He’s preparing for his 20^th season as an AFL footballer, but Brent Harvey is still amongst the competition’s very best. In fact, it seems he’s only getting better with age.

Ranked 49^th in the league by North and opposition players in 2014, Harvey has jumped to 26th in this year’s rankings.

It says a lot for the 36-year-old, rated higher than the likes of Chris Judd, Marc Murphy, Callan Ward and Nathan Jones in the latest poll.

Harvey averaged 25.4 disposals a game last season and kicked 29 goals. Remarkably, he missed All-Australian selection.

The veteran is the first Kangaroo to be named amongst the league’s top 50 by his peers.

The top 50 so far (from AFL.com.au)

50. Steele Sidebottom
Collingwood
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: -
Official AFL Player Rating: 17
Debut: 2009
Games: 127
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $612,000

Had a superb 2014 season, adding consistency to complement his undoubted talent. Finished second (his highest placing) behind captain Scott Pendlebury in the Pies’ best and fairest. Sidebottom's versatility is what sets him apart. He can play a kick behind the action, run all day through the midfield or create space up forward. He is a polished ball user and generally makes the right decision when in possession. The 24-year-old is likely to be given more responsibility in the midfield this season, with the Magpies needing replacements for Dayne Beams and Heritier Lumumba.

49. Brett Deledio
Richmond
Forward/midfielder
Last year's ranking: 30 (-19)
Official AFL Player Rating: 54
Debut: 2005
Games: 214
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $548,000

The 27-year-old spent more time forward last season and finished first for the Tigers in scoring involvements and second in scoreboard impact from round 12 onwards. Fitness staff have managed the vice-captain carefully during pre-season to avoid flaring up an Achilles problem that cost him four games at the start of last year, but he is expected to be ready to go in round one. Kicked 20 goals and was involved in 33 per cent of Richmond's scores last season. Will likely again be used in a forward role, with coaches knowing he can make life difficult for opponents.

48. Dane Swan
Collingwood
Forward/midfielder
Last year's ranking: 6 (-42)
Official AFL Player Rating: 37
Debut: 2003
Games: 236
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $531,000

Despite what Swan described as his "putrid" 2014 season, the Magpies are confident the veteran will return to the form that has made him one of the most prolific ball-winners in the competition. Injuries played a part in Swan's dip in form but a diligent off-season rehabilitation regime as he recovered from hip surgery has him poised to make a greater impact this season. The 31-year-old's ability to burst through packs and then charge forward to link with teammates further up the ground has been one of his trademarks. He can certainly win the ball; he averaged 24.9 disposals last year, the first time he’d dropped below the 30-plus mark since 2008.

47. Travis Cloke
Collingwood
Forward
Last year's ranking: 20 (-27)
Official AFL Player Rating: 217
Debut: 2005
Games: 216
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $412,000

Might well be Collingwood's most important player. The veteran power forward is super-dangerous on his day, his strength in marking contests and ability to motor up the ground genuine features. However, consistency has been an issue throughout his career. Cloke is a confidence player and when things are not going his way, his performance can suffer. His wayward goalkicking has also been a source of frustration for fans. Can boot bags and his 2013 season – 68 goals and All Australian honours – highlights how valuable he can be.

46. Luke Breust
Hawthorn
Forward
Last year's ranking: -
Official AFL Player Rating: 24
Debut: 2011
Games: 91
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $425,000

The former rookie stamped himself among the AFL's elite following a stellar 2014 campaign. Disappointed with his inaccurate 40.30 output the previous season, the New South Welshman transformed himself into one of the league's most lethal goalkickers. The 24-year-old slotted a remarkable 57.12 last year, including a record-equalling 29 consecutive goals. Breust's mastery in front of goals helped the Hawks cover the loss of Lance Franklin and he played a pivotal role in the club winning back-to-back flags. The first-time All Australian also played cameo midfield roles last season, impressing with his centre clearance work.

