Unsung ... Tigers midfielder Tuck is a tireless worker. Source: Michael Klein / News Limited
As the AFL season looms we look at the top 10 unsung heroes, those who get the job done with no fuss.
1. Shane Tuck
There aren't many 162-game players that have been as consistently under-appreciated as Tuck. The Tiger on-baller was handed a one-year contract almost as an afterthought ahead of the 2012 season, but won plenty of admirers with his work ethic in playing every game for Richmond last year. Winner of the CGU Unsung Hero of the Year as voted by fans on foxsports.com.au.
2. Alan Toovey
The Collingwood defender goes about his business with a minimum of fuss. His ability to take on a number of roles doesn't win him a lot of plaudits away from the club, but the Pies certainly know what they've got on their hands with Toovey, who won the Darren Millane award for best clubman last year.
3. Brock McLean
How unheralded has Brock McLean been since he arrived at Carlton? Injuries have played a large part in that, but there was no doubting his value once he broke back into Brett Ratten's team last year. A career that was circling the drain is now well and truly back on track.
4. Daniel Cross
The spotlight has always shone more brightly on teammates like Adam Cooney or Ryan Griffen, but Cross has been a vital cog in the Bulldogs' midfield over nearly 200 games. He's a club best and fairest winner, but has rarely won the recognition he deserves away from Whitten Oval.
5. Jason Blake
The unfashionable defender was delisted (albeit for Total Player Payments reasons) ahead of last season and wasn't offered a new contract for this year until the Saints' bold play for Eagle defender Mitch Brown was torpedoed. His team-first attitude has made him a favourite among teammates over 212 games.
6. Martin Mattner
The long-striding winger/defender was never one of Neil Craig's favourites in Adelaide and he's quietly gone about his business in Sydney, but he's more effective than he gets credit for. He was a picture of consistency during the Swans' 2012 premiership run.
7. David Mackay
With the likes of Paddy Dangerfield, Scott Thompson and Bernie Vince getting most of the attention, Mackay can slip under the guard of opposition teams, but they allow this to happen at their peril. The Crows were delighted when the classy winger spurned interest from teams back in his native Victoria last year to sign a new long-term deal.
8. Scott McMahon
The North Melbourne defender quietly passed the 100-game milestone last year and has become a fixture in the unheralded Roos' defence after being elevated off the rookie list in 2006. Despite missing six games through illness last season, he finished third in one-percenters at the club.
9. Brendan Whitecross
The Queenslander's career took a while to get going, which might have caused some to doubt his ability early on, but he was well on the way to proving them wrong when he ruptured an ACL late last season. He's become a regular contributor in one of the strongest teams going around.
10. Jed Adcock
Hopefully now he's co-captain alongside Jonathan Brown the rock-solid defender will get the recognition he deserves. Adcock was his consistent self in 2012 across half-back and the 27-year-old didn't think twice before signing a three-year extension at the end of the season. His kicking is precise and his leadership revered at the Lions.
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