The Top 8: NSW/ACT AFL players’ wrap

NSW pair Taylor Walker and Taylor Duryea clash during their sides' semi-final. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media)

With the AFL season now complete we take a look a closer look at the NSW/ACT players whose clubs took part in September action.

Adelaide

Taylor Walker (Broken Hill)

Walker was appointed captain of the Adelaide prior to the start of the 2015 season and helped guide the crows to a Semi Final appearance. The forward also led his club well following the tragic death of head coach Phil Walsh. Walker kicked 59 goals from his 23 games this season including hauls of six and seven against North Melbourne and Brisbane.

Fremantle

Craig Moller (Sydney University)

The young ruckman didn’t manage a senior game for the table topping Dockers this year, playing 20 WAFL games for Peel Thunder.

Hawthorn

Luke Breust (Temora)

Another big season for the Hawthorn forward, capped off with a third straight premiership medal. Breust missed one game for the season, kicking 52 goals along the way, including six in the Qualifying Final win over the Crows.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcGNHi1VY6w

Taylor Duryea (Murray Bushrangers)

A great season for the 24 year old who was able to win his second flag, missing only a handful of games. The speedy defender became a crucial element to the Hawks side, delivering excellent performances in both the Preliminary and Grand Finals.

Lachlan Langford (East Sydney)

The rookie wasn’t able to break into the Box Hill Hawks senior side but had a promising season in the Development League. The midfielder was amongst his side’s best in a 1-point Grand Final loss.

Will Langford (East Sydney)

Langford wasn’t able to reach the same heights as his breakout 2014 despite managing 13 senior games. The inside midfielder was in and out of the side after a Round 8 injury. The 23-year-old will be hoping to find fitness and consistency in 2016.

Isaac Smith (Redan)

A huge season for Smith was rounded off by his third straight premiership. The exciting winger kicked 3 goals and was amongst the best in the Grand Final. The Riverina local confirmed his title as one of the most damaging runners in the competition, averaging 22 disposals a match in 2015.

Isaac Smith knows how to pounce! That's a beauty #AFLGF http://t.co/EnIPjeCnnE

— AFL (@AFL) October 3, 2015

Matt Suckling (Wagga Wagga)

The raking left-footer missed just one game on the way to his second consecutive premiership. Suckling was almost dropped early in the year but regained his form to be a key player for the Hawks. The utility started in the sub vest in the Grand Final but kicked a goal almost immediately after coming on.

Richmond

Anthony Miles (Howlong)

The tough midfielder played every game for the Tigers on their way to a fifth placed finish. Consistent performances throughout the season culminated in fourth place in Richmond Best and Fairest count, a great achievement for the former GIANTS man.

Sydney

Craig Bird (Nelson Bay)

The midfielder managed 6 senior games and 9 NEAFL games as he battled various injuries throughout the season. Played a tagging role when in the senior side but found himself down the pecking order in 2015. The 26-year-old will look to bounce back next season.

Harry Cunningham (Turvey Park)

The pacey outside player had another good season on his way to 21 senior games. Seven goals in three games at the end of the home-and-away season a highlight for the 21-year-old from Wagga.

Abe Davis (Maroubra)

Davis played 17 NEAFL games in his first season with Sydney. The rookie utility was twice an emergency for the senior side and will be hoping to go one step further in 2016.

Isaac Heeney (Cardiff)

A hugely impressive first season from the Swans Academy product. Heeney kicked the sealer against Essendon in his first game and managed four goals and a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination in his third, ultimately finishing fourth in the award despite missing 10 games with a mid-season knee injury. Expect big things in the coming years as he plays more through the midfield.

Jack Hiscox (Glebe)

Hiscox played 18 NEAFL games in his first year at Sydney, mostly across half-forward. The elite running, outside player found himself as a senior emergency twice during the season.

Lloyd Perris (St. George)

Perris made his comeback from a knee injury in the NEAFL, playing 5 games before rupturing ACL in his other knee at training. Another surgery and another long stint on the sidelines rounded out a disappointing season for the 20-year-old rookie.

Jordan Foote (Maroubra)

Foote played 15 NEAFL games in an injury interrupted season. The youngster played lockdown roles on the likes of Nick Malceski in his first year as a Swan.

Brandon Jack (Pennant Hills)

The hard-nosed outsider managed to break into the senior side to play nine consecutive games at the back end of the season. The 21-year-old chipped in with some handy goals at times but will look to become more consistent.

Kieren Jack (Pennant Hills)

The Swans co-captain played every game before being felled by a knee injury in Round 23 which meant he missed out on Sydney’s finals campaign. Another typically courageous season saw Jack find plenty of inside football and lead the midfield brigade.

Jarrad McVeigh (Pennant Hills)

The Swans co-captain missed only the first and last home-and-away games in another hugely consistent season for the veteran. Playing mostly off half-back McVeigh racked up games of 34, 37 and a massive 39 possession game against Gold Coast in Round 10.

Ben McGlynn (Wentworth)

Ongoing hamstring issues meant McGlynn only played nine senior games this season, including both of Sydney’s finals matches. The 30-year-old will be hoping to return to form in 2016 with a full preseason under his belt.

Sam Naismith (North Shore)

The ruckman managed just seven NEAFL games as he battled groin injury throughout the year. A tough season following his 2014 senior debut.

Dane Rampe (UNSW/ES)

The defender played every game in a now typically consistent 2015. Rampe locked down some of the game’s best forwards, both small and tall, as well as providing a reliable rebounding option. Was amongst Sydney’s best in their Semi Final loss to North Melbourne.

Daniel Robinson (Mosman)

Robinson enjoyed a positive season in which he made his senior debut in Round 9 against Carlton. The 21-year-old played 3 more senior games for the season and will look to break into Sydney’s midfield next season. A shoulder injury saw him miss the latter part of the season.