Kane’s Countdown: The AFL players who deserve more credit

Kane Cornes has listed the 10 AFL players he believes deserve more credit.

These aren’t underrated players, but guys who perhaps fly under the radar when it comes to media and fan adulation.

“With players coming back to pre-season training I thought about some players in the competition that don't get the love that they deserve,” Cornes said on SEN Summer Run.

“We speak about the stars a lot, we talk about the big names and the big guns and the young stars. We don't often talk about the next group of players that I want to go through.

“These players deserve more credit. I don't necessarily think some of them are underrated, but we just need to give them more credit.”

Kane’s Countdown

(in no particular order)

Connor Macdonald (Hawthorn)

“Is building into a future star of this competition and I think we've been late to the party.

“Not at Hawthorn, they know he’s a gun. He finished fourth in their best and fairest. He was voted their most improved player.

“He has attributes that I think will make him a star of the competition. I think he's going to be really important with the role he plays.

“Everyone wants one of what he's got - forward, crafty, unselfish, can play some midfield minutes if you need.

“I liked his year and think we need to start just recognising him. So, watch on him for a huge breakout year in 2027.”

Josh Battle (Hawthorn)

“He just gets the big jobs every week. And I know he's an All-Australian, so people go, ‘Oh, he's an All-Australian, how could he not be rated?’, blah, blah, blah, whinge, whinge, whinge, whatever.

“He gets the big jobs every week and just does it with a minimum of fuss. A great recruit and I think we should give him a bit more love.”

Jack Buckley (GWS)

“He only played nine games for the Giants this year, but I just think he's one of the best key defenders in the game.

“He and Sam Taylor are my favourite one-two together. When Buckley and Taylor are both fit and together, they're the two I'd pick as the best one-two key defensive punch in the competition.

“I hope he stays fit, he's had his issues, but when fit, a star.”

Aliir Aliir (Port Adelaide)

“Aliir Aliir has been one of Port Adelaide's best ever recruits. I really do.

“He's been one of my favourite Port Adelaide players to watch for a long time.

“Rarely does he play poorly. Yes, he makes the odd error, which is slightly frustrating, but that's what happens when you consume as much football as what he does.

“He’s almost the best intercept mark in football and that's a huge compliment. He’s a star, I love everything about him.

“He’s a joy to watch. He makes me happy when I watch him. I think he's had a huge career and been a great recruit.”

Nate Caddy (Essendon)

“This might be controversial, but Nate Caddy deserves more credit for what this young man is doing, singlehandedly as Essendon's focal point with zero help.

“He kicked 46 goals in a team that won two games. We haven't spoken about that enough.

“Star. And I've never been more confident in a young player that they are going to be an absolute star of the competition than what I am with Nate Caddy.

“He's competitive, he is loyal, he is a hard worker, and he has genuine attributes that are going to make him a star. I love him.”

Heath Chapman (Fremantle)

“On the complete opposite of that spectrum is Heath Chapman from Fremantle.

“He just gets his job done every single week and I have enormous faith in him that the role and the task that he has been given he gets it done.

“I think he's underrated with his intercepting ability, his lockdown ability, he's a good size, he's got a long reach. And no one speaks about Chapman at all.

“He’s still only 24 by the way. I think he's going to have a huge career.”

Sam Durham (Essendon)

“Sam Durham is one of my favourites. In any other good midfield, he would be recognised as a top 15-20 midfielder in football.

“I think he's a gun, tough, aggressive. I want him to captain the Bombers. He's good in the air, he’s tough, tackles, wins clearances. Love him.”

Shaun Mannagh (Geelong)

“Finished third in Geelong's best and fairest. He kicked 38 goals and he had 25 goal assists.

“I know Champion Data rate him, they have him off the charts when it comes to their player ratings metrics.

“But I think the rest of the football population has been late to the party.”

Massimo D'Ambrosio (Hawthorn)

“Is now one of the best wingmen in football, and what you don't realise with him is how courageous he is and how good he is in the air for his size.

“And just a beautiful kick. Top 10 kick in football. Plays his role perfectly and I think he's a gun.”

Paul Curtis (North Melbourne)

“I know North Melbourne people love him and recognise his talents.

“If I was betting on who's going to win the small man Coleman, Nick Watson would clearly be the runaway favourite, but don't be surprised if Paul Curtis - if he doesn't get himself suspended - wins the small man Coleman this year.

“Kicked a bag of six, I think he kicked three or more six times, averaged two goals a year in a poor-ish side.

“When they start winning, Paul Curtis, superstar potential.”