Ultimate player ratings: Jon Ralph and Glenn McFarlane rate every Western Bulldogs player

[Axe Man]

Ultimate player ratings: Jon Ralph and Glenn McFarlane rate every Western Bulldogs player (https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/ultimate-player-ratings-jon-ralph-and-glenn-mcfarlane-rate-every-western-bulldogs-player/news-story/1ab7a4d0828a28f6d4a8015f0f758243)

https://i.postimg.cc/W4Nrk2R5/rate8.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

As our rollout of the ultimate player ratings continues, JON RALPH and GLENN MCFARLANE run their rule over the Bulldogs? list to rate every Western Bulldogs player.

Aaron Naughton is fresh from signing a mind-blowing eight-season deal that will run through until the end of the 2032 season.

As the Bulldogs try to lock Naughton?s fellow key forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan to his own mega deal with mounting interest from rival clubs, it?s worth raising a pertinent question.

Will Ugle-Hagan give Naughton wind-burn going past him as the Dogs? best key forward in 2024?

We know the two highly-rated Bulldogs play slightly different roles - and complement each other in doing so - but in terms of sheer goal-kicking figures, it wouldn?t surprise if Ugle-Hagan secures his first Bulldogs? goal-kicking award this season.

Criteria: Prediction of their 2024 performance based on their 2023 season, expected improvement and role in their side.

https://i.postimg.cc/HkG9VDsN/rate1.png (https://postimg.cc/PP4wR7Db)

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https://i.postimg.cc/SxW79Tnx/rate3.png (https://postimages.org/)

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https://i.postimg.cc/9fbd8Dt3/rate6.png (https://postimg.cc/1ggV45jM)

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Naughton is the sort of hulking key forward the Dogs have always craved. He is strong overhead and he brings the ball to ground for the smaller forwards.

The 24-year-old has kicked 142 goals across the past three seasons, including 44 last year to secure his second straight club goal-kicking award.

Ugle-Hagan, who turns 22 in April, might have challenged Naughton for the club honours if he had kicked straight.

Therein lies his room for improvement. He kicked 35.35 in 2023, with his accuracy rating judged poor, according to Champion Data.

If JUH can change that this season, he could challenge Naughton, with coach Luke Beveridge likely licking his lips in anticipation at two key forwards who should kick 100 goals between them in 2024.

Ugle-Hagan was unfairly marked in his first few seasons, especially for a young key forward learning his craft. But as he prepares to enter his fourth AFL season, he is ready to take his game to a new level - and Naughton can continue to help him get there.

In our 2024 ratings of the Bulldogs, based on last year?s performances and the anticipation of what is to come this season, we have Naughton marginally ahead of Ugle-Hagan.

But Jamarra is coming at a rate of knots.

The Bulldogs have drawn criticism in recent years for their lack of success, given the top end talent they have at their disposal.

Marcus Bontempelli has been in the conversation as the game?s best player for years now. Tim English is the best ruckman in the game, and Tom Liberatore is still criminally underrated by some, even if he has changed that narrative for many in recent seasons.

But just off the Bulldogs? ?Big Three? sits Naughton and Ugle-Hagan (with an anticipated 2024 spike on his solid performances last season).

Bailey Smith had been hoping to play his way back in the Bulldogs? top five players after a frustrating 2023.

But he will spend the entire season on the sidelines after suffering an ACL injury at the start of this preseason, which reflects his ratings in the Bulldogs? list.

The big question is whether Smith?s comeback will be in red, white and blue or otherwise as he looks at making a big call on his playing future at the end of the season.

[mjp]

Whilst I truly appreciate the amount of work that has gone into this, can I ask what the point of the exercise is?

I read through it and was like..."and...".

Are they using these ratings in any kind of 'real' way? Is there ANYTHING behind the numbers?

[GVGjr]

Whilst I truly appreciate the amount of work that has gone into this, can I ask what the point of the exercise is?

I read through it and was like..."and...".

Are they using these ratings in any kind of 'real' way? Is there ANYTHING behind the numbers?

That was the question I was going to ask. How are the numbers derived? Does it start from zero to 100 or the other way around?

[hujsh]

That was the question I was going to ask. How are the numbers derived? Does it start from zero to 100 or the other way around?

It's a subjective rating based on how they did last year and how they expect them to do this year. 100 being best and 0 being worst.

[Axe Man]

Whilst I truly appreciate the amount of work that has gone into this, can I ask what the point of the exercise is?

