ADELAIDE
Most improved: Brodie Smith 
It's very hard to look past the young, rebounding defender, who has taken his game to great heights in 2014. If Smith isn't the favourite for the club's best and fairest count he'd be right up there, leading the Crows for rebound 50s and second only to Melbourne's Lynden Dunn in the wider competition. The 22-year-old has increased his average number of disposals from 19 to 23 a game and has become one of his club's most important players.
Worthy mentions: It's no secret that Sam Jacobs struggled last year after a stellar 2012 season in which he was unlucky to miss out on All Australian selection. But he dropped his playing weight and has been back to his best this year, finding far more of the ball. Josh Jenkins has taken his game to another level too and already has more goals than he kicked in 17 games last year, including four hauls of four. - Harry Thring

BRISBANE LIONS
Most improved: Josh Green 
Always one of the most lively Lions, Green has turned himself into one of the best small forwards in the competition with his most consistent season to date. For a team that generates fewer inside 50s than any other in the competition, the 21-year-old has kicked 19 goals and forms a deadly combination with Dayne Zorko and Lewy Taylor. Green has gone from super-sub to one of the first Lions picked with his good vision, decision-making and class around goals.
Worthy mentions: In just his second season, utility Marco Paparone has made a quantum leap.  The West Australian played just five games in his debut season but has played all 14 this year and proved a terrific link man with his peerless aerobic capacity helping him get up and down the wing. Ruckman Stefan Martin has also revitalised his career and, although with just four weeks evidence to go on, is playing career-best footy. The former Demon has averaged 18 disposals, 30 hit-outs and five tackles against quality ruckmen since returning from long-term injury. - Michael Whiting

CARLTON
Most improved: Sam Rowe
Carlton coach Mick Malthouse has praised Rowe for the heart he has shown in key battles in defence this season and the 26-year-old has rewarded the Blues' faith. Rowe has played all but one game and handled the tough roles on some of the competition's best forwards with poise and a disciplined temperament. If Rowe can continue to hold down his key defensive post, it allows the Blues to push Lachie Henderson forward which adds greater flexibility to the side.
Worthy mentions: Young power forward Levi Casboult had his coming of age moment against Hawthorn in round 13. He booted a career-high four goals and took some of the cleanest contested marks you're ever likely to see. Carlton has remained patient with the 24-year-old and he is starting to deliver for them. Simon White has returned strongly from a serious neck injury that threatened his career and he is starting to make the most of his opportunity. Has played 11 games, adding much-needed versatility to Malthouse's side. - Ben Guthrie

Jack Frost has barely put a foot wrong this season. Picture: AFL Media 

COLLINGWOOD
Most improved: Jack Frost 
Many observers started questioning their doubts about Jack Frost after his performance on Sydney Swans star Buddy Franklin in round two. And he has not put a foot wrong since, being Collingwood's best key defender this season, taking on big names and beating them. An improved kick, he has shown his pace and desperation as his confidence has grown. Frost is one of the game's most improved players. 
Worthy mentions: Jamie Elliott was handy in 2013 but he has been consistently good this season, kicking 30 goals, taking spectacular marks and being talked up as an All Australian prospect. Steele Sidebottom has made the leap he had to make from a very good player to an elite player. His three-week absence due to suspension was keenly felt and his best on ground return against Carlton in round 14 was a reminder of how good he had become.  - Peter Ryan

ESSENDON
Most improved: Cale Hooker
Given his form, Hooker should be an All Australian defender this season. Hooker has become Essendon's most consistent key backman, often manning the opposition's most dangerous tall forward while also floating in front of other contests to help his teammates. Only a couple of years ago, Hooker was almost traded. He backed himself in to hold down a position in Essendon's back half, and he has done plenty more than that.
Worthy mentions: The rise of Mark Baguley as a lock-down defender has gone relatively unnoticed, but he has become a very solid option. Baguley has become surer with the ball and rarely gets beaten by dangerous small forwards. Joe Daniher has played every game this season and although some have been quiet, in many he has shown exciting signs. He leads Essendon's goalkicking with 18 – and at this rate should win it in only his second AFL season. - Callum Twomey

