Since the birth of Australian rules football and the VFL/AFL, we've seen a number of great players and legends step onto the proverbial arena and grace us with their abilities to wow spectators and come up in big moments.
To celebrate Grand Final week, I've decided to name each club's greatest team of all time - a team full of each club's best-ever players into one huge article.
So without further ado, let's begin
Brisbane Lions
Having a look at Brisbane's all-time team, it shouldn't come as a shock to have the majority of the team from their golden era, in which saw the club win three premierships in a row from 2001-03 and then make a fourth consecutive Grand Final in 2004. Since then, the Lions haven't tasted much Finals action, only making it to September just once. 20 of the 24 selected in this squad were involved in Brisbane's three-peat. Please note that I didn't include anyone from Fitzroy or the Brisbane Bears before the merger.
In the back-line they had All-Australian defenders Chris Johnson at back-pocket and Justin Leppitsch at centre-half back. Johnson's creativity was a huge component in his game, whilst Leppitsch was remarkable at marshaling his defenders together and stopping his direct opponents. His partner-in-crime Mal Michael was a very underrated full-back, given that he had no All-Australian selections to back up his talents. Lining up at half-back alongside Leppitsch will be Chris Scott and Darryl White, both of whom were very tough, but very skillful defenders and Marcus Ashcroft, a ball-winning defender who played over 300 career games with Brisbane.
The opposite end of the ground possess some of Brisbane's most exciting and dangerous forwards. With Jonathan Brown, Daniel Bradshaw and Alastair Lynch, who were deemed as Brisbane's big three of forwards, they have kicked a combined 1751 goals and have won Brisbane's goal-kicking award 12 times - this trio was very hard to stop back then. At half-forward, there is triple-premiership player Craig McRae and a former Brownlow medallist, a four-time All-Australian and two-time Brisbane best and fairest winner Jason Akermanis whilst two-time Brisbane best and fairest winner Dayne Zorko is named in the pocket.
But the midfield is where I think this side shines the most, You've got two Brownlow medallists in Michael Voss and Simon Black and a Norm Smith medallist in Shaun Hart starting in the middle and All-Australians in Dayne Beams and Nigel Lappin running the wings. Triple premiership ruckman Clark Keating is named as starting ruckman, but Stefan Martin will be a very good back-up as he can win his own ball as well as win his fair share of hitouts. Coming off the bench is loads of superstar midfield talent, with dual best and fairest winner and ball magnet Tom Rockliff, as well as premiership players Martin Pike, Luke Power, Brad Scott and Tim Notting all capable of playing several roles around the ground.
B: Chris Johnson, Mal Michael, Marcus Ashcroft HB: Chris Scott, Justin Leppitsch, Darryl White C: Dayne Beams, Michael Voss, Nigel Lappin HF: Jason Akermanis, Jonathan Brown, Craig McRae F: Daniel Bradshaw, Alastair Lynch, Dayne Zorko FOL: Clark Keating, Simon Black, Shaun Hart INT: Luke Power, Tom Rockliff, Stefan Martin, Brad Scott, Martin Pike, Tim Notting
Gold Coast Suns
The Gold Coast Suns' all-time team was a bit tricky seeing as they were only introduced into the league six years ago, but the one thing I found very interesting about this was that seven of the 24 players on this side have gone on to play at other clubs with some of them already forging solid careers.
The team starts with the obvious choice of Gary Ablett in the middle, he won three club best and fairests, multiple All-Australian selections and even a Brownlow Medal, and whilst it looks like his time at Gold Coast appears to be at an ugly end, there's no question that he's undoubtedly Gold Coast's best player, however his supporting cast leaves a lot to be desired. Jaeger O'Meara unanimously won the league's Rising Star award in 2013 but was plagued with injury before bailing to Hawthorn, Michael Barlow proved to be a very handy recruit in 2017 before a broken leg ruined his season, whilst Michael Rischitelli and Dion Prestia have also had their solid share of injuries. Tom Nicholls has been solid in the ruck and will rotate with the former Sun Zac Smith, who has also been very solid since playing for Geelong. Aaron Hall, Touk Miller and David Swallow have all had reasonable careers so far and will come off the bench.
