2023 Player Ratings

[GVGjr]

Code Sports / Herald Sun have come up with their player rankings by club.

Here is their assessment of our list

Marcus Bontempelli
9.5
Battled some injury concerns last year but looks to be in the best condition he has been for some time. Has the capacity to dominate in the midfield but also go forward and impact the scoreboard, which is a rare commodity. Things happen when he gets the ball. Superstar.

Aaron Naughton
9.5
The Bulldogs’ No.1 focal point who plays with great conviction and courage. The one constant in his game is his fierce competition to win the ball. His follow-up work at ground level is elite for a player of his size (he had the Dogs’ most forward half tackles last year).

Tom Liberatore
9.0
Incredible stoppage player who kick-starts their offence due to his great vision. He is also bloody tough. Anyone who has seen him at training this year knows he is at peak fitness and ready to go. Will step up to blunt the impact of Josh Dunkley’s exit.

Jack Macrae
8.5
Mr Consistency who has an uncanny knack of getting to where the ball is. He reads the game as well as anyone in the game, and he is always on the move which is why he is such a great accumulator of the ball.

Bailey Smith
8.5
Super talent who has good speed and endurance, which is a difficult combination to master, and he can light up a game with his ball use. We’d love to see him improve his conversion in 2023 as he managed a disappointing 6.10 last season. Hitting the scoreboard more often is his challenge.

Tim English
8.0
This must be the year where he elevates himself into one of the top three ruckmen in the AFL. He now looks at home competing against the best big men in the game. His running power is elite for a 208cm player and he has shaken off a preseason hamstring scare to be ready to take on Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy in Round 1.

Bailey Dale
8.0
Has taken his game to a new level since being a constant down back. Seriously good player who provides great counter-attack through effective, smart and often aggressive ball use.

Caleb Daniel
7.5
‘Mr Flexible’ who can play in a variety of roles, which is invaluable for the coaching staff. Don’t be surprised to see him spend more time in the midfield at times this season, where his deft kicking and creativity can flourish just as much as we have seen in the past from his work down back.

Adam Treloar
7.5
Has always been the consummate professional in getting the best out of himself, evidenced by the way he has worked back from preseason ankle surgery. High possession winner who added goalkicking to his CV last year, with 15 goals from 22 games (his most in a season).

Cody Weightman
7.5
This rating might need to be revised soon. Is considered a small forward, but he doesn’t play like one. He is not dissimilar to Collingwood’s Jamie Elliott, who plays taller than his centimetre count. He was the third most targeted forward behind Naughton and Ugle-Hagan last year. What’s next? Attending centre bounces and more midfield minutes!

Liam Jones
6.5
One of the most intriguing list decisions in recent years. And it just might be a masterstroke. He is back in the AFL system after spending last year playing in Queensland, given he chose not to comply with the league’s vaccination policy. Coming back to top level footy is never easy, given the game is so uncompromising, so this will be a fascinating watch. Seems certain to play Round 1.

Ryan Gardner
6.5
Has had elbow surgery following the club’s intra-club in Ballarat, but hopefully it won’t impact too heavily on the early part of the season. With Liam Jones’ return, Gardner becomes the lockdown defender. The club loves him so much he is locked away until the end of 2026.

Taylor Duryea
6.0
Brings great experience and leadership to the Bulldogs’ defensive end. He possesses two traits that Bevo would absolutely love - competitiveness and reliability. His season last year was interrupted by injury. Thankfully, he was cleared of a serious neck injury in the final practice match against North Melbourne.

Sam Darcy
6.0
Buckle up Doggies fans, you are watching an emerging star before your eyes. Love the exponential growth in a player so young. Can play forward and back. Our preference long-term would be seeing him as a permanent forward.

Rory Lobb
6.0
Recruited from the Dockers to add potency to a forward line that includes Naughton and Ugle-Hagan, as well as ruck relief for English. Must look to push into the 40-goal bracket (he kicked 36 last year). If he does that, the 30-year-old’s recruitment can be a success story.

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan
6.0
Slow start to his AFL career, but he is starting to grow into his body. A natural forward who finds space and showed good signs of his development last season. Who could forget his five-goal haul against Melbourne’s quality defence? That effort needs to be the baseline for what looks like being a good year ahead.

Alex Keath
6.0
His body transformation heading into 2023 is compelling. He looks lighter which will help running capacity. Had hamstring problems last year which held him back a bit, but the Doggies will be hoping he can get his agility back. Hopefully his hard work will be rewarded.

Bailey Williams
5.5
Looks like being one of their first picked wingers after moving to that role last year. The fact he has spent so much time in defence allows him to understand why a sliding wingman is so important to the functionality of team defence.

Jason Johannisen
5.5
One-time Norm Smith Medal winner who still brings flexibility to the team. Had calf issues last year which dulled his impact. Line-breakers like him are so valuable to any team and he comes with the added bonus that he can play back or forward.

Toby Mclean
5.5
Has had a wrenched run with knee injuries in the past few years, and has been sorely missed. Just two games last year, including the elimination final, if he has some luck with his body, he can provide another avenue to goal but also add some midfield depth, as he has the capabilities to influence games. His rating would then rise, too.

Ed Richards
5.5
This bloke is evolving and improving before our eyes. Quick and balanced, he enjoyed a strong second half of last season, even if it ended in a disappointing final. That performance should sting him into action. Will be an important part of the backline. Could he rise to a 7/10 rating by season’s end?

Anthony Scott
5.5
Role player who is suited to the wing or the forward half of the ground, given he can hit the scoreboard. He needs to do it more consistently when given the opportunity. But the Doggies like him and he was impressive in an intra-club and a practice match against North Melbourne. (Rookie)

Hayden Crozier
5.5
Experienced campaigner who is a dependable, combative defender willing to back his instincts both in the air and with the ball in his hands. Will have to fight hard to lock in a rebounding spot in this team, but looks up for the challenge.

Riley Garcia
5.0
We’ve liked what we have seen from him so far over the preseason. He has the capacity to become an extra number to their midfield. He brings good ball use and poise in an area of the ground that is often congested and frenetic. Eager to win a consistent, regular spot.

Rhylee West
5.0
Brings a hard edge to the forward 50 with pressure and his ability to kick a goal. He kicked 11.9 from his 14 games last year, but will be looking for more midfield minutes this season. Can he replicate his father Scott’s development and in time become a permanent mid and a club champion?

Oskar Baker
5.0
Sometimes a new environment can work wonders for players. Brought in to help cover the loss of Lachie Hunter on the wing, and he will likely get a chance to fill that role as early as round 1. Has a point to prove after his Demons’ delisting. Just needs to do it on a consistent basis. (Rookie)

Roarke Smith
4.5
Endurance athlete, who runs hard up and down the ground as a winger, and he could form a three-way rotation through that part of the ground with Bailey Williams and Oskar Baker. Always gives his all. (Rookie)

Laitham Vandermeer
4.5
Rotten luck for the speedster who suffered a recent foot fracture and will miss the early part of the season. It’s a shame. His speed and goal-kicking nous is a valuable asset to the Bulldogs when he is at his best. Let’s hope this is the last of his injury setbacks.

Mitch Hannan
4.5
Solid depth player who brings an element of hardness to the forward 50 as well as good goal-kicking nous. He is a bit like a buoy in the ocean - he can bob up when you least expect it. Opposition teams shouldn’t underestimate him.

Buku Khamis
4.5
It won’t be an easy forward line to get into this year, especially with the addition of Lobb, but Khamis is continuing to develop as a player. Has good power and strength, and brings dynamism to the forward line. Made life difficult early on for Josh Bruce in the Ballarat intra-club match. (Rookie)

Josh Bruce
4.5
The Bulldogs’ forward strength has forced Bruce’s hand to transform into a defender, a role he filled at times with the Giants in his AFL infancy. It won’t be an easy transition as his decision-making with ball in hand is an issue. Not convinced he is in the Bulldogs’ best 23 but he is doing everything he can to slot in there.

Robbie McComb
4.5
Mature-aged rookie who is still a work in progress. Not sure he is a lock in the club’s best 23, but the coach had enough faith in him to select him 15 times last year. The one certainty is he will work hard to fill a role, even if he has to start as the sub on occasions. (Rookie)

Lachlan McNeil
4.5
Another versatile player who may have to bide his time waiting for opportunities. Can play several roles, including through the wing and midfield, but that is an area of strength for this team. All he can do is be ready and keep presenting as an opportunity is bound to come. (Rookie)

Tim O’Brien
4.5
Provides selection options for the Dogs as he can play both ends. But while he is a jack of all trades, he isn’t quite a master of any at this stage. He is yet to bed down a permanent spot and as a 28-year-old he needs to start doing it now.

Jordon Sweet
4.0
He played six games last year, but he will still find it tough to consistently break into a team that has English and Lobb likely to work as No.1 and back-up rucks. Even though he is 25, and craving regular opportunities, he might still need to play the waiting game.

Domenic Bedendo
4.0
Good sized mid who adds versatility and got a taste of it last year. Can play both on the outside and inside in the future, but for this year will find it hard to crack a regular spot.

Luke Cleary
3.5
Defender who played four games last year, but is competing for spots with the likes of Dale, Daniel and Richards. Is a handy player to have waiting in the wings. Well regarded at the club, and has to be ready to go if an early opportunity presents itself.

Arthur Jones
3.5
Could he be a round 1 bolter if Weightman doesn’t play? This kid has got some tricks as he showed in the preseason. Has good goal sense and is a beautifully balanced player. He still has a light frame which he needs to work on. Has the talent to break to create an impression at stages of this season.