Lachie Neale has become a match-winner for the Dockers. Picture: AFL Media

FREMANTLE
Most improved: Lachie Neale
The 21-year-old took a step forward late in the 2013 season but his improvement in 2014 has seen him become a permanent fixture in the Dockers' midfield and a match-winner. Last year he averaged 18 disposals in 12 games; this season he has averaged 22 in 13. Neale also became the youngest Ross Glendinning medallist as best afield in the round seven Western Derby with 32 touches and a goal.
Worthy mentions: Whether Stephen Hill has actually improved or whether he's been allowed more freedom is debatable. Either way he has been in career-best form, producing a number of dominant performances this year. The Dockers win 94 per cent of the time he has 25 disposals or more. He's averaging 23 touches per game this year. Paul Duffield has had a terrific season averaging 19 disposals. He's been a very consistent performer in defence for a number of years but he's taken his game to another level this season. - Alex Malcolm

GEELONG
Most improved: Cameron Guthrie 
A move from the backline into the midfield has turned Guthrie into one of the Cats' most important players. Not only has he filled a run-with role at times, manning up on superstars like Scott Pendlebury and Sam Mitchell, he has also won plenty of the ball himself. Guthrie is averaging 18.4 disposals per game.
Worthy mentions: George Horlin-Smith has cemented himself in Geelong's midfield after managing eight senior matches last season. The 21-year-old is averaging 18 disposals and one goal per game. Jared Rivers is another player who has stepped up this year. He had a mediocre first season at the Cattery after moving from Melbourne, but has become an integral part of the club's backline in 2014. - Adam McNicol

Steven May has taken on and beaten some of the AFL's best power forwards. Picture: AFL Media

GOLD COAST
Most improved: Steven May 
Coach Guy McKenna gave him the responsibility at the start of the season to become the Suns' second key defender alongside Rory Thompson, and the 22-year-old has not let him down. May has gone from a fringe player to the cusp of All Australian selection with his combination of brute strength and agility. His scalps include Matthew Pavlich, Drew Petrie, Lance Franklin and most recently Tom Hawkins.
Worthy mentions: At the other end of the ground is Tom Lynch, who has elevated his game to become a key focal point for the Suns. Before this season Lynch had played 38 games and kicked 35 goals, but this year the bullocking centre half-forward has become a real weapon with 29 goals in 14 matches. He straightens up Gold Coast's attack and is relentless in getting to contests. Brandon Matera has also helped his team become much more dangerous in the forward 50, kicking multiple goals in seven of his 12 matches and 22 overall for the year. He has benefited greatly from Lynch, Charlie Dixon and Sam Day's improvement, but the little West Australian is all class around goals and needs only to improve his defensive pressure to become an all-around player. - Michael Whiting

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Most improved: Devon Smith 
A tough, talented small forward, Smith has been used more through the midfield this season with impressive results. His possession numbers have jumped from around 16 per game over his first two years to 20.5 this season. The top three disposal games of his career – 33 against Essendon and 27 against both Port Adelaide and the Swans – have all come this season. He is still contributing in the forward line too, kicking 19.9 from 13 appearances, second only to Jeremy Cameron's 25 goals. 
Worthy mentions: Key forward Jonathon Patton has been the good news story to date. Finally fit after a series of injuries, Patton has played all 14 matches and kicked 18 goals, while also averaging 11 touches and five marks per game. Another Giant with a little more experience but who has undoubtedly improved is Rhys Palmer. Adjusting to a defensive forward role, the former NAB AFL Rising Star winner is averaging 17 touches and three tackles while kicking 12 goals through his nine games. - James Dampney

