Daniel Menzel has gone through every club to name the player who needs to step up big time for their team to play finals.
The former Swans and Cats forward based his verdict for each team on what needs to change or not change for every cub.
“If your team is to win the AFL premiership in 2023, who needs to be your most valuable player for that to happen,” he said on Sportsday SA
“There’s going to be some teams that maybe don’t have a great chance to win it, but which player needs to stand up the most if they are to win it.”
See his choices below or listen to the podcast.
Jordan Dawson
“He can play anywhere for them, I think he’s got to go inside the centre square more for them, he uses the ball as well as anyone in that team.
“If they are to have success this year he needs to be a massive part of what they do.”
Charlie Cameron
“I think when Charlie Cameron is up and about, he’s kicking goals, when he’s dominating in that forward line, he’s their barometer.
“They are going extremely well, they have a great chance this year, and I think that Charlie is the one that has to dominate.”
Sam Walsh
“The point here might be that Patrick Cripps won the Brownlow last year, but they didn’t play finals last year.
“Sam Walsh for mine, he’s the one who’s the most valuable in their team to win the flag.”
Jordan De Goey
“Jordan De Goey is their most valuable player when he’s up and about playing well, dominating inside the centre square then going forward, playing that Dusty (Dustin Martin) like role.
“They can put him in either spot and he’s such a headache for opposition teams.”
Sam Draper
“A little bit left field here… (I don’t think Essendon has a good chance to win the flag) but if Sam Draper was to dominate and be the best ruckman in the comp… they are a chance to make finals and do anything.”
Nat Fyfe
“I really wanted to stick with the ruckman Sean Darcy… but I’m going to go with Nat Fyfe.
“The reason being Nat Fyfe at his best can play in the midfield, can play in the forward line, he is the hardest matchup in the team.
“If he is dominating to the level he’s winning a Brownlow or nearly winning a Brownlow, I think the Dockers can win the flag.”
Jeremy Cameron
“I’m not going to overcomplicate this. They won it last year with Jeremy Cameron arguably the best player in the competition.”
Matt Rowell
“I’m going to go with Matt Rowell. He hasn’t been at the same level as when he came into the competition and absolutely took control… I think if he gets to that level and puts that display on… Matt Rowell has to be their most valuable (if Gold Coast is to play finals).”
Toby Greene
“One of my favourite players to watch, I just hope he stays on the park a bit more.
“When he is playing and dominating games, they are a great team to watch but can also beat anyone.
“If they’re going to make finals this year Toby Greene has to be their most valuable.”
James Sicily
“He is their heart and soul… I don’t think they’re going to play finals but if they are, Sicily has to dominate and really stand up for them.”
Steven May
“When he doesn’t play, their record is not great and it is really difficult for them to hold up without him in the backline.
“Jake Lever is really good back there but he rolls off his man and helps out in the air and he can go that when Steven May is locking away the opposition’s best forward.”
Nick Larkey
“He could be anything. He is a good player but he should ascend to a great player.
“If they’re going to develop and potentially push for finals… Nick Larkey, for mine, is their most valuable.”
Scott Lycett
“I think when he’s in the ruck, they’ve got a few good midfielders he can give that service to, I think he’s really important for them.
“He did it for West Coast when they won a premiership.”
Dustin Martin
“Think about when they won the premierships and who won the Norm Smith Medals… If he gets back to anywhere near his best then they’ve got the complimentary pieces around… I think Dusty is the barometer.”
Max King
“I know he’s injured at the moment but he showed last year if he could kick straighter in games he would have won them at least a handful of games off his own boot.
“He is so important for them.”
Callum Mills
“I found this one a little tougher… I'm going to go with Callum Mills.
“They made the Grand Final last year with him being their most valuable player.
“He was All-Australian, he dominated in the midfield… he can be their most valuable again and they can get back there.”
Nic Naitanui
“When he is absolutely jumping over the other ruckman and dominating in the centre square it’s almost unstoppable.
“I’m not sure he’ll get back to that level but if the Eagles are to contest for finals this year and win an improbable premiership, Naitanui has to be their most valuable player.”
Marcus Bontempelli
“If they put him back in the centre square which I think they will do permanently this year, he could win the Brownlow, he could be their most valuable and he could lead them to another flag.”