Nick Vlastuin [merged]

[one-eyed]

The 10 most underrated players in the AFL

Andrew Slevison
SEN
16 Dec 2025

Nick Vlastuin (Richmond)

The fans believe Vlastuin is one of the most underrated players in the league and we agree.

A stalwart in defence for the Tigers, the ever-composed Vlastuin has been a model of consistency over his 255-game career which has included three premierships.

Richmond’s intercept king has finished top four in the best and fairest on five occasions - including twice in premiership seasons - highlighting his importance to the yellow and black.

Vlastuin is an elite defender at club level and that only extends to the league side of things where he ranks in the top 10 for intercept possessions and top 5 for intercept marks.

Somehow he’s still not an All-Australian which is criminal.

https://www.sen.com.au/news/2025/12/16/afl-2026-who-are-the-most-underrated-players-sen-fan-survey-results

[one-eyed]

Top 30 AFL stars over 30

Ben Cotton
Fox Sports
January 15th, 2026

18. NICK VLASUTIN (RICHMOND)

Can we get this man an All-Australian blazer already? The three-time flag defender has been one of the premier backs of the modern era. But despite the Tigers’ slide in recent years, the 31-year old is still playing at a high level and capable of playing on — and beating — a variety opponents. Could well be coming off his best season yet; he ranked No. 4 in the AFL in intercepts and No. 11 in rebound 50s and averaged 19.1 disposals and 6.1 marks per game. Held up remarkably well against a high volume of opposition inside 50s as the leader of a back six that was constantly under the pump.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2026-top-30-afl-players-over-30-ranked-stats-analysis-opinion-marcus-bontempelli-jeremy-cameron-zach-merrett-max-gawn-latest-news/news-story/da7e8f6c42fd23dd8ba516e6497fa346