Jedd Busslinger
3.5
Was rated as one of the best defenders in last year’s draft crop as evidenced by the fact the Bulldogs used pick 13 on him. Can mark and intercept the ball, which are assets required these days. He will fine tune his craft at VFL level, so let’s be patient.

Charlie Clarke
3.0
Second round draft pick who has natural forward instincts and he knows where the goals are. May get a taste of it at some stage, but has had an interrupted preseason. No hurry!

Harvey Gallagher
3.0
Another from the Dogs’ 2022 draft crop who will be given time to develop. The hope is he will become a multi-positional player of the future. Just get games into him at VFL level.

Cody Raak
2.0
Bulldogs Next Generation Academy player who got some valuable experience in the VFL last season. Defender who is a decent kick. This will be a hard team to break into. (Rookie)

[Flipper]

Thanks for posting, was there any sort of explanation of how the scores were scaled it have they just looked at a player and signed a value?

Ed Richards seems very low compared to others.
Darcy is quite high based off a handful of games.
Not sure how Oscar Baker gets above the players he has.

[GVGjr]

Thanks for posting, was there any sort of explanation of how the scores were scaled it have they just looked at a player and signed a value?

Ed Richards seems very low compared to others.
Darcy is quite high based off a handful of games.
Not sure how Oscar Baker gets above the players he has.

In a huge undertaking comprising countless hours combined with intel from dozens of insiders, one of the game’s best footy minds Mick McGuane and one of the Herald Sun’s longest serving footy writers Glenn McFarlane joined forces to assess the 2023 prospects of every player currently on an AFL list.

That’s almost 800 players across 18 clubs spread out across six states!

The ground rules were simple; the outcome was anything but.

McGuane and McFarlane were given the herculean task of providing a rating out of 10 for all the listed and rookie players across the competition.

The ratings were based on what sort of impact that player has the potential to achieve this season - not on what they have done in the past or what they could do deep into the future.

It is purely based on 2023, a quest to project the upper spiral of their AFL capabilities this season.

That’s why some of those players who are going into the season under an injury cloud have been marked slightly harder than they could have been if they had had a seamless pre-season.

From the outset, they resolved to give no 10/10s, as no one can ever be considered the perfect player.

Everyone has scope for improvement. The best of the best know that more than anyone else, as evidenced by the likes of Clayton Oliver, Patrick Cripps and Marcus Bontempelli who work as hard - if not harder - as anyone else to ensure they get better year on year.

Only eight players from seven different clubs rated the top billing at 9.5/10.

New draftees’ ratings or young players ranged from 6/10 to 2.5/10, depending on how close they are to selection, or in Will Ashcroft’s case, who is the short-priced favourite to win the Rising Star.

Rookies and Category B players, some of whom won’t get a look in this year unless something extraordinary happens, received some of the lowest rankings. But that is not a spray on their talent. It is purely because they are not expected to play senior AFL footy this season.

Players who are set to miss the entire season were allocated a flat 1/10, purely as a result of the fact they can still contribute to what goes on behind closed doors. For instance, Zac Williams won’t play a game for Carlton this year due to his knee reconstruction, but it won’t stop him having an impact within the club.

There was lively debate, and even a few crossed words at times, on certain players with some of the more contentious ones including Melbourne superstar Christian Petracca.

Petracca was rated 9/10, even though Mark Robinson rated him as the second best player in the AFL in his Top 50.

[Grantysghost]

They finally nailed Libba. This is a good list.

I didn’t have Petracca or Oliver in my top ten. I think the way Melbourne play Gawn and May are their two most important/best. Clearly both very good players Id have in 11 - 20.

However neither are captain like Cripps and Bont which goes a long way to me when rating importance.

They’d be my first two mids picked, then Brayshaw (Freo) who also has outstanding leadership traits.

[The Doctor]

Think Richards is at least a 7

[1eyedog]

Richards at 5.5 missed the mark.

[GVGjr]

Richards at 5.5 missed the mark.

Seems the same for me. Not bad otherwise.
McGuane mentioned to me how much he rated Liberatore and the ratings reflect that.

[Mantis]

Think Richards is at least a 7

I would think he's about a 6 to 6.5 at present... would like to think he gets to an 8 by year end.

[1eyedog]

Agreed 6.5 heading into this year he had an outstanding season last year and should have been rewarded more than he has been. His ceiling is 8 this year, Bailey Dale level.

High draft selection, 85 games and edging 24 years of age it's his time to shine.

[1eyedog]

Double Post

[Mofra]

Weird to apply different ratings to draftees, especially considering they've had interrupted pre-seasons.

[Bulldog4life]

Think Richards is at least a 7

Yep I would say at least 6.5.