Mike's Top 50: Where's Buddy?

Robert Murphy returns to Mike's Top 50 after a superb season for the Western Bulldogs. Source: HeraldSun

A VETERAN Dog and a reborn Cat make the cut, but there's no sign of Lance Franklin as Mike reveals the players ranked 41-50.

See the next 10 players in the countdown at mignight and watch video of Mike defending his exclusive choices so far.

The rest of the Top 50 will be unveiled over the next two days - come back on Friday to see the full list including the coveted No.1 spot, and a full interactive experience including your vote on every player.

41. MATHEW STOKES
Position: Forward
First season-end selection
SuperCoach average: 97

Mike says: Blitzed in the first half of the season, racked up 630 possessions for the year and led Geelong for score-assists. Second to Joel Selwood for contested ball.

Mathew Stokes swoops on a loose ball. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: HeraldSun

42. BRENDON GODDARD
Position: Midfield
2013 pre-season rank: 45
Best post-season ranking: 3 (2010)
SC average: 106

Mike says: Pays a heavy price for being less than so many of us have expected. Pretty handy first season in red and black. Nearly 600 possessions plus 18 goals.

A pumped up Brendon Goddard. Picture: Michael Klein Source: HeraldSun

43. DANIEL WELLS
Position: Midfield
2013 pre-season rank: 48
2012 post-season rank: 41
Best post-season rank: 34 (2011)
SC average: 96

Mike says: Probably his best year. Starting to realise just how good he can be. Carried the ball with dash and kicked 25 goals, more than handy from a midfielder.

Daniel Wells on the move. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: HeraldSun

44. GRANT BIRCHALL
Position: Defender
2012 post-season rank: 30
Best post-season rank: 2012
SC average: 92

Mike says: One of the Hawks' genuine stars. Averaged 24 possessions with a disposal efficiency in the 80s. Super link player.

Grant Birchall flattens Fremantle's Danyle Pearce during the Grand Final. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: HeraldSun

45. ROBERT MURPHY
Position: Defender
Best post-season rank: 37 (2005)
SC average: 99

Mike says: One of my favorites of the modern game. Love his dash, daring and composure, and his exquisite disposal skills. Comfortable at either end of the ground.

Robert Murphy gets the Bulldogs out of trouble. Picture: Michael Klein Source: HeraldSun

46. RICHARD DOUGLAS
Position: Midfield
Best post-season rank: 37 (2010)
SC average: 102

Mike says: Adelaide's best for much of the season. Won a heap of footy, booted 20 goals, big on score-assists and tackled hard and often.

Richard Douglas gives Sydney's Craig Bird the slip. Picture: Reed Sarah Source: The Advertiser

47. ANDREW WALKER
Position: Forward/Midfield
First season-end selection
SC average: 106

Mike says: One of the most dashing, damaging defenders of the year. Averaged 23 disposals and was adventurous with the ball.

Andrew Walker in full flight off half-back. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: HeraldSun

48. JOSH GIBSON
Position: Defender
2012 post-season rank: 32
Best post-season rank: 2012
SC average: 79

Mike says: One of the major planks in the Hawthorn defence. Defensive in the air, smart at ground level, creative with ball in hand. Led the table for rebound-50s.

Josh Gibson enjoys Hawthorn's premiership with fans at the MCG. Picture: Michael Klein Source: HeraldSun

49. BRAD EBERT
Position: Midfield
First season-end selection
SC average: 97

Mike says: One of the keys to Port Adelaide's improvement. Had heaps of the ball with a high efficiency rating (68.5 per cent). Played every game and led the tackle count at his club .

Brad Ebert celebrates a goal with Angus Monfries. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

50. TODD GOLDSTEIN
Position: Ruck
Best post-season rank: 23 (2011)
SC average: 114

Mike says: Not far behind Will Minson as the premier ruckman of the season. Not a vintage year for the gladiators, but he was consistent, resilient and effective.

Todd Goldstein jumps over Chris Dawes to win the tap. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun