Coleman Medallist Scott Cummings has predicted who the top 10 players in the AFL will be in 2023.
While the season is still 56 days away and we’re yet to see any official action, Cummings has looked into his crystal ball and picked who he thinks will take the competition by storm in the upcoming campaign.
Cummings’ top 10 includes a player entering his 17th season and even a player in just their second campaign.
While Cummings has named a range of players, he failed to name any defenders or ruckmen with Collingwood’s Darcy Moore and Melbourne’s Max Gawn sitting outside of his list.
“The two that I’ve got out, speaking of defenders, there’s two that I have there and could change my mind on,” Cummings said.
“(One) is Darcy Moore - who is a gun - and Max Gawn, who is an influential game-changing type of player.”
Check out Cummings’ top 10 players for 2023 below (in no particular order).
Dustin Martin (Richmond
Cummings says: “I’m starting with Dusty Martin, I reckon he’s going to be back and big.
“He’s had a couple of years with injury, he’s still one of the best but not at the Dusty level we know and love … I think he’s in for a big year.”
Tom Hawkins (Geelong)
Cummings says: “I’ve got Tom Hawkins in there, he’s a Coleman Medallist and had the most goal assists in the competition as well.
“He has a huge impact on every game.”
Andrew Brayshaw (Fremantle)
Cummings says: “Andy Brayshaw is absolutely in there, absolutely.
“He was sensational last year and he got the accolades he deserved.”
Nick Daicos (Collingwood)
Cummings says: “Nick Daicos will be in the top 10.
“If I was a gambling man, I’d have a little look at his Brownlow odds, I think he’s going to be an absolute standout Nick Daicos.”
Clayton Oliver (Melbourne)
Cummings says: “Clayton Oliver will be in there again because of the impact he has.
“I don’t get sucked in by people who get 30-40 possessions and don’t do much with it, but he allows everyone around him to be much, much better.”
Lachie Neale (Brisbane)
Cummings says: “Lachie Neale will be back in business.
“Having (Josh) Dunkley there will be a huge boost for Lachie Neale to take a bit of attention off him, he’ll be really damaging.”
Charlie Curnow (Carlton)
Cummings says: “Charlie Curnow is the other forward I’ve got.
“Charlie will play further up the ground in a really pivotal role, he will be dominant.”
Patrick Cripps (Carlton)
Cummings says: “I’ve got Patrick Cripps in there, he’s a bull, he seems fit.
“He just got married, he looks happy.”
Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs)
Cummings says: “The Bont is in there as well.”
Christian Petracca (Melbourne)
Cummings says: “The last one is Christian Petracca.”