Jordan Dawson
In his third year at the Adelaide Crows Jordan Dawson continued to grow as a player and a captain. It was an overall disappointing year for the Crows as they finished 15th on the ladder, however Dawson still had a solid season. In 2024 Dawson averaged 24.5 disposals, five marks, 6.1 tackles and 3.1 clearances. Dawson’s best game this season was in round six where the Crows took on the Bombers, registering 31 disposals, seven marks, nine tackles, three clearances and two goals. Overall Dawson had a very good season for the Crows and will be looking to lead his side to the finals next season.
Darcy Fogarty
Darcy Fogarty had another very solid year for the Crows despite the tough season. Fogarty averaged 10.9 disposals, 4.8 marks and 1.8 goals this season. His best game this season was back in round 19 against the Bombers where he had 17 disposals, eight marks and four goals. The Fog ended the season with a career best 41 goals and found some good consistency during the year, having a stretch of nine games where he kicked two or more goals. With another season under his belt as the Crows key forward Fogarty will be looking to build off this year’s success going into 2025.
Mitch Hinge
After signing a new contract at the start of the season Mitch Hinge proved he was worth it as he had his best season so far in the AFL. Hinge averaged 22 disposals, 4.9 marks and 2.5 tackles a game – which were all career highs. He played a big role in the Crows backline as he was one of their main guys taking kick outs. This showed on the stat sheet as he averaged 5.1 rebound 50s which was once again again a career high. Hinge’s best performance this season was in round 14 when the Crows took on the Swans, with 33 disposals, eight marks, five tackles and three clearances in the game. After a big season Hinge will be looking to build on it heading into next year.
Luke Pedlar
Luke Pedlar did not have the ideal season he would have been hoping for at the start of 2024. He was in and out of the side at the start of the season before suffering a season ending shoulder injury in round seven. In the four games Hinge played he did not make a big impact like he did in the previous season, only averaging 5.8 disposals, 1.8 marks and a tackle. Pedlar did not have the best of starts to the season despite the injury. However after nearly half a season to recover plus the off season Pedlar should be back better than ever in 2025.
Lachie Neale
Once again Lachie Neale has had a Brownlow calibre season for the Lions in 2024. Neale avenged 29.5 disposals, 4.6 marks, 3.2 tackles and 7.5 clearances. After a slow start to the season the Kid from Kyby helped get the Lions to the post-season with the team just missing out on the top four as they finished fifth on the ladder. Neale and the Lions are set to play the Blues on Saturday night at the Gabba. To add to the achievements of the season Neale was also selected in the All Australian team on the interchange – his fourth time selected in the team. Neale’s best game this season was in round 17 against the Crows where he had 36 disposals, nine marks, 10 clearances and three goals. With still a lot more footy to play this season Neale and the Lions will be looking to make another push to the grand final.
Lincoln McCarthy
Lincoln McCarthy’s season was cut short by a torn ACL. Before the injury McCarthy played eight games where he averaged 12.3 disposals, 3.8 marks, 2.6 tackles and a goal. With the injury happening in May McCarthy will be pushing to make a recovery before the start of next season but may miss a couple of games early on.
Jeremy Cameron
Jeremy Cameron has had another great season for the Cats in 2024. Cameron averaged 16.2 disposals, 6.2 marks and 2.6 goals a game. Goal-kicking wise Jezza had a great season, kicking 58 majors and finishing second in the Coleman Medal. He was also named an All Australian for the fourth time in his career. Cameron’s best game this season was in round 24 where he had 14 disposals, nine marks and a career high nine goals from 12 kicks. This season Cameron and the Cats finished third on the ladder and will play the Power tonight in Adelaide.
Brad Close
In 2024 Brad Close had another solid season for the Cats. Close averaged 12.3 disposals, 2.8 marks, 2.4 tackles and a goal a game. The former Northie started the season strong, kicking a goal in 18 of his first 19 games but slowed down a bit near the end of the home and away season as he has not kicked a goal in his last four games. Close will have to get back to his best tonight as the Cats push to make another grand final.
Mason Redman
Mason Redman had another good season for the Bombers despite how their season ended. Redman averaged 21.1 disposals, six marks and 1.7 tackles. Defensively Red dog had another good year as he averaged 2.1 intercept marks – the same as last season. Redman’s best game was in round nine where he had 26 disposals, 12 marks and a goal. After starting the season strong Redman and the Bombers ran out of gas late in the season and failed to make finals again. After learning from their mistakes they will be looking to make a finals run next season
Rowan Marshall
Rowan Marshall had one of his best seasons in 2024 for the Saints. Marshall averaged 20.7 disposals, 5.8 marks, 4.3 tackles, 5.7 clearances and 26.4 hit outs this season. He had some big games this season with his biggest coming in round 10 against the Dockers with a career high 31 disposals, seven marks, nine tackles, eight clearances and 39 hit outs. Despite the good season Marshall was unlucky not to make the All Australian squad. After the Saints missed the finals Marshall will be looking to have another good season and lead his side into the post-season.
Tom McDonald
After a season full of injuries in 2023 Tom McDonald was back and healthy in 2024. McDonald had a solid season for the Dees, averaging 14.4 disposals, six marks and 6.3 spoils a game. He was very good in defence this season as he took 49 intercept marks, which is the second most he has taken in a season. The Dees did not have the best season in 2024 as they finished 14th on the ladder. Next season McDonald and the Dees will be looking to get back to their best as they push to win another flag.
Toby Pink
It was a big year for Toby Pink as he finally broke into an AFL side and made his debut after not playing a game for the Swans in 2017-19. Pink played 15 games this season and made his debut in round 1 against the Giants where he had a solid game. Pink’s best game this season was in round 18 against the Swans where he had seven disposals and two goals. With a season of AFL games under his belt Pink will continue to get better at the Roos with the rest of the young squad as they look to improve on the small success they had in 2024.
