Collingwood’s Jordan De Goey can change the course of a game up forward or playing in midfield. Photo: GETTY IMAGES

What makes a player “‘valuable” when talking trades?

Well, in terms of their currency in the current AFL system, many factors have to be considered. I’ve concentrated on four – age, talent/ability, durability/health and reputation.

Most top-tier AFL footballers are dealt for multiple high draft picks in return, but it’s those who have something that sets them apart from the rest that could possibly return even greater assets.

Flexibility, explosiveness and damaging touches are common traits among the top-ranked players in this list for good reason – it’s what coaches dream about.

So without further ado, here, from 10th most valuable to most valuable, are the AFL players with the highest “trade value” heading into the 2019 season.

First, some honourable mentions. They go to Clayton Oliver (Melbourne), Nathan Fyfe (Fremantle), Harris Andrews (Brisbane), Tim Taranto (GWS), Tom Mitchell (Hawthorn), Max Gawn (Melbourne), Isaac Heeney (Sydney), Matt Crouch (Adelaide), Ben Brown (North Melbourne) and Tom Lynch (Richmond).

10. PATRICK DANGERFIELD
Age: 28 Games: 224

“Danger” lives up to his name in more ways than one as one of the most explosive players in the history of the game. Wins the ball as well as any, breaks lines, kicks goals, tackles and plucks high marks. Similar to Dustin Martin and Jordan De Goey, Dangerfield sets himself apart from other midfielders with his ability to play on ball or as an isolated forward. Will turn 30 next year but is showing little signs of slowing down.

9. MARCUS BONTEMPELLI
Age: 23 Games: 104

Bontempelli’s astronomical rise seems to have plateaued as the Dogs struggle to return to their premiership highs, but it would be naïve to dismiss his brilliant career to date. His numbers have remained steady since setting the AFL alight in his age-21season in 2016, but his deft touch, prowess around the big sticks and reputation as a big-stage specialist maintains his place as one of the most exciting players in the league.

8. JEREMY McGOVERN
Age: 26 Games: 103

McGovern isn’t the best player in the league in terms of talent, but one could argue he is as influential as any. An intercept-marking machine, McGovern is integral to the Eagles’ defence and is also capable of taking a grab when swung forward. At just 26 years of age, McGovern still has his prime years to come and surpassed Alex Rance as the league’s premier backman in 2018.

7. CHARLIE CURNOW
Age: 21 Games: 47

Along with his buddy Patrick Cripps, Curnow is a reason alone for Blues fans to come to the footy. Has already drawn comparisons with Anthony Koutoufides for his athleticism and ability to play anywhere on the ground, often wowing fans up forward but also showcasing his ability to win the footy further up the ground. Kicked 34 goals and took 6.2 marks per game in 2018 in a side that won only two games all year, a fantastic return for an attacking weapon in only his third year in the AFL system. If the Blues improve in 2019, expect Curnow to get far more opportunities to thrive and catapult up these rankings. He could be number one this time next year.

6. JOE DANIHER
Age: 24 Games: 100

If not for a serious case of osteitis pubis Daniher would have been as high as number one on this list. The son-of-a-gun’s 2017 season was simply breathtaking, kicking 65.39 across 23 games before being struck down with injury and missing the majority of 2018. Daniher’s athleticism coupled with his 200-centimetre frame make him an utter nightmare for defenders and opposition coaches alike. His left boot can find the big sticks anywhere within 60 metres (albeit inaccuracy has cost him regularly) and his versatility to pinch-hit in the ruck allows him to get off the leash if things aren’t falling his way. A star in a crucial position with plenty of time to get his body right.

5. BRODIE GRUNDY
Age: 24 Games: 108

Grundy’s immense value stems from three key points; positional scarcity, youth and durability. The old phrase “ruckman don’t grow on trees” is true whether you like it or not, and for the 24-year-old Grundy to step straight in as a sole ruckman from the national draft and perform the way he has is incredibly rare. Such is his ability to stay on the park Collingwood spent the 2018 season without a reliable backup option (given Mason Cox’s importance as a key-forward), highlighting its trust in the All-Australian big man. Hugely influential in ruck-duels and when the ball hits the deck, Grundy is an invaluable asset in the modern game.

4. JORDAN DE GOEY
Age: 22 Games: 71

De Goey is a matchwinner. The 22-year-old bull is a proven big-stage performer, having dominated as a pseudo full-forward throughout the 2018 finals series, where his physical power and ability to kick mind-boggling goals came within a minute of clinching Collingwood the most unlikely of flags. The Oakleigh Chargers product can also change the course of games in the midfield, highlighted by his 30-touch dismantling of Melbourne on Queen’s Birthday last year. This flexibility and wow-factor is enough to override minor injury concerns suffered in his short career.

3. JOSH KELLY
Age: 23 Games: 100

As silky-smooth an operator as they come, Kelly’s consistent stardom often gets overlooked as he toils away in the west of Sydney. Already has 100 games under his belt at the young age of 23, including plenty of finals experience. Kelly is consistent, absurdly talented, durable and impacts with ball in hand the way a Pendlebury/Bontempelli type does, but with extra pace to burn opponents. Melbourne traded away pick two in the 2013 draft to the Giants (used to draft Kelly) in a move they’ll rue for the next decade, given his services will now cost a bare minimum of two first-round draft selections. Out-of-contract at season’s end so we might find out exactly what he’s worth in October!

2. DUSTIN MARTIN
Age: 27 Games: 201

“Dustymania” swept the AFL as the Tigers surged towards the 2017 flag, the superstar producing one of the greatest-ever individual seasons, before backing it up with a stellar (albeit not matching the 2017 heights) 2018. Martin is the league’s most damaging player whether playing on the ball or isolated in the goalsquare, and can dismantle opposing teams in a matter of moments. Remarkably, Martin has played at least 20 games in all nine seasons since getting picked up with pick three in the 2009 draft, suggesting he has five-plus years of elite footy left in him despite turning 28 this year. Has kicked 68 goals in his last two seasons, just ridiculous.

1. PATRICK CRIPPS
Age: 23 Games: 81

At just 23, Cripps is already a bona fide superstar of the league and a brute in the contest. As good as any at winning his own footy, Cripps – recently appointed joint captain of Carlton – leads by example for his struggling side week in, week out, and has the durability to protect his remarkable value. Cripps simply ticks all the boxes when it comes to trade value; incredible talent, youth, leadership qualities and a healthy body that would make all 18 clubs salivate at the prospect of having the West Australian on their list.