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Lyon’s list: The top 8 players who’ve become half-back stars
SEN • July 23rd, 2025 2:55 pm
Garry Lyon has ranked the best current players who have made it as a half-back flanker.
Lyon’s criteria for his list is players who started their careers in a different position or were drafted not necessarily as a rebounding defender.
He put together his top eight after being inspired by Zane Duursma’s very recent shift to half-back to ignite his fledgling North Melbourne career.
“He’s been a bit in the wilderness. I watched him play closely one day at half-forward, he looked to me not to be getting to the right spots,” he said on SEN Breakfast.
“He reminded me so much of Nick Blakey. Blakey would keep going to contests and getting knocked over and wasn’t finding the footy. Zane is not doing at the moment.
“But the call to get him to half-back to maximise his talents was eventually heeded by the Sydney Swans.”
Lyon’s top 8 half-backs
1 - Lachie Whitfield (GWS)
“Number one pick, came in through the Under-18 and 16 systems as a midfielder and a wingman.
“He’s just become one of the great half-backs. It’s a massive win.”
2 - Nick Blakey (Sydney)
“He was running around not finding any footy, getting knocked over and beaten up as a tallish half-forward.
“Now he’s as devastating as anyone.”
3 - Dayne Zorko (Brisbane)
“‘The Zork’ is impacting games like you wouldn’t believe now. He’s just killing it.”
4 - Bailey Dale (Western Bulldogs)
“It didn’t spring to my mind but my Dogs man tells me that he was a forward when he got to the Bulldogs.”
5 - Josh Daicos (Collingwood)
“What an impact he’s had this year in a short time.”
6 - Lachie Ash (GWS)
“Another great example. A little bit in the wilderness when he got taken and was trying to find his slot at half-forward or in midfield.
“Now one of the great half-backs.”
7 - Daniel Rioli (Gold Coast)
“Was a good player (as a forward). Has become a great half-back.”
8 - Jack Sinclair (St Kilda)
“He also kicked goals early in his career at St Kilda. Now at half-back.
“They’re all devastating half-back flankers who shape games.”
