Lids ranked 49th by his peers.
The top 50 AFL players, as ranked by the players themselves: 50-41afl.com.au
March 10, 2015FOR THE second year, in conjunction with the AFL Players' Association, we've surveyed the AFL players to find out who they think make up the game's top 50.
Players from all 18 clubs took part in the survey, with 105 players receiving at least one vote.
There are 14 players in this year's players' top 50 who did not feature in last season's list. Three of those retired last year (Dean Cox, Darren Glass and Lenny Hayes).
Fourteen of the top 20 players on the list are from last year's finalists.
We start with players 50-41, with the countdown continuing until Friday, March 27, when the AFL's No.1 player – according to his peers – is revealed.
50. Steele Sidebottom
49. Brett DeledioRichmond
Forward/midfielder
Last year's ranking: 30 (-19)
Official AFL Player Rating: 54
Debut: 2005
Games: 214
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $548,000
The 27-year-old spent more time forward last season and finished first for the Tigers in scoring involvements and second in scoreboard impact from round 12 onwards. Fitness staff have managed the vice-captain carefully during pre-season to avoid flaring up an Achilles problem that cost him four games at the start of last year, but he is expected to be ready to go in round one. Kicked 20 goals and was involved in 33 per cent of Richmond's scores last season. Will likely again be used in a forward role, with coaches knowing he can make life difficult for opponents.
48. Dane Swan
47. Travis Cloke
46. Luke Bruest
45. Matthew Pavlich
44. Ryan Griffen
43. Josh Kennedy (WCE)
42. Jimmy Bartel
41. Shaun Burgoyne
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-03-10/players-top-50-5041