Luk Breust has been deadly in front of goal this season. Picture: AFL Media

HAWTHORN
Most improved: Luke Breust 
Bruest has developed from a more-than-handy small forward to the most reliable kick in the game this season. The former rookie has booted an incredible 26 goals without a behind (not including three out on the full) since Easter Monday and has 38.4 for the season. It's a far cry from his 40.30 return last year and the 23-year-old half-forward seems certain to earn an All Australian guernsey later this year. 
Worthy mentions: Jonathon Ceglar has come from nowhere to be holding big-name recruit Ben McEvoy out of the senior side. The 204cm ruckman was upgraded from the rookie list this season and has strung together the past six games in a major surprise. Bradley Hill has taken his game to another level after a breakout 2013 season. Hill played 24 of 25 games last year, including the Grand Final, but has grown more confident and consistent. The speedy wingman is averaging 21 touches, up from 16 last season, with his run and carry a constant threat. - Travis King

MELBOURNE
Most improved: Cam Pedersen
Melbourne had stamped Pedersen's papers before the season had even begun, but the 27-year-old has quickly changed people's perceptions. With Mitch Clark and Jesse Hogan out of action, he has provided a desperately-needed target up forward in Paul Roos' reworked attack. Pedersen is averaging a career-high in possessions (14.2 per game) and tackles (3.4) and can importantly provide a chop out in the ruck when needed.
Worthy mentions: Neville Jetta has claimed scalps including Eddie Betts, Chad Wingard and Luke Dahlhaus. Not bad going for a player who was delisted at the end of last year and told to shape up or ship out. Elevated off the rookie list, his disciplined approach has strengthened the Demons' defence and his absence will be felt this week if Hayden Ballantyne runs amok. Lynden Dunn was a good player, but he has taken his game to a new level. In All Australian contention after averaging career-bests in disposals (19.4 per game) and marks (6.7). The 27-year-old, who recently signed a three-year contract extension, has led the League in intercept possessions since round five. Often outsized, his contested work and positioning in marking contests has been superb. - Ben Guthrie

Levi Greenwood and Michael Firrito have been superb this season. Picture: AFL Media

NORTH MELBOURNE
Most improved: Levi Greenwood 
After spending most of the previous two seasons in the VFL, Greenwood faced a make-or-break year in 2014. But since getting an opportunity as North's substitute in round two against the Western Bulldogs, the run-with midfielder has been one of the Roos' few consistent players this year. Greenwood has again been able to limit the influence of opposition stars, but has also been one of North's most prolific ball-winners. He is ranked third at North this season for average possessions (25.4 a game), clearances (3.9) and inside 50s (3.4), and fourth for contested possessions (10.1).
Worthy mentions: Ben Cunnington has taken his game to another level this year, especially early in the year when he took on much of the inside midfield slack created by skipper Andrew Swallow's absence. Veteran defender Michael Firrito was nearly delisted at the end of last season, but has returned to form this year as one of the mainstays of North's injury-hit defence. - Nick Bowen

PORT ADELAIDE
Most improved: Ollie Wines 
Just as Chad Wingard managed to do in his second season, Wines has significantly upped his game after playing every match in his debut year. The 19-year-old now averages 26 possessions a game (up from 19) and is ranked fourth in the League for handballs as well as developing into Port's No.1 contested possession-winner. He's a driving force from contests but has also boosted his ability to spread from stoppage.
Worthy mentions: After impressing in his return from a knee reconstruction last year, Robbie Gray has reached career-best form. He's finding more of the ball than ever before, he's on track to kick more goals than ever before and is rated equal first in the competition for goal assists. Ben Newton hasn't played a lot of top-flight football, but ask anyone around the club and he will be named as one of the most improved. His consistency has been sensational at SANFL level – keeping his career alive. - Harry Thring