Tom Lynch is perhaps the next best player on this team after Ablett, given that he managed to kick 66 goals for a struggling Suns' side in 2016 and if Charlie Dixon hadn't gone to Port Adelaide, would still form a formidable duo down forward, although Peter Wright is developing alright and looms as a real threat in future years. Jack Martin and ex-Sun Harley Bennell have the capacity to be match-winners with their elite pace and nous for the goals, but with injury and a little bit of undiscipline (Bennell) haven't been able to hit their best footy, whilst former Suns Josh Caddy and Mav Weller round out the forwards as both have managed solid careers so far since leaving the Gold Coast.
In defence, expect nothing out of the ordinary as Steven May and Rory Thompson man the key-defender positions, May is incredibly underrated as a defender as he has saved the Suns from even further embarrassment numerous times and Thompson has been solid whenever he has been on the park as injuries has prevented him from playing his best over the past few years. Kade Kolodjashnij and Adam Saad as well as Jarrod Harbrow who brings a veteran presence, and if Nick Malceski's stay at the Suns wasn't wrecked by injury, then it would be a solid quartet of rebounding defenders. Having Trent McKenzie's booming left boot has also proven to be an asset in defence at times.
B: Jarrod Harbrow, Steven May, Adam Saad HB: Kade Kolodjashnij, Rory Thompson, Nick Malceski C: Jaeger O'Meara, Gary Ablett, Michael Barlow HF: Harley Bennell, Tom Lynch, Josh Caddy F: Jack Martin, Charlie Dixon, Maverick Weller FOL: Tom Nicholls, Michael Rischitelli, Dion Prestia INT: Peter Wright, Aaron Hall, Zac Smith, David Swallow, Touk Miller, Trent McKenzie
Carlton
Given that Carlton boast such a rich history, this team proved to be one of the hardest teams to assemble, but I've plucked out players from numerous eras, including some from now, which sounds a little absurd given that the Blues face a rebuilding period, but Kade Simpson and Marc Murphy should deserve spots in the side, given how outstanding they've been for so long, and whilst Sam Docherty sounds a little controversial, he's amongst the best rebounding defenders in the game today and should be in the discussion when his career is over.
Let's go through the rest of the team, starting with the Silvagni's who are without question one of the better football families in the history of the AFL. It starts with Sergio, who was named in the midfield – a two-time premiership player and two-time club best and fairest winner and along with fellow premiership team mate and league legend John Nicholls in the ruck, it would be interesting to see how they both coincide with the likes of Greg Williams and Chris Judd in the middle – both superstars and both Brownlow Medallists. On top of this you have Carlton's games record holder Craig Bradley – a three-time club best and fairest and two-time premiership star and Wayne Johnston – a four-time premiership player on the wings, as well as having current captain Murphy, three-time best and fairest and premiership player Brett Ratten, and two-time premiership ruckman Justin Madden then it is an incredibly potent midfield.
Then there's Sergio's son, Stephen or better known to the AFL community as 'SOS' (Son of Sergio). Stephen's career was a bit more extensive than his father's including two best and fairest, two premierships, five All-Australians, the full-back of the AFL's team of the century and over 312 games. The team-mates surrounding 'SOS' can't be ignored here, as he has future club legend Kade Simpson, as well as club legends in four-time club best and fairest winner and Norm Smith Medallist in 1981 Bruce Doull, Brownlow Medallists Bert Deacon and John James and two-time premiership defender Geoff Southby as well as premiership defender Andrew McKay and current players Kade Simpson and Sam Docherty.
Carlton's forward line might be a little top-heavy, considering the names, but there is definitely no shortage of goals kicked. Between Stephen Kernahan, Harry Vallence and Brendan Fevola – Carlton's three greatest goalkickers, they have kicked a combined total of 2035 goals, which is extraordinary. With another league legend in Alex Jesaulenko and six-time club leading goal kicker Horrie Clover, that takes the combined goals total to 2875 goals between just five forwards. With Anthony Koutoufides named in the pocket, it brings in another solid marking, yet athletic option as well as another midfield option, and with Robert Walls – another player who has bagged over 350 goals with the Blues on the bench, this side has an abundance of goal-kicking talent.
B: Bruce Doull, Stephen Silvagni, Geoff Southby HB: Kade Simpson, Bert Deacon, John James C: Craig Bradley, Greg Williams, Wayne Johnston HF: Alex Jesaulenko, Stephen Kernahan, Horrie Clover F: Brendan Fevola, Harry Vallence, Anthony Koutoufides FOL: John Nicholls, Chris Judd, Sergio Silvagni INT: Sam Docherty, Marc Murphy, Andrew McKay, Robert Walls, Brett Ratten, Justin Madden
North Melbourne
There is a fair amount to like in North Melbourne's team, despite the club's lack of premiership success in comparison to some of Victoria's more established clubs. However, most of North Melbourne's All-time team features players from their two premierships in the 1970s and their two premierships in the late 1990s.
Starting with the back-line, you couldn't ignore having the Shinboner of the Century in Glenn Archer, perhaps one of the toughest defenders you could ever imagine and typified what North Melbourne was all about. A two-time premiership defender and a Norm Smith medallist in 1996, Archer also has premiership team mates in two-time best and fairest winner Mick Martyn at full-back as well as 359-game veteran John Blakey and two-time North best and fairest winner Wayne Schwass on the half-back flanks. Rounding out the defensive six are 1983 Brownlow medallist Ross Glendinning at centre-half back and two-time premiership player and four-time club best and fairest David Dench in the back pocket.
Up forward, there is loads of star talent on display, but nobody headlines this forward line more so than Wayne Carey 'The King'. Say what you like about Carey his off-field misdemeanours, but on the field, he was incredible. A two-time premiership captain, a seven-time All-Australian, four-time club best and fairest and a five-time club leading goal-kicker, he was unbelievable, and surrounding him are number of other premiership stars, such as the current league's games record holder and five-time club best and fairest in Brent Harvey and current Sydney coach John Longmire who kicked over 500 goals and won himself a Coleman Medal in 1990. Wayne Schimmelbusch, who captained North from 1979-87 and Jock Spencer who won the club's goal-kicking seven times (1949-52 and 1954-56) occupy the two spots in the forward pocket, whilst former Brownlow Medal and Coleman Medal winner Malcolm Blight takes the final spot in the forward six. On the bench, five-time leading club goal-kicker Drew Petrie alongside seven-time leading club goal-kicker and former club best and fairest John Dugdale will provide the forward rotations.
In the midfield, look out for four-time club best and fairest Noel Teasdale as the number one ruckman, whilst premiership ruckman Corey McKernan will provide back-up. In the middle sees some of North's finest midfielders from the late 90s, with Anthony Stevens, David King and Adam Simpson – all dual premiership midfielders - starting alongside Teasdale at the centre square. On the wing sees Keith Greig, a two-time Brownlow medallist and a member of the AFL's team of the century, such was his influence for North on one wing and Shannon Grant, a 301-game veteran who won the Norm Smith medal in 1999. On the bench providing the rotations include former club best and fairest winners Barry Cable and Jim Krakouer, both are exhilarating players and North's current captain Jack Ziebell, who I believe can win multiple club best and fairests.
B: Glenn Archer, Mick Martyn, David Dench HB: John Blakey, Ross Glendinning, Wayne Schwass C: Keith Greig, Anthony Stevens, Shannon Grant HF: Brent Harvey, Wayne Carey, Malcolm Blight F: Wayne Schimmelbusch, John Longmire, Jock Spencer FOL: Noel Teasdale, Adam Simpson, David King INT: Drew Petrie, John Dugdale, Jim Krakouer, Corey McKernan, Jack Ziebell, Barry Cable
Fremantle
With the exception of Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney, Fremantle's all-time team was perhaps one of the more easier teams to do as quite a number of players feature from Fremantle's only Grand Final appearance in 2013. Of the 24 selected, 13 of them played in that losing Grand Final side.
The first picked was pretty simple as Matthew Pavlich is, at the moment, a fair distance away from the next best Fremantle player, which either is Nat Fyfe or Aaron Sandilands, but I'll get to them a little further down the piece. I named Pavlich at centre-half forward, which is arguably the best position for him. 353 games, 700 goals, a six-time Fremantle best and fairest and an eight-time club leading goal-kicker. How good would it be to see Pav team with Tony Modra, despite playing only 47 games for the Dockers between 1999-2001, still kicked nearly 150 goals before injuries forced him into retirement. And what about the abundance of small forwards this group has. Between Michael Walters, Paul Medhurst, Jeff Farmer and Hayden Ballantyne, this quartet has combined for 1188 career goals and would unquestionably cause plenty of headaches for opposition defenders.
The defence features many of Fremantle's 2013 team as it was a side that thrived on defence under Ross Lyon, but this back six has very few accolades between them. Michael Johnson and Luke McPharlin were one-time All-Australians but their influences in the back half were so critically underrated, as was the work from Lee Spurr and Garrick Ibbotson - players that were tough but were able to provide the drive when required. Accompanying these four are two stalwarts of Fremantle. Shane Parker made his debut in Fremantle's first game and made his name at full back whilst Antoni Grover was a superbly consistent defender, who played over 200 games at the Dockers.
However it is the midfield group from this Fremantle side that I like the most here. You have one of the tallest blokes in VFL/AFL history in Aaron Sandilands, who is a two-time club best and fairest, a four-time All-Australian in 254 games, tapping it down to a very solid on-ball brigade, led by the only Brownlow medallist in Fremantle's history in Nat Fyfe – a two-time club best and fairest and two-time All-Australian. Alongside Fyfe in the square will be another two former club best and fairest winners – one being three-time club best and fairest Peter Bell and the other being Adrian Fletcher, a journeyman who played 231 games over five clubs, but ultimately finding some individual success in his final club at Fremantle, and with the speedy Stephen Hill and former best and fairest winner David Mundy on the wings, makes a solid starting six, and with the likes of ball magnets Lachie Neale, Michael Barlow and Paul Hasleby sitting on the bench along side versatile players such as Shaun McManus and Troy Cook and the negating midfielder Ryan Crowley, there's a lot of midfield talent that the Dockers have displayed over the years.
B: Michael Johnson, Shane Parker, Antoni Grover HB: Lee Spurr, Luke McPharlin, Garrick Ibbotson C: Stephen Hill, Nat Fyfe, David Mundy HF: Michael Walters, Matthew Pavlich, Paul Medhurst F: Jeff Farmer, Tony Modra, Hayden Ballantyne FOL: Aaron Sandilands, Peter Bell, Adrian Fletcher INT: Shaun McManus, Paul Hasleby, Lachie Neale, Michael Barlow, Troy Cook, Ryan Crowley
Collingwood
One of the AFL's proudest clubs, Collingwood's all-time team features so many players from so many eras. From the early days of the VFL, to Collingwood's almighty four premiership victories, to Collingwood's most recent premiership in 2010, the Pies have a very good team assembled here, perhaps one of the best teams of the lot.
The midfield possesses some of the game's greatest players ever to have played the game. Between the four men I have named to start in the centre square, they have a combined 17 club best and fairests. At ruck there is Len Thompson, a former Brownlow medallist and All-Australian who won five club best and fairests at the Pies in a 268-game career before moving to South Melbourne and then Fitzroy. Lining up alongside Thompson will be another Brownlow medallist in Nathan Buckley, a six-time club best and fairest and a seven-time All-Australian, as well another Brownlow medallist and a four-time premiership player in Harry Collier and a Collingwood legend in Bob Rose, arguably one of the greatest Pies' players of all time. On the wings, we'll see a five-time club best and fairest, a five-time All-Australian and Norm Smith medallist in Scott Pendlebury on one wing and Darren Milane, another premiership star and former best and fairest winner in Darren Milane, whose life was tragically cut short due to a car crash in 1991. And with Norm Smith medallist Tony Shaw, Brownlow medallist Dane Swan, Des Tuddenham, Wayne Richardson and Steele Sidebottom all coming off the bench, this midfield has all the makings to be one of the best of all time.
Now imagine having all of these elite midfielders kicking it to a forward line that boasts over 3,300 career goals between just four players. This is an extraordinary statistic, but this looms as one of the most extraordinary forward lines. The focal point is without question Gordon Coventry. He was a key reason why Collingwood won the illustrious 'four-peat' in 1927-1930. He won Collingwood's leading goal kicker award a staggering 16 times as well as taking home the league's leading goal kicker award six times. He would be the first man to kick 1000 career goals in the AFL, en route to 1299 goals. The supporting cast is phenomenal, with eight-time club leading goal kicker and two-time league-leading goal kicker Peter McKenna kicking 838 goals for Collingwood in just 180 games, eight-time league-leading goal kicker and three-time premiership forward Dick Lee kicking 707 goals in 230 games and five-time club leading goal-kicker and 1990 premiership small forward Peter Daicos kicking 549 goals in 250 games. Premiership captain Lou Richards (423 goals) and Brownlow medallist Des Fothergill (337 goals) round out the forward six, with three-time club best and fairest and two-time premiership forward Murray Weideman coming off the bench.
Whilst the forward line is stacked on talent, the back six aren't to be overlooked either, starting with the brother of Gordon Coventry. Whilst he was down forward slotting goals with such regularity, Syd Coventry was floating between defence and midfield, but his leadership and ability to thrive in the contest made him such a great player and lead Collingwood to four successive premierships in 1927-1930. Syd also won the Brownlow Medal and the club's best and fairest in 1927 and would win another best and fairest in 1932. Coventry's premiership team mates Albert Collier and Harold Rumney also feature in the back-line of Collingwood's all-time team. Collier won the Brownlow Medal in 1929 and three club best and fairests in 1929, 1934 and 1935, whilst Rumney won Collingwood's best and fairest in 1931. Rounding out the back six sees two-time premiership defender Jack Regan is named at full-back, two-time club best and fairest Billy Picken (Son of Western Bulldogs' Liam) on one half-back flank and three-time club best and fairest and premiership player Gavin Brown on the other flank.
B: Syd Coventry, Jack Regan, Harold Rumney HB: Gavin Brown, Albert Collier, Bill Picken C: Scott Pendlebury, Nathan Buckley, Darren Milane HF: Lou Richards, Dick Lee, Des Fothergill F: Peter Daicos, Gordon Coventry, Peter McKenna FOL: Len Thompson, Bob Rose, Harry Collier INT: Tony Shaw, Dane Swan, Des Tuddenham, Wayne Richardson, Steele Sidebottom, Murray Weideman
Hawthorn
Upon looking at Hawthorn's greatest-ever side at first glance, this is without a doubt, one of the scariest sides that I've written up in terms of superstar talent and in terms of premiership success. The majority of this side has featured in Hawthorn's premierships in the 1970s, 1980s or in the 21st century.
Between Jason Dunstall, Peter Hudson, Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughead, who will come off the bench, these four have combined for over 3000 career goals. The forward line has a frightening blend of exciting and extraordinary goal kicking talent. Dunstall at full-forward was obvious, given that he had kicked 1254 goals in his career and is a 12-time club leading goal kicker, a three-time Coleman medallist, a four-time club best and fairest and a four-time premiership star. Hudson won Hawthorn's leading goal kicker award six times and took home the VFL's leading goalkicking award four time, kicking over 700 goals in just 129 games. Franklin at centre-half forward is perhaps the game's greatest forward today. Four of his seven All-Australian selections were at Hawthorn, he was a a two-time premiership player, and won two of his four Coleman medals at the Hawks, as well as six leading goal kicker awards, booting 580 goals in 182 games before crossing to Sydney. 1987 Brownlow medallist and four-time premiership player John Platten, five-time premiership player Dermott Brereton and four-time premiership player and Norm Smith medallist Cyril Rioli round out the starting six up forward, with current Hawthorn captain Jarryd Roughead and Gary Buckenara providing the rotations on the bench.
In defence, we have some of the more finest defenders to have ever played the game. At full-back there is Kelvin Moore, who was arguably one of the greatest full-backs in the 1970s, he was a three-time premiership player and a former club best and fairest. It would be awesome to watch him and Chris Mew team up in defence as Mew's career was starting just as Moore's was ending. Mew was a five-time premiership defender at Hawthorn and starred at centre-half back. Mew's team mate Chris Langford won four premierships in the 1980s as he starred in the back-line in the 1980s. Three-time premiership defender and two-time club best and fairest Peter Knights and four-time premiership player (Three as captain) and two-time Norm Smith medallist Luke Hodge are named at the half-back flanks, whilst Josh Gibson is named in the back pocket as he is an amazing third-man up in defence and it showed, winning best and fairest awards in two of Hawthorn's three premiership seasons between 2013-15. Col Austen, Gary Ayres and Andrew Collins, all three defensively magnificent players are named on the bench.