45. Matthew Pavlich
Fremantle
Forward
Last year's ranking: 29 (-16)
Official AFL Player Rating: 125
Debut: 2000
Games: 313
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $418,000

The six-time All Australian continues to perform at an elite level. After an injury-ravaged 2013, he kicked 46 goals in 2014 including a bag of four in a virtuoso performance in a qualifying final loss to the Sydney Swans. He is still very good one on one, reading the ball well and protecting the drop when well positioned. His running capacity is still very good although he doesn't work through the midfield like he used to. His leadership qualities were again vindicated when teammates voted him captain for the ninth straight year.

44. Ryan Griffen
Greater Western Sydney
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: 11 (-33)
Official AFL Player Rating: 5
Debut: 2005
Games: 202
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $485,000

Griffen's headline-making move from the Western Bulldogs to the Giants comes with huge expectations. At his best, the 28-year-old is one of the most damaging midfielders in the competition, his hard running and peerless kicking skills  – off both feet – making him a constant headache for opponents. Griffen has quashed any suggestion of a lingering back injury by completing a strong pre-season, and free of the captaincy requirements he struggled with at the Dogs, looks ready to return to his 2013 All Australian form. Has learned to deal with tags over his career. Just as well, as having mostly inexperienced players at his new club will likely see opposition teams attempt to clamp down on him.

43. Josh Kennedy
West Coast
Forward
Last year's ranking: 27 (-16)
Official AFL Player Rating: 62
Debut: 2006
Games: 140
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $442,000

One of the premier goalkickers in the competition, Kennedy kicked 61 goals last season after 60 the year before. The 27-year-old was unlucky not to make the All Australian side in 2013. He has smoothed out his trademark stuttering approach and is a deadly set-shot finisher from all ranges. He was among the top 10 tacklers at West Coast last year and his forward-half defensive pressure is underrated for a player of his size. He is also a highly rated leader and a club vice-captain.

42. Jimmy Bartel
Geelong
Forward/midfielder
Last year's ranking: 31 (-11)
Official AFL Player Rating: 25
Debut: 2002
Games: 272
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $562,000

After being used in both defence and up forward in the past two seasons, expect Bartel to spend more time in the midfield in 2015 as the Cats turn to some experienced hands for help in the middle. Bartel is an elite ball-winner, an excellent mark for his size and he possesses as much courage as anyone in the competition. What he lacks in leg speed he makes up for with great decision-making. His competitiveness and hard body make him a tough match-up for any young midfielder who fancies himself as a rising star.

41. Shaun Burgoyne
Hawthorn
Defender/midfielder
Last year's ranking: -
Official AFL Player Rating: 33
Debut: 2002
Games: 269
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $491,000

One of the AFL's most respected players, Burgoyne defied Father Time by producing arguably his most outstanding season for Hawthorn last year. The 32-year-old was among the Hawks' best on Grand Final day as he roamed through midfield and half-back collecting 24 possessions and booting two goals. He was one of only four Hawks to play all 25 games last season and has enjoyed his best pre-season since he joined the club at the end of 2009. The triple-premiership star, who won his first flag with Port Adelaide in 2004, looms as a key player in Hawthorn's quest for a premiership three-peat.

40. Dan Hannebery
Sydney Swans
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: 16 (-24)
Official AFL Player Rating: 58
Debut: 2009
Games: 120
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $547,000 

One of the best outside runners in the game, Hannebery plays a crucial role complementing the Swans' inside grunt. The 2013 All Australian has been getting some balance in his game, however, lifting his contested possession output, which will make him harder to shut down this season. He has earned great respect at the Swans for his two-way running, which has become a trademark not only of his game, but of the team’s midfield, which is committed to working as hard defensively as it does offensively. Has been one of the standouts of the Swans' pre-season this year.  

39. Dustin Martin
Richmond
Forward/midfielder
Last year's ranking: -
Official AFL Player Rating: 88
Debut: 2010
Games: 108
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $553,000 

The Tiger cracks the Players' Top 50 for the first time after playing consistently well in 2014 and finishing third in Richmond's best and fairest. Was one of the Tigers' most important players – and a genuine match-winner in the second half of the year. Was a force in contested situations and used that skill to his advantage when he pushed forward late in games late in the season and exploited his opponents with his strength. Recently signed a new contract and is set for more midfield minutes in 2015, although he’ll still be used in attack when needed. 

