If the AFL were to announce a Most Improved award like what the NBA hands out, these players would no doubt be in the mix.
Luke Davies-Uniacke, North Melbourne
The 23-year-old has overcome early career struggles, becoming an integral part of the Kangaroo’s midfield. He began to emerge into a reliable player in 2021, and despite a disappointing season for his club, Davies-Uniacke has taken his game to another level this year. He’s got to 30-plus disposals six times, having featured in 21 games, including his astronomical 37 touches last week against the Crows. The Kangaroo nudged 25 disposals and five tackles per game this season and it’s easy to visualise more growth with new coach Alastair Clarkson incoming.
Tyson Stengle, Geelong
Following underwhelming campaigns with both Richmond and Adelaide, the 23-year-old forward has found a happy home at Geelong this year, now his sixth in the AFL. Stengle has cemented a spot in Chris Scott’s minor premiership outfit, with 21 games to his name.
It’s the two goals per game that’s turned him into a valuable contributor, offering the speed and pressure elements that all good football teams need in a small forward. His reclamation has been one of the stories of the season.
Bailey Dale, Western Bulldogs
Selected as part of the All-Australian side last year, the 26-year-old has locked in his standing as a premier defender this season as an integral ball user for the Dogs.
He only played nine games in 2020, in and out of the team, so his recent transformation to averaging almost 27 disposals a game has been a heart-warming story.
Dylan Moore, Hawthorn
Moore made his mark a year ago, finishing fourth in the club’s best and fairest count and rated ‘elite’ by Champion Data in the pre-season. The 23-year-old has clicked it up another notch in 2022, with the high-flying forward regularly displaying game-breaking ability, hitting the scoreboard and putting up consistent counting stats.
Jack Sinclair, St Kilda
The St Kilda defender has always been highly rated by many, but this recent season has seen a numbers explosion. Sinclair logged 147 more kicks than his 2021 campaign, averaging just shy of 28 disposals per game and kickstarting plenty of the Saints’ back half attacking raids. He’s done enough to warrant strong All Australian buzz, which would also put him in serious consideration to win any hypothetical Most Improved award handed out in the AFL this season.