Sicily (Hawthorn)

3. Dan Houston (Port Adelaide)

4. Tom Stewart (Geelong)

5. Bailey Dale (Western Bulldogs)

Adelaide skipper Jordan Dawson is the best general defender in the AFL after the conclusion of the 2023 home and away season. Dawson was one of the Crows' best players in Adelaide's win over West Coast in Round 24.

AFL Player Ratings: Midfielders

1. Christian Petracca (Melbourne)

2. Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs)

3. Lachie Neale (Brisbane)

4. Zach Merrett (Essendon)

5. Zak Butters (Port Adelaide)

Melbourne's Christian Petracca is the best midfielder in the AFL after another standout season for the Demons.

Petracca retained the position ahead of Marcus Bontempelli, who finished in second. Lachie Neale made a late charge up the ratings to finish in third, and will be relied upon in Brisbane's first final against Port Adelaide.

AFL Player Ratings: Rucks

1. Max Gawn (Melbourne)

2. Tim English (Western Bulldogs)

3. Rowan Marshall (St Kilda)

4. Jarrod Witts (Gold Coast)

5. Luke Jackson (Fremantle)

Melbourne captain Max Gawn is the best ruck in the AFL after the final round of the 2023 AFL season.

Bulldogs big man Tim English jumped into second spot after a strong performance in the Western Bulldogs win over Geelong in Round 24, while Rowan Marshall moved into third position overall.

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)

Carlton's Charlie Curnow is the best key forward in the AFL after winning back-to-back Coleman Medals. The Blues spearhead will be a key figure when his side face Sydney in their elimination final.

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.

The Giants forward played a key role in GWS' pivotal win over Carlton, which booked his team its place in the 2023 AFL finals series. 

Mitch Owens rounds out the top five, with the rising star expected to play a key role for the Saints as they host the Giants in the first week of the finals.

AFL Player Ratings: Overall

1. Christian Petracca (Melbourne)

2. Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs)

3. Lachie Neale (Brisbane)

4. Zach Merrett (Essendon)

5. Zak Butters (Port Adelaide) 

6. Clayton Oliver (Melbourne)

7. Jordan Dawson (Adelaide)

8. James Sicily (Hawthorn)

9. Toby Greene (GWS)

10. Charlie Curnow (Carlton)

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)