PORT ADELAIDE has five players ranked amongst the AFL’s elite top 50, according to one of the nation’s most experienced football writers.

Herald Sun journalist Mark ‘Robbo’ Robinson, who also co-hosts AFL 360 on Fox Footy, has listed Patrick Ryder, Robbie Gray, Charlie Dixon, Chad Wingard and Ollie Wines in his list of the 50 best players ahead of the 2018 AFL season.

Only Adelaide had more (seven) than Port Adelaide’s five players in the list.

2017 Premiers Richmond had four, along with Sydney, Geelong, West Coast, and Greater Western Sydney.

Patrick Ryder (19)

Ryder, 30, came in as Port Adelaide’s highest ranked player at number 19, which is perhaps no surprise given his career-best season in 2017, which saw him claim the John Cahill Medal as the Power’s best and fairest

The 197-centimetre big man averaged 38 hitouts, 13 possessions and three marks in 2017, earning himself All-Australian honours.

Robbo said: “The All-Australian, ranked the best ruckman for score involvements, was able to deliver traditional ruck-work as well as the modern-day requirement of being another midfield player.”

“He can play forward as well, which arguably makes him Port’s most valuable player.”

Robbie Gray (22)

Robbie Gray’s 47 goals and 30 goal assists in 2017 saw him ranked first in the competition for score assists but only 22nd in Robbo’s list.

The journalist praised the 29-year-old’s versatility and football smarts in both midfield and up forward.

Robbo said: “His football nous and ability to kick goals from tough positions makes him frightfully dangerous.”

Gray, a three-time club Best and Fairest and three-time All-Australian, fittingly came in just behind Ryder on Robbo’s list, after the pair’s match-winning combination against St Kilda last July.

Charlie Dixon (39)

Charlie Dixon was Port Adelaide’s next best in Robbo’s list at 39 after his outstanding 2017 season.

The 27-year-old key forward booted a career-high 49 goals and averaged nearly 15 disposals per game, finishing as runner-up in the John Cahill Medal.

Robinson highlighted that Dixon was ranked no. 1 for contested marks per game in the competition.

Robbo said: “Disappointed with his first year at Port and enthralled with his second season.”

“A barometer player who is emotional, tough, and last year clunked his marks.”

Robinson has Dixon as his fifth-best key forward, behind Sydney’s Lance Franklin, Bomber Joe Daniher, Ben Brown from North Melbourne and the Gold Coast’s Tom Lynch.

Chad Wingard (40)

Right on Dixon’s tail is Chad Wingard at 40 on Robbo’s list.

The 24-year-old mercurial forward spent more time in the midfield in 2017, averaging more than 22 disposals per game to go with his 28 goals.

The numbers say Wingard is ranked no. 1 in the league for goals per game for any mid-forward and he also gained the most metres per game for his position.

Robbo said: “Have told you before Ken Hinkley reckons Chad is a top 10 player, but sorry Kenny, couldn't fit him in again.”

“Will be mid-forward this year and the kind of player who could be a Norm Smith Medal winner.

“Can’t not love the way he plays, but would like to see more of it.”

Ollie Wines (43)

The last of Port Adelaide’s inclusions on Robbo’s list is vice-captain Ollie Wines at 43.

The 23-year-old averaged 27 disposals per game in 2017 and booted a career-high 15 goals.

Robinson said Wines will be Port Adelaide’s next captain, rating him elite for contested possessions and above average for disposals, metres gained, clearances and goals.

Robbo said: “Wines? Viney? Wines? Viney? Of the two childhood mates, went with Wines who will likely be the next captain of Port Adelaide.” 

“Not much between them and expect both to flourish in 2018.”

Mark Robinson’s AFL top 50 players

Top 10

  1. Patrick Dangerfield (mid/fwd Geelong)

  2. Dustin Martin (mid/fwd Richmond)

  3. Nathan Fyfe (mid Fremantle)

  4. Alex Rance (def Richmond)

  5. Lance Franklin (fwd Sydney)

  6. Gary Ablett (mid/fwd Geelong)

  7. Josh Kelly (mid GWS)

  8. Joe Daniher (fwd Essendon)

  9. Joel Selwood (mid Geelong)

  10. Josh Kennedy (fwd West Coast)

Port Adelaide’s best

   19. Patrick Ryder (ruck)

   22. Robbie Gray (mid/fwd)

   39. Charlie Dixon (fwd)

   40. Chad Wingard (mid/fwd)

   43. Ollie Wines (mid)

More on portadelaidefc.com.au...