AFL legend Malcolm Blight has named the most important player for each side remaining in the finals race.
Blight completed the exercises with David Wildy on SEN Sportsday SA where they went through each team from first to 13th on the ladder.
While St Kilda and Adelaide are still technically in the finals race if they have near-perfect back ends to the season, the duo didn’t consider them given there’s an eight-point gap from the Hawks in 13th to the Saints in 14th.
Check out Blight’s pick for each finals hopeful below!
Sydney - Brodie Grundy
“You know who I’m going to say? Grundy, he has been the difference,” Blight said on SEN Sportsday SA.
“He has been magnificent. Last year they just missed out and I reckon that one ruckman was the key to it.
“Grundy is the pick.”
Carlton - Sam Walsh
“I would have gone (Patrick) Cripps, he’s so important and we know that, but I think Walsh coming back into the team (has made them better).
“I just think his run and use of the football … we’re splitting straws, but I like Walsh.
“He’s just young, fit and hard.”
Fremantle - Alex Pearce
“I’m going the skipper … Pearce is a brute of a man and is rarely beaten.
“When he comes back in he’s the lynchpin of their backline and I think along with Harris Andrews that he is a top-two key defender in the competition.”
Essendon - Zach Merrett
“He’s been very, very consistent.
“They’re an even team but it’s definitely Zach Merrett.”
Geelong - Patrick Dangerfield
“It’s nearly Jeremy Cameron, but a fit Patrick Dangerfield (makes a huge difference).
“Their midfield needs Dangerfield, without him, it doesn’t function.”
Port Adelaide - Jason Horne-Francis
“I’m going with Horne-Francis, I think he’s been better than the other two (Connor Rozee and Zak Butters).
“I reckon Jason Horne-Francis is so important.”
Brisbane - Oscar McInerney
“I love Lachie Neale, but I reckon if Oscar doesn’t play, they don’t have anywhere to go.
“He’s the key to them going forward.”
GWS - Sam Taylor
“I like Sam Taylor, he’s wounded, but they need him (back).”
Collingwood - Nick Daicos
“I’m on the page with Nick Daicos. But Jordan De Goey can take the big mark, kick the big goal and get his own ball.
“The combination of those two (is huge). I’m staying with Nick, but Jordan is close.”
Melbourne - Max Gawn
“Of course, it is Max Gawn.”
Western Bulldogs - Marcus Bontempelli
“That’s the easiest one of all.”
Gold Coast - Noah Anderson
“He’s their most consistent player.”
Hawthorn - Will Day
“I’ve got Will Day, I’m the same.”
