PATRICK DANGERFIELD 

One of the game's real superstars, the 24-year-old from Moggs Creek is a contested king. Dangerfield's combination of strength and explosive athleticism make him almost unstoppable when at full flight. He regularly accumulates at least 30 possessions a game and the bulk of those are contested – he wins his own football. His speed then allows him to accelerate free from a pack into space and if he's anywhere near the forward 50 he's able to convert. Dangerfield's goal-of-the-year contender against Greater Western Sydney in round five showcased his best: at a centre bounce he muscled Tom Scully out of the contest and broke a tackle, before taking a bounce and nailing the goal from outside 50.

KEY 2014 STATS: 22 games played. Only midfielder to rate elite for contested possessions, intercept possessions and clearances last season.

 

At full-back, Talia doesn't have the weaponry to win matches for the Crows offensively … but he's proven on countless occasions already in his 76-game career that his smothering of key forwards can be the difference between victory and defeat. His 2014 season was his best yet, keeping the likes of Nick Riewoldt, Jarryd Roughead and Jack Riewoldt goalless while conceding an average of just 1.4 goals a game. He held his opponent goalless on seven occasions and earned All Australian selection as well as winning the Crows' best and fairest award. Adelaide's midfield bats deep but although it recently drafted a number of key defensive options, right now Talia's fitness and presence down back makes him the club's most important player.

KEY 2014 STATS: 22 games played. Allowed his opponent to take a mark from five of 108 one-on-one contests he has defended last season. This was the seventh best result of the top 50 players for contests defended.