MARK BAGULEY

Season so far: It's been a tough year so far for Essendon's defenders as they deal with the weight of opposition forward entries, but Baguley has held up well. He comfortably beat Demons small forward Jeff Garlett in round two when the Bombers upset Melbourne.

Why you probably don't rate him: Baguley came through the rookie draft as a mature-ager from the VFL, so there was never any hype about him. The back pocket doesn't have heaps of flash and does his job with a minimum of fuss.

Why you should: The 28-year-old is Essendon's vice-captain this season and has been a crucial member of the club's backline over the past three seasons. Baguley is courageous, tough and uncompromising. He has improved his kicking to be reliable with ball in hand, and most weeks completes the job asked of him. He was sixth in the Bombers' best and fairest last season.