38. Cyril Rioli
Hawthorn
Forward
Last year's ranking: 39 (+1)
Official AFL Player Rating: 109
Debut: 2008
Games: 133
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $459,000 

The exciting forward was dogged by hamstring injuries last season (not for the first time), but a carefully managed recovery program saw him play his part in the 63-point Grand Final demolition of the Sydney Swans. The 25-year-old, known for his pace and brilliant skills, had been missing from AFL ranks since round 15, but after a cameo appearance in the VFL Grand Final he was deemed fit for the AFL Grand Final. His forward-line pressure in the main game was immense. The Hawks have searched far and wide – even attending a conference in Spain in the off-season – to find solutions to the triple-premiership player's soft-tissue problems and hope they have found an answer in specialised training.

37. Pearce Hanley

Brisbane Lions
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: -
Official AFL Player Rating: 44
Debut: 2008
Games: 96
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $558,000 

Hanley enjoyed an incredible end to 2014, but will not be seen until the mid-point of this year after undergoing pre-season hip surgery. He is close to the Lions' most damaging player with his ability to run-and-carry the ball, elude defenders with a step or swerve, and then have the composure to finish off with a pinpoint pass or shot at goal. The 26-year-old averaged 30 disposals a game over the final nine rounds last season, yet it's the impact of those possessions that makes him so valuable. Often the first Lion tagged these days, he is capable of single-handedly winning games and is heading towards the peak of his powers. 

36. Chad Wingard
Port Adelaide
Forward
Last year's ranking: 34 (-2)
Official AFL Player Rating: 41
Debut: 2012
Games: 67
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $439,000 

Entering his fourth AFL season, Wingard is among the game’s most exciting players. His agility allows him to find time and space in even the most congested situations, providing him countless opportunities to either score or assist others hit the board. His basketball background is obvious on the football field – his vision and ball use by hand are elite. Has already been used further up the ground and could become a real weapon in midfield. A knee injury has hampered the tail end of his pre-season but shouldn't rule him out for round one.  

35. Jarrad McVeigh
Sydney Swans
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: 17 (-18)
Official AFL Player Rating: 32
Debut: 2004
Games: 244
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $550,000 

An All Australian at half-back in 2013, McVeigh has since become a classy midfielder who can also push to half-forward and punish the opposition with his piercing ball use. Noted by the Swans' tall forwards as one of their favourite teammates to receive the ball from, he rarely wastes a kick and ranked No. 4 in the AFL last season for total goal assists. Co-captain since 2011, McVeigh could be deployed back to defence in 2015 to cover the loss of Nick Malceski. Rarely plays a bad game, but was surprisingly poor in last year's Grand Final, winning just five possessions to half-time. 

34. Brendon Goddard
Essendon
Forward/midfielder
Last year's ranking: 37 (+3)
Official AFL Player Rating: 26
Debut: 2003
Games: 247
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $550,000 

Essendon couldn't have hoped for much more from Goddard since he crossed to the club as a restricted free agent at the end of 2012. In his first season with the Bombers, the former Saint won the club's best and fairest. He immediately added a level of class to the club's on-ball brigade with his precise and long kicking on both feet, and has also kicked 18 and 17 goals in his two years in red and black, showing his worth near goal. A natural leader who strives for and demands the best, the 29-year-old remains one of the competition's most damaging players. 

33. David Mundy

Fremantle
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: 25 (-8)
Official AFL Player Rating: 64
Debut: 2005
Games: 210
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $542,000 

The classy midfielder is one of the most important players in the Dockers’ line-up. His consistency and leadership are invaluable and his ball use and decision-making are features of his game. Ranked second at Fremantle in 2014 for contested possessions and clearances and he was in the top 12 in the AFL for both categories. He finished fourth in the club's best and fairest after running second in 2013. He is a big-game player as well, and his performances during the past two finals series have been exemplary. 

