The AFL Rover names his top breakout players for 2018

The AFL players released a list of the five most-likely youngsters to breakout in 2018 and it’s not bad, but I’d have things a little different.

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Carlton’s Charlie Curnow sat at number one but I’ve got someone else at the top of the tree.



Don’t get me wrong, Curnow could become an absolute blinder but I’m not convinced it’s a going to happen this year, whereas the loss of Jake Lever from Adelaide is going to see Mitch McGovern become the South Australian equal of his brother Jeremy.

I reckon young Mitch has got it all, or at least everything required to be an intercept-marking machine, and by the mid-season bye he’ll have people asking “who’s Jake Lever?”

Curnow has to be up the list on potential alone, but the rest of my top five differs from the players’.

Fremantle giant Sean Darcy isn’t the kind to make a highlight package, but he’s going to show us what an important part of Freo’s future he plays. It’s not big marks, big goals from Darcy but big influence. I love this kid.

Alex Witherden is so good that some may think he’s ‘broken out’ already, but the kid’s only played nine games so he well and truly qualifies for this list. Expect him to pick up where he left off last year starting at half-back, but he’ll be in the Lions’ midfield by mid year – and having a big say on results.

I’m putting a 25-year-old at number five. I’m not sure if that’s allowed but what do I care?

Rory Lobb will be reborn as a ruckman at GWS now Shane Mumford’s gone. He’s another I’ve loved from debut but he’s been shut away in a forward pocket getting limited opportunities to use his athleticism and even less chances to get out the best hands in the league.

I’m getting excited to see these guys, and a few hundred others, get out on the field in a fortnight for the serious stuff.

Bring it on!

The Rover's top five breakout players

1: Mitch McGovern (Adelaide)
2: Charlie Curnow (Carlton)
3: Sean Darcy (Fremantle)
4: Alex Witherden (Brisbane)
5: Rory Lobb (GWS)

The AFL players' top five breakout players

1: Charlie Curnow (Carlton)
2: Jacob Hopper (GWS)
3: Mitch McGovern (Adelaide)
4: Eric Hipwood (Brisbane)
5: Harris Andrews (Brisbane)