I read through it and was like..."and...".

Are they using these ratings in any kind of 'real' way? Is there ANYTHING behind the numbers?

In isolation it means little. I guess you need to read it in conjunction with the ratings for every other team as well. But at the end of the day it's just some journos opinions and they are very unlikely to know much about the lesser known players at any club.

Really though it's not much different to numerous threads we have on here where we try to predict who is going to have a breakout year and the like.

[Bulldog Joe]

That was the question I was going to ask. How are the numbers derived? Does it start from zero to 100 or the other way around?

Is this something that Glen MacFarlane has devised now that he is not (I think) with Champion Data.

It clearly has some prediction element to rank Sanders so highly in relation to others, but the lack of explanation reduces it to zero value.

Looks more like an exercise to set up a possible told you so if they get something remotely correct.

[Sedat]

Not sure the point of the exercise, but it's probably the least toilet-paper worthy print media contribution from Jon Ralph in his career.

[Grantysghost]

Was nodding along with those until I got to McNeil. They just lost all credibility, he is easily 60-70.

No pressure Marra !

[Mofra]

Anthony Scott's rating is a bit harsh. The guy played senior AFL football in all three parts of the ground as the season wore on.
Those versatile foot soldiers who "do a job" are vital to allowing the stars do their thing.

[Uninformed]

I would like to see a rating system of 0 to 10.

7.5 to 10 would be match winners with Bont. at 10 and Libba 9.5

5 to 7.5 would be from role player at five, say Anthony Scott, up to close to match winner in say Dale.

0 would be 'shouldn't be on the list' up to nearly at role player level on 4, say Buku.

Would be curious to see how Woofer analysts rated our players in numbers reflecting the above.

Particularly interested in who and how many we would have in the match winner category and the close to that in the 7 upwards. Also who has the potential to reach that level. Say, Anthony Scott might not, whereas Nick Coffield might. Baker maybe not, but Poulter might.

[meenies]

Rather the the numbers look at the order. To me that?s about how I would line up our list. Does anyone see a player who should be ranked a lot higher or lower(say 3 places up or down)?

[Jasper]

I really don't know how important the points that have been assigned are but the order they've been ranked in is around the mark.
Love to see Weightman move right up that order by the end of the season.

[Pleather Sole]

Thanks Uninformed, your system seems better designed and not so unwieldy like the 0 to 100. I would like to add something I've been chewing on. There's a few players I think will have a big impact early on such as Harmes at mid/HF, Sanders hopefully more mid than HF, Gallagher similar mid/HF or utility if he stays fit and adjusts to AFL pace quickly and Poulter as you say who had a bit of time last year to build his case and confidence, ohh also Coff, if he can slot in to the backline early and show his talent and be very reliable-that will be a big hole filled and relieve the stresses/holes in defence.
I reckon Bedendo, Freijah, Khamis and O'Driscoll all need debuts and games in a row before the bye, they may not be match winners instantly but they need consistent experience at AFL level in their natural positions. That collective impact and competition for spots will pay off when others get tired, injured or sick. I think Darcy will be a match winner.
This is becoming more of a team list post so I will get onto that soon.

[Jasper]

Love the post Pleather Sole.

[Jumping Jones]

The success of this year will be largely driven by the 50s and 60s rated players — Darcy, Lobb, Sanders, O'Donnell, Harmes, Williams. If two or three can step up in a big way we are a chance for Top 4

[Uninformed]

The success of this year will be largely driven by the 50s and 60s rated players — Darcy, Lobb, Sanders, O'Donnell, Harmes, Williams. If two or three can step up in a big way we are a chance for Top 4

I think Darcy and Sanders are definite unicorns and also maybe JOD. It is whether they blossom this year or it takes a bit longer. Harmes and Williams will need it to be this year to stay best 22. I am hoping for a star to emerge from the likes of West, McNeil, VDM, Clarke, Bedendo, Poulter, Cleary and Buss. If one or two could emerge as game changers we would be looking really good. They all show signs of potential yet to be realised.

[Glove38]

Jacko's fall from grace has been swift. Really hoping he can turn it around this year.

[mjp]

I think Darcy and Sanders are definite unicorns and also maybe JOD. It is whether they blossom this year or it takes a bit longer. Harmes and Williams will need it to be this year to stay best 22. I am hoping for a star to emerge from the likes of West, McNeil, VDM, Clarke, Bedendo, Poulter, Cleary and Buss. If one or two could emerge as game changers we would be looking really good. They all show signs of potential yet to be realised.

