Who are the players you just love watching? You know, not necessarily favourites from the team you support, but the players from across the league who stop you in your tracks and make you tune in anytime, anywhere?
Welcome to ESPN's third annual Top 20 Must-Watch Players list.
Click here to look at the 2020 edition.
Click here to look at the 2019 edition.
This isn't a countdown of the competition's finest players, but a ranking of the players we simply can't wait to watch in action in 2021. It's a mix of the game's superstars, big names who have switched clubs, young guns who look ready to explode, top draftees or basically anyone who will have us jumping out of our seats in excitement in 2021.
We revealed the players ranked 20-11 last week. This is the top 10.
10. Charlie Cameron
It's stiff that the Lions' Cameron isn't the highest-ranked player named 'Cameron' on this list, because the small forward has claims to be the league's most exciting player when on song. His celebrations, his goal sense, his finishing, the propensity he has of kicking bags ... Charlie Cameron is box office, and deservedly top 10 in this list.
9. Charlie Dixon
One of the biggest questions coming out of Port Adelaide following their minor premiership-winning year in 2020 is whether big Charlie Dixon has really turned the corner and can consistently impact games, or if last season was one out of the box. He kicked 34 goals from 18 games in 2020, but just one goal in each of his side's two finals - there's room for improvement, so will we see it?
8. Zac Williams
Williams' offseason move from the Giants to the Blues came about partly due to Carlton's desire to add the half-back flanker to their midfield. Williams wasn't a cheap free agency acquisition for Carlton, so the pressure will be on both parties - Williams to live up to his hefty price tag and prove his midfield bonafides, and the club, which just about needs to play finals this year to vindicate the full rebuild it embarked on in 2016.
7. Nat Fyfe
Not only is the dual Brownlow medallist supremely watchable as a player, the rise of Fremantle's promising young midfield brigade adds another element to the watchability of Fyfe. Will he spend more time in the forward line, where he is a dangerous contested mark? Or will he make a full-time return to the midfield? There's a lot to look forward to for the Dockers this year, and their skipper is just one slice of the pie.
6. Adam Treloar
After a shock exit from the Pies at the end of 2020, Treloar has a chance of a fresh start at the Dogs this year, joining an already stacked midfield group. We all know he is elite in the ball-winning department, but can Treloar take his game to the next level with a greater disposal efficiency and a few more goals? If the answer is yes, the Doggies could be eyeing a deep run into September.
5. Dustin Martin
It's kind of crazy that Martin isn't a banker for the No. 1 spot. Three premierships, three Norm Smith Medals and a Brownlow, Dusty is well and truly on the way to becoming one of the sport's all-time greats (if he's not there already). Whether he's fending off an opponent, snapping goals from the boundary or drilling 40m field kicks, Martin is box office and a player always worth tuning in for.
4. Joe Daniher
Like the No. 2-ranked player on this list (no spoilers!), Daniher is another key forward who has found a new home in 2021. Daniher has virtually missed the last two seasons of football but we all know how captivating he is when up and running. If the Lions and Chris Fagan can get the best out of him, as they have managed with the likes of Lachie Neale, Charlie Cameron and Jarryd Lyons, then a career-best year is on the cards.
3. Jamarra Ugle-Hagan
There's always enormous pressure and expectation with the No. 1 draft pick and it's no exception this year with Ugle-Hagan, who has frequently been compared to a more aerial Lance Franklin. If he is even 50 percent of 'Buddy', then Ugle-Hagan is going to be a player to watch for the next decade. Can't wait for his first game!
2. Jeremy Cameron
He's got a new club, a point to prove and a forward line partner in Tom Hawkins who is coming off a maiden Coleman Medal win. There's plenty to get excited about when it comes to 'Jezza' in 2021, and if he can rediscover the goalkicking form we know he's capable of, the Cats will be hard to beat this year.
1. Matt Rowell
He's played four full games and been best on ground in three of them. 'Nuff said, really! If the young Sun can stay healthy this year, who knows what might be possible. Rising Star? Almost certainly. Gold Coast to feature in the finals for the first time? Very possible. Brownlow Medal? Also a chance. We are looking at a generational talent here.
Get excited, everyone!