The biggest surprise to come out of the survey conducted for the AFL Record and AFL.com.au, though, was the emergence of Port Adelaide star Chad Wingard, who was rated the third most exciting player to watch in the competition.
The views of more than 23,000 supporters were taken in the online survey, with revelations emerging on how fans view the state of the game, the supporter experience and the game's players, coaches and clubs. The full results are published in the round 18 edition of the AFL Record.
Ablett, who continued to dazzle with the SUNS in 2014 before shoulder surgery ended his season, was a clear favourite as the game's most exciting player (26.1 per cent) ahead of Sydney Swans star Lance Franklin (17.4 per cent). Wingard, who was an All Australian last year in just his second season and is already one of the game's best aerialists, came in third with 12.1 per cent of the vote.
The 20-year-old was an overwhelming pick as the fans' best young player to watch, with 23.2 per cent of the vote, ahead of Fremantle midfielder Nat Fyfe (5.2 per cent).
It is impossible to overstate the role Ablett has played in Gold Coast's growth as a club, and it is clear from the survey that the SUNS have been welcomed by the game's fans. Powerhouse clubs Geelong and Hawthorn stood out as clear front runners when supporters were asked which opposition club they most respected, but the SUNS surprisingly sat in fifth.
An overwhelming majority of supporters (68 per cent) said the SUNS and Greater Western Sydney had been good for the competition, with 17 per cent still making up their minds.
The aesthetics of the game has been a hot topic in 2014, and fans were divided when asked if they were happy how the game is being played, with 56.6 per cent saying they were.
Congestion around the ball was the biggest concern, with 32 per cent of those surveyed saying it was the aspect of the game they most disliked. Confusion over incorrect disposal rated highly, with 12 per cent of the vote.
The idea of zones to prevent congestion received an overwhelming thumbs down (83.5 per cent), with 20 per cent of those surveyed saying they would stop all rule changes if given the power to change one thing in the game.
Still, when asked would you skip a friend's wedding if you had tickets to watch your team in the Grand Final, almost 75 per cent clicked 'Yes'.
Congestion around the ball was the biggest concern, with 32 per cent of those surveyed saying it was the aspect of the game they most disliked. Confusion over incorrect disposal rated highly, with 12 per cent of the vote.
The idea of zones to prevent congestion received an overwhelming thumbs down (83.5 per cent), with 20 per cent of those surveyed saying they would stop all rule changes if given the power to change one thing in the game.
Still, when asked would you skip a friend's wedding if you had tickets to watch your team in the Grand Final, almost 75 per cent clicked 'Yes'.