RICHMOND 
Most improved: Dustin Martin 
After improving his fitness pre-season, Martin has been able to deliver consistently in 2014 and shoulder a significant midfield load for the battling Tigers. He has lifted his disposal average from 24.2 to 26.5, kicked 18 goals, and is having more of an impact at stoppages. Importantly, he hasn't drifted out of the action in the second half, which had been an issue in his first four years. The 23-year-old has put the drama of his off-season contract negotiations behind him and is delivering for his club. 
Worthy mentions: Defender David Astbury was the Tigers' most improved player without doubt until he suffered a serious knee injury in round nine. Having finally completed a strong pre-season, the 23-year-old regularly beat quality opponents and has been sorely missed since going down. Midfielder Brandon Ellis has taken another step, lifting his possession average from 18.5 to 25.2. - Nathan Schmook   

ST KILDA 
Most improved: Jack Newnes 
The versatile youngster has made the step into the midfield this season and is becoming a reliable performer for the Saints in his third season. Primarily a half-back in his first two seasons, the 21-year-old has lifted his possession average from 15.1 to 19.5 in the midfield and he is tackling more and having a presence at stoppages. A future leader, he boasts a strong defensive side to his game and is a good runner.     
Worthy mentions: Jimmy Webster has become a regular across half-back for the Saints, playing 11 games and averaging 15 possessions. Committed and a good kick, he has carved out a place in the best 22. Key defender Luke Delaney crossed to the Saints via trade and is without doubt an improved footballer now that he is receiving opportunities. The former Kangaroo has played every game this season and is exactly what the Saints needed. - Nathan Schmook 

Swan Harry Cunnigham has played every match after only six in his first two seasons. Picture: AFL Media

SYDNEY SWANS 
Most improved: Harry Cunningham
After managing just six appearances over his first two seasons on the list, Cunningham has taken a major step forward in 2014. Playing every match and being used in a variety of roles all over the ground, Cunningham is averaging 13 touches, four marks and three tackles per game. The speedy 21-year-old has also kicked 11 goals, including four in the round 12 victory over the Gold Coast. He has been rewarded for his efforts this year with a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination in round 15.
Worthy mentions: Craig Bird has been a valued member of the Swans for some time, but he has taken his game to a new level this year. Having averaged 17 possessions per game in 2012 and 18.3 last season, that number has jumped to 21 in 2014. Six weeks shy of his 30th birthday, Nick Malceski is also in career-best form. The running defender and All Australian contender is averaging 24.6 possessions per game, comfortably the best tally of his 10 seasons at the highest level. - James Dampney

WEST COAST
Most improved: Jeremy McGovern 
In November last year McGovern was sent away from pre-season training for failing to meet the minimum fitness standards. Now he's signed a two-year contract extension after just five AFL matches. His performances have been outstanding. He's kicked 11 goals and taken 36 marks in five games playing predominantly up forward but he has also played back. The Eagles expect him to improve exponentially from here. 
Worthy mentions: The performances of Jamie Bennell as a small defender have been impressive on his return from a knee reconstruction. He has played every game this season thus far and has been one of the Eagles' most consistent players. Eric Mackenzie is a strange selection for this category but his continual progression has to put him in All Australian calculations again. The key defender made the 40-man squad last year, yet he is having an even better season stopping the competition's power forwards. - Alex Malcolm

WESTERN BULLDOGS 
Most improved: Jack Macrae
The gifted playmaker tallied 13 impressive games in his debut season last year, quickly justifying why the Bulldogs snapped him up with pick six in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft. But the 20-year-old has gone to another level in 2014, averaging 26 possessions per game (up from 17 in 2013). Another area Macrae has made dramatic improvement is with his body, with his once slender frame presently tipping the scales at around 83kg. And a growth spurt of 3cm now sees him stand at 191cm, making him the perfect prototype for the modern-day midfielder.
Worthy mentions: Injuries have stymied the progress of Easton Wood in his time at Whitten Oval, but continuity in 2014 has seen him become the player the Dogs knew he could be. The athletic defender has shaken off a series of hamstring complaints to play every game so far this season. He's ability to play tall or small, while giving plenty of dash, has given Brendan McCartney plenty of flexibility. Luke Dahlhaus is another big improver, averaging 23 disposals a game in 2014 (up from 16 in 2013) and giving the Dogs another genuine midfield option. - Ryan Davidson