"IT WAS putrid" was Dane Swan's verdict on his 2014 season, following a year undermined by a wrist reconstruction and glandular fever.

Twelve months on, Swan was back to his best, racking up the touches on his way to topping the Magpies' Brownlow leaderboard in 2015.

His return to form has been rewarded with a leap of 25 places in the AFL Players Top 50, brought to you by Mars.

The players also backed in Chad Wingard. Port Adelaide's dynamo climbs 15 spots to number 21 overall.

Players from all 18 clubs took part in the survey, with 90 players receiving at least one vote.

Here are players 30-21, with the countdown continuing until Friday, March 18, when the AFL's No.1 player – according to his peers – is revealed.

30. Rory Sloane
Adelaide
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: 24
Official AFL Player Rating: 5
Debut: 2009
Games: 118
AFL Fantasy value: $527,000

One of the great competitors in the AFL and a wet-weather specialist, Sloane struggled for continuity in 2015 after twice fracturing his cheekbone. The 25-year-old slipped slightly in the player rankings but a full season should see him pushing back up the list again. He started to find his form towards the end of the year, but has already proven himself as one of the club's elite players.

Rory Sloane (r) slides in the rankings after an interrupted season in 2015. Picture: AFL Media


29. David Mundy
Fremantle
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: 33
Official AFL Player Rating: 32
Debut: 2005
Games: 233
AFL Fantasy value: $584,000

The strong-bodied veteran midfielder had one of his best seasons and was rewarded with All Australian honours for the first time. This year he takes over as captain from Matthew Pavlich. He was second at the Dockers for contested possessions (303) and clearances (162). He averaged 26 disposals, polled 19 Brownlow Medal votes and kicked big goals at key moments, including the match-winner against Richmond in round 17.

28. Dayne Beams
Brisbane Lions
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: 21
Official AFL Player Rating: 26
Debut: 2009
Games: 126
AFL Fantasy value: $570,000

Was billed as the best signing by the Lions since coach Leigh Matthews in 1999, and Beams delivered in spades. The former Collingwood premiership player could not have done more in his 16 games, averaging 28 disposals (13 contested) and 6.5 clearances to be among the top 12 in the AFL in each category. At times he almost single-handedly carried the injury-depleted midfield and, after playing with a right shoulder injury in his last few matches, was forced to undergo surgery late in the season. Beams was a deserving best and fairest winner.

27. Jordan Lewis
Hawthorn
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: 22
Official AFL Player Rating: 48
Debut: 2005
Games: 240
AFL Fantasy value: $613,000

While not quite at the level of his all-conquering 2014, Lewis was again one of the most influential Hawks, particularly through the midfield, where he ranked highly for disposals (second – 665), contested possessions (third – 219), clearances (second – 106), inside 50s (second – 104) and goal assists (fifth – 20). The only blemish on his year was a two-week suspension for a hit on North's Todd Goldstein, but for the rest of the season he brought his tough and uncompromising brand of football, and showed great leadership. Underwent wrist surgery after the season, but was ready for the start of pre-season training.

26. Callan Ward
GWS
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: 29
Official AFL Player Rating: 22
Debut: 2008
Games: 143
AFL Fantasy value: $555,000

Another stellar season from the co-captain saw him finish third in the best and fairest behind Heath Shaw and Adam Treloar, meaning he has finished in the top three in all four of the Giants' seasons in the AFL. The hard nut is an inspirational leader and led his side in contested possessions – no surprise given his attack on the footy and the opposition. Has played 20-plus games in all four of his seasons at the Giants and averaged more than 23 possessions a game. Polled 19 votes in last year's Brownlow Medal and was unlucky to miss out on a nomination for the 2015 All Australian squad.

25. Nick Riewoldt
St Kilda
Forward
Last year's ranking: 16
Official AFL Player Rating: 175
Debut: 2001
Games: 298
AFL Fantasy value: $520,000

It was a season played under tremendous adversity for the Saints' captain after the passing of his sister Madeleine last February. It understandably took its toll mentally and later physically on the veteran, who broke down with a calf injury in round two after missing a large portion of the pre-season. Suffered a nasty concussion in round seven and missed another week, but recovered to play 17 games all up, leading from the front and still finishing seventh in the best and fairest. Had no off-season surgery, but had a long break to refresh and is as light as he has been in years.

24. Aaron Sandilands
Fremantle
Ruck
Last year's ranking: 20
Official AFL Player Rating: 15
Debut: 2003
Games: 239
AFL Fantasy value: $485,000

Caused a boilover in the Dockers' best and fairest by beating Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe, but the award was deserved after Sandilands had an outstanding season. In 23 games, he racked up 998 hit-outs – the most of his career. He was left out of the All Australian 40-man squad, but was unperturbed. He finished equal fourth in the AFL for contested marks with 46. The veteran continues to set a high benchmark and has signed a one-year deal for 2016. While his ranking may have dipped, his importance to Fremantle remains as high as ever.

23. Dane Swan
Collingwood
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: 48
Official AFL Player Rating: 75
Debut: 2003
Games: 257
AFL Fantasy value: $609,000

After a self-confessed "putrid" 2014 season plagued by injuries, the veteran was back to his prolific best, as reflected by his jump of 25 spots on the Top 50 list. Missed just one game to finish runner-up in the Magpies' best and fairest. Was the club's top vote-getter in the Brownlow Medal to give him the most career votes by a Magpie. Seventh in the AFL in disposals, he led the Pies in clearances, score involvements and inside 50s and was equal-first in contested possessions.

22. Trent Cotchin
Richmond
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: 13
Official AFL Player Rating: 73
Debut: 2008
Games: 153
AFL Fantasy value: $506,000

A major reason the Tigers pushed to the edge of the top four last year, the captain grew as a leader and was inspirational in some games. One of the game's top midfielders, he lifted his inside game and led the Tigers with 271 contested possessions and ranked No.2 for clearances (112). Still, it wasn't his most consistent season and he will benefit from more midfield support this season. He will be desperate to atone for a quiet elimination final against North Melbourne and lead the Tigers back into September.

21. Chad Wingard
Port Adelaide
Forward
Last year's ranking: 36
Official AFL Player Rating: 20
Debut: 2012
Games: 89
AFL Fantasy value: $495,000

Already one of the most dangerous players in the game, Wingard has so much football growth left in him. He is elusive, fast and has a terrific vertical leap as well as a remarkable goal sense. When thrown into the midfield, he has an immediate impact. He booted a career-high 53 goals last year, the third consecutive season he has kicked at least 40. It was such a good season that he jumped 15 places on the list. He is a superstar capable of winning games off his own boot – and he is just 22. Signed a contract extension that ties him to Port until the end of the 2019 season.

The AFL Players' Top 50 is compiled with the support of the AFL Players' Association.