What makes Sanders a unicorn?

He's a midfielder - normal size...I don't get it.

Feel the same way about JOD - he's a tall(ish) defender.

I guess there is unique stuff about Darcy but again, he's not that much taller than guys like Max King.

I agree they are exciting players but - and I know I'm old - I don't get this unicorn stuff...

[Grantysghost]

What makes Sanders a unicorn?

He's a midfielder - normal size...I don't get it.

Feel the same way about JOD - he's a tall(ish) defender.

I guess there is unique stuff about Darcy but again, he's not that much taller than guys like Max King.

I agree they are exciting players but - and I know I'm old - I don't get this unicorn stuff...

They exist.

https://i.postimg.cc/WbHRqgnZ/downloadfile-1.jpg (https://postimg.cc/WhgYQDxp)

[mjp]

That helmet needs a hole in it for the horn to stick through...

[jeemak]

That helmet needs a hole in it for the horn to stick through...

That's definitely the only thing wrong with the picture.

[Rocco Jones]

What makes Sanders a unicorn?

He's a midfielder - normal size...I don't get it.

Feel the same way about JOD - he's a tall(ish) defender.

I guess there is unique stuff about Darcy but again, he's not that much taller than guys like Max King.

I agree they are exciting players but - and I know I'm old - I don't get this unicorn stuff...

I love the NBA and there it's basically a guy who is 7 ft, can post up, hit a three and play d. Porzingis the OG, Wemby new kid on the block.

With AFL, I definitely wouldn't have Sanders as a 'unicorn'. To me he is actually a bit vanilla but being amazing and vanilla will do me. JOD is a versatile player. Darcy is the closest of that trio for me.

Not sure AFL really sits the unicorn term but I'd say Bont is our unicorn. Tall and actually uses that height, obviously can play 'small'. Great at the contested work, explosive and can do the outside stuff. Would be close to/our best in nearly ever position if he had a real crack at it.

[mjp]

That's definitely the only thing wrong with the picture.

I know right?

I don't know art but I know what I like.

[Uninformed]

What makes Sanders a unicorn?

He's a midfielder - normal size...I don't get it.

Feel the same way about JOD - he's a tall(ish) defender.

I guess there is unique stuff about Darcy but again, he's not that much taller than guys like Max King.

I agree they are exciting players but - and I know I'm old - I don't get this unicorn stuff...

I may have the wrong slant on 'unicorn' but I take to mean 'got the magic could be anything..' The tall side of it probably comes from NBA.

I don't see anything vanilla about Sanders. He has got hands like Libba, and there is almost no-one else in the AFL you could say that of. To me, like Libba, he seems to be be a magician in close and, for someone his age, could be anything. Darcy for sure, and JOD seems a special talent too.

[mjp]

I may have the wrong slant on 'unicorn' but I take to mean 'got the magic could be anything..' The tall side of it probably comes from NBA.

I don't see anything vanilla about Sanders. He has got hands like Libba, and there is almost no-one else in the AFL you could say that of. To me, like Libba, he seems to be be a magician in close and, for someone his age, could be anything. Darcy for sure, and JOD seems a special talent too.

I thought a unicorn was a 'unique' talent - a player who can do things others of his type can't do (generally due to physical characteristics).

Wenbanyama seems to have triggered the use of the term...size, agility, inside/outside game...just a player who has stuff we haven't seen before. I just don't get how a player like Sanders - and I think he's a super talent - is like that? He was rated the 6th best player in his draft class and he's an - again, no disrespect intended - an inside mid who has the chance to be a pretty good player. But when you say 'hands like Liber', well, that's cool but lots of mids have great hands and Liber isn't better historically than players like Williams from not long ago. If there was a unicorn in the draft it was probably Jed Walter - I mean, maybe he's more like the second coming of Plugger than the 'first' of anything but he's certainly something we haven't seen in a while...

If you wanted to argue that Bont was a unicorn because he is a KPP size player who is elite below his knees and in the contest, well, sure - I've never seen a player quite like him, that's for sure. But even he is 'part' of a trend of these massive mids (think Cripps etc) who have cropped up in the past decade or so (pretty sure Cripps and Bont both played in the 2013 champs).

JOD seems like he MIGHT turn into a solid player. Again though, I just don't see the 'JOD is a special talent' type comments. I'm always happy to be wrong on stuff like this but having Jones as a KPD gives me confidence...JOD on the other hand? Well, that selection makes me worried (and I think his move to our #2 KPD says more about the decline of Keath and lack of development by Busslinger than anything specific we've seen from JOD in an actual game of footy).

[hujsh]

I thought a unicorn was a 'unique' talent - a player who can do things others of his type can't do (generally due to physical characteristics).

Wenbanyama seems to have triggered the use of the term...size, agility, inside/outside game...just a player who has stuff we haven't seen before. I just don't get how a player like Sanders - and I think he's a super talent - is like that? He was rated the 6th best player in his draft class and he's an - again, no disrespect intended - an inside mid who has the chance to be a pretty good player. But when you say 'hands like Liber', well, that's cool but lots of mids have great hands and Liber isn't better historically than players like Williams from not long ago. If there was a unicorn in the draft it was probably Jed Walter - I mean, maybe he's more like the second coming of Plugger than the 'first' of anything but he's certainly something we haven't seen in a while...

If you wanted to argue that Bont was a unicorn because he is a KPP size player who is elite below his knees and in the contest, well, sure - I've never seen a player quite like him, that's for sure. But even he is 'part' of a trend of these massive mids (think Cripps etc) who have cropped up in the past decade or so (pretty sure Cripps and Bont both played in the 2013 champs).

JOD seems like he MIGHT turn into a solid player. Again though, I just don't see the 'JOD is a special talent' type comments. I'm always happy to be wrong on stuff like this but having Jones as a KPD gives me confidence...JOD on the other hand? Well, that selection makes me worried (and I think his move to our #2 KPD says more about the decline of Keath and lack of development by Busslinger than anything specific we've seen from JOD in an actual game of footy).

Yeah Sanders just could be really really good, not a unicorn. I saw Read being referred to as a unicorn in draft coverage because of his particular skillset. TBH it's hard to imagine the term appying to anyone but a ruck sized player who can 'do it all'

If we're looking outside that maybe Pavlich would be one example? Elite Key Defender, Key Forward and Midfielder

[mjp]

Yeah Sanders just could be really really good, not a unicorn. I saw Read being referred to as a unicorn in draft coverage because of his particular skillset. TBH it's hard to imagine the term appying to anyone but a ruck sized player who can 'do it all'

If we're looking outside that maybe Pavlich would be one example? Elite Key Defender, Key Forward and Midfielder

Maybe Reid might be like Martin? But wouldn't that make him NOT a unicorn??

[hujsh]

Maybe Reid might be like Martin? But wouldn't that make him NOT a unicorn??

GCs Ethan Read the ruckman. Some might call English one but since Cox there have been Gawn and Grundy who could claim to have similar or superior skillsets to him as well so maybe that's also a bit too common.

My feel is a unicorn is someone with a unique set of skills that other players can't replicate. Maybe Adam Goodes was one for his ability to be a brownlow winning ruck and a brownlow winning mid?

[ledge]

I see Darcy can still win the rising star, 7 games and under 21.
Not sure anyone in their 3rd season has actually won it.

[Axe Man]

I see Darcy can still win the rising star, 7 games and under 21.
Not sure anyone in their 3rd season has actually won it.

Daniel Talia won it in his third season in 2012.

[Jumping Jones]

Will be a fun season if Darcy and Sanders finish top 5 in the RS

[Mofra]

Yeah Sanders just could be really really good, not a unicorn. I saw Read being referred to as a unicorn in draft coverage because of his particular skillset. TBH it's hard to imagine the term appying to anyone but a ruck sized player who can 'do it all'

If we're looking outside that maybe Pavlich would be one example? Elite Key Defender, Key Forward and Midfielder
I remember the commentators losing it over Nik Cox as he's 200cm and can run.

To date he still hasn't shown he can actually run to where the ball is, nor do it for 23 weeks during a season.

JOD might be unicorn-ish if you consider he basically made himself into a senior AFL player as a Cat B rookie off no pre-season, dragged out of cricket nets a few weeks earlier. That's unheard of and any club that gets a best ~30 player on their list off the Cat B rookie list should be doing cartwheels. Especially a KPD given how few genuinely decent KPDs are floating around the AFL at the moment.

As an overall player though, there's one standout 'unicorn' for me in the AFL right now given his running ability, height and versatility - Mark Blicavs.