32. Bryce Gibbs
Carlton
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: -
Official AFL Player Rating: 57
Debut: 2007
Games: 177
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $574,000

The South Australian's move into a full-time midfield role was one of the success stories of Carlton's 2014 season. Gibbs is a class ball-user and decision-maker and in 2014 showed he can be a hard-nosed inside ball-winner too, finishing 10th in the AFL for clearances during the home and away season. The former No. 1 draft pick's excellent season earned him his maiden Carlton best and fairest award and his first All Australian squad nomination, while his game against Geelong in round 12 (29 possessions and four goals) was one of the best individual performances of 2014. Gibbs appears to be on the verge of joining the game's elite. 

31. Nathan Jones
Melbourne
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: -
Official AFL Player Rating: 101
Debut: 2006
Games: 179
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $418,000

Jones has been Melbourne's best player for three straight years, a fact reflected in his hat-trick of best and fairest wins from 2012. The Demons have struggled since Jones arrived in 2006, but the tough on-baller has always had reason to hold his head high. The midfielder averaged career-highs in disposals (27.7 per game), tackles (5.2), clearances (6.2), contested possessions (11.6) and uncontested possessions (16.1) in 2014 and clearly benefited from a bolstered on-ball unit that included Bernie Vince and Dom Tyson. The club’s stand-alone skipper, Jones' uncompromising nature and sharp decision-making in traffic make him an elite AFL player. Jones received four times as many votes as all other Demons combined.

30. Marc Murphy
Carlton
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: 26 (-4)
Official AFL Player Rating: 30
Debut: 2006
Games: 185
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $544,000

The Carlton skipper has had to manage various knee troubles in recent seasons, but remains an elite inside midfielder who stands up week in week out. Fiercely courageous, he burrows in after the ball at stoppage after stoppage with little regard for his 180cm frame. Murphy led Carlton in loose-ball gets last year and was second in clearances, contested possessions, inside 50s, handballs and tackles. A calf strain sidelined him from the Blues' opening NAB Challenge game against West Coast, but the club is confident he will be fit for its remaining pre-season games against Collingwood in Bendigo on Sunday and Geelong at Etihad Stadium on March 22.

29. Callan Ward
Greater Western Sydney
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: -
Official AFL Player Rating: 22
Debut: 2008
Games: 121
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $561,000

The former Western Bulldog has become the heart and soul of the Giants since their 2012 inception. He is relentless in his pursuit of the footy and loves to get his hands dirty at stoppages. Ward, 24, was the first Giant to make the 40-man All Australian squad (last year), and was sixth in the competition in clearances. He works just as hard defensively as offensively and is a model of consistency, averaging 25 touches in 2014. With the addition of Ryan Griffen to take some heat off him, expect Ward to keep improving.

28. Chris Judd
Carlton
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: 22 (-6)
Official AFL Player Rating: 87
Debut: 2002
Games: 271
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $454,000

The two-time Brownlow medallist was reportedly set to hang up the boots last year after an injury-riddled start to 2014, but a late-season revival convinced him to play on for at least another year. Although he no longer boasts the explosive pace that made him the competition's most damaging midfielder during his West Coast years, Judd has reinvented himself into an elite contested ball-winner and made his handball an attacking weapon. The former Blues skipper is likely to spend some time in attack this season, where his strength and height (189cm) will make him a difficult match-up for opposition teams. But Judd is still at his best in the midfield, where he remains capable of producing game-winning bursts.

27. Luke Parker
Sydney Swans
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: -
Official AFL Player Rating: 48
Debut: 2011
Games: 82
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $585,000

The young midfielder won the Swans' best and fairest in a strong field, underlining his rise into the elite bracket at just 22. He separates himself from other on-ballers with his ability to push forward and punish his opponents – he kicked 25 goals in 25 games last season. He is told to push forward whenever he can to use his overhead marking to advantage. Parker ranked No. 3 among midfielders for contested marks last season and top 10 in the AFL for tackles and pressure acts.  

26. Brent Harvey
North Melbourne
Forward/midfielder
Last year's ranking: 49 (+23)
Official AFL Player Rating: 6
Debut: 1996
Games: 384
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $565,000

The five-time North best and fairest winner turns 37 in May but has shown no signs of slowing down. Still the Roos' main match-winner, he can break opposition lines with his speed and evasive skills, and is a clinical finisher when he gets within range of goal. Harvey plays the high half-forward role to perfection, working up into the midfield to give North's on-ball division a hand before drifting back towards goal to prey on any crumbs. He kicked 29 goals and averaged 25.4 possessions a game in 2014 and was unlucky to miss out on his fifth All Australian selection.

25. Harry Taylor
Geelong
Defender
Last year's ranking: 24 (-1)
Official AFL Player Rating: 49
Debut: 2008
Games: 159
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $390,000

Ranked the game's top defender by his fellow players, Taylor is set to bounce back after putting in what he described as an inconsistent season in 2014. He has responded with a huge pre-season, dropping weight and setting himself for a big year. A brilliant intercept mark and a superb leader, he can play forward or back but he should get the chance to settle in defence this season. His ability to handle all types of forwards and to use the ball well on the rebound makes him a critical part of the Cats' veteran group of defenders.

24. Rory Sloane
Adelaide
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: 36 (+12)
Official AFL Player Rating: 7
Debut: 2009
Games: 100
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $592,000

Sloane is one of the toughest inside midfielders going around. He genuinely thrives in wet, sloppy conditions when willpower becomes a player's greatest asset. The blond-haired 24-year-old is a fan favourite and while he's relentless at the contest, he' also has the finishing skills that make him a goalkicking threat anywhere inside 55m. His competitive nature is best seen in his tackling ability and last year, he ranked sixth in the AFL in average tackles.

23. Tom Hawkins
Geelong
Forward
Last year's ranking: -
Official AFL Player Rating: 102
Debut: 2007
Games: 147
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $436,000

Hawkins is rated among the best key forwards in the game. His performances in 2014 were crucial to the Cats finishing in the top four. He kicked 68 goals and nearly dragged the Cats over the line when he turned it on in the last quarter of the semi-final against North Melbourne. Big, imposing and reliable, the 26-year-old is a free agent at the end of the season but is expected to stay at Geelong. Tough to beat one-on-one and will certainly play a role in determining whether the Cats can stay in contention.

22. Jordan Lewis
Hawthorn
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: -
Official AFL Player Rating: 27
Debut: 2005
Games: 217
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $621,000

A fitter and leaner Lewis was rewarded for his career-best season when he won the best and fairest and helped the Hawks to last year’s premiership. The vice-captain is brilliant at stoppages, reading the play superbly and using his toughness and running ability to advantage. He averaged almost 28 disposals per game and his 37-possession effort in the Grand Final was only two shy of the Grand Final record set by Brisbane Lions champion Simon Black in 2003. Lewis also became more damaging around goal, booting 17 goals in 24 games. He looms large as a prime candidate for the captaincy if Luke Hodge retires or steps aside.

21. Dayne Beams
Brisbane Lions
Midfielder
Last year's ranking: 48 (+27)
Official AFL Player Rating: 104
Debut: 2009
Games: 110
NAB AFL Fantasy value: $609,000

Beams was the centerpiece of one of the biggest moves of the off-season. The 2010 premiership and 2012 Copeland Trophy winner returned to his home state after six successful seasons with Collingwood. Beams is a quality player; he can win the inside ball and his ability to use it cleanly and with penetration on the outside with his thumping right boot make him a genuine weapon. He has kicked 118 goals in 110 games. The 25-year-old was in the top-15 in the AFL last season in average disposals, contested possessions and clearances and is arguably the biggest name to joins the Lions since coach Leigh Matthews. Beams will no longer have the likes of Dane Swan and Scott Pendlebury to play alongside, and will likely have to learn to play with a tagger hanging off him.