Then it comes to the midfield, where it features a number of premiership medallions and a handful of Brownlow medals in there as well. Captain of Hawthorn's team of the century Graham Arthur will come off the bench, but it's the starting six that has all the makings of a dominant group.With the centre line featuring Sam Mitchell in the centre square, and Shane Crawford and Robert 'Dipper' DiPierdomenico named on the wings, this trio have a combined 12 premiership medals, three Brownlow medals, and nine club best and fairests between Crawford and Mitchell alone. 'Dipper' was an extraordinary tough as nails player in the Hawks' glory years of the 1980s. Mitchell was a renowned clearance specialist who made winning contested ball look so easy and Crawford was a champion midfielder in his own right, winning multiple best and fairests and earning multiple All-Australians. But the two big stars of the midfield are none other than Michael Tuck and Leigh Matthews. For Tuck, he was the league's games record holder for 25 years, until it was broken last year by Brent Harvey. Along with his longevity, he was a seven-time premiership player, a four-time premiership captain and a two-time All-Australian, whilst Matthews is highly regarded as the game's greatest player of all time. Four premierships, eight club best and fairests, a six-time club leading goal kicker and a Coleman medal winner, Matthews ability to tear a game apart as a midfielder and as a forward was what made him so great, kicking 915 goals in 332 games.
B: Josh Gibson, Kelvin Moore, Chris Langford HB: Luke Hodge, Chris Mew, Peter Knights C: Robert DiPierdomenico, Sam Mitchell, Shane Crawford HF: John Platten, Lance Franklin, Dermott Brereton F: Peter Hudson, Jason Dunstall, Cyril Rioli FOL: Don Scott, Leigh Matthews, Michael Tuck INT: Jarryd Roughead, Andrew Collins, Graham Arthur, Gary Buckenara, Col Austen, Gary Ayres
St. Kilda
Despite only winning one premiership and a number of wooden spoons since their first season all the way back in 1897, there have still been a number of great players that have come and gone through St. Kilda. The forwards are renowned goal kickers, the midfielders are champions of the game and the defenders are quite underrated.
In the back-line, we start with Verdun Howell and Neil Roberts, both men having been named at full-back and centre-half back in St. Kilda's team of the century, nothing changes here as they have both been Brownlow medallists and have won club best and fairests. Howell is one of only five men in this all-time team to feature in St. Kilda's only premiership in 1966. Team mate Kevin Neale lines up in the back-pocket, but with over 300 career goals to his name, could also be used as a forward. On the other back-pocket, there is a former club best and fairest winner and a former captain in Danny Frawley, who was a highly regarded full-back between the late 1980s and early 1990s. On the half-back flanks I've named two-time club best and fairest Trevor Barker, a club legend known for his high-flying marks from 1975-1989 and Brendon Goddard, who's drive and skill from half-back played a huge factor in St. Kilda's Grand Final runs in 2009 and 2010 – so much so that he was rewarded a spot in the All-Australian team on both years. Goddard's team mate from 2009-10 in Sam Fisher also gets a spot in this team, named as a rotation on the bench after a solid career in defence.
The forward line is loaded with superstar goal scorers. Between the starting six I have, they have combined for a total of 3607 career goals – Add the career goals kicked from the two forwards I have on the bench and it's 4438 career goals between eight players. The full-forward and centre-half forward slots were obvious choices, selecting Tony Lockett and Nick Riewoldt respectively. Lockett kicked 898 of his 1360 goals at St. Kilda, winning two Coleman Medals, two All-Australians and two club best and fairests, whilst Riewoldt is highly regarded as one of the game's best centre-half forwards, kicking 707 goals and is holds the all-time league record for marks. A six-time club best and fairest, a four time club leading goal kicker and a five-time All-Australian, Riewoldt is currently the longest-standing captain of the club. Riewoldt's partners-in-crime Stephen Milne and Fraser Gehrig also line up in the forward line, both playing vital roles in St. Kilda's rise in the mid-2000s. Milne kicked over 570 goals during his time with the Saints, leading the club's goal kicking in four separate seasons, whilst Gehrig (390 goals in 145 games) is a dual Coleman medallist and a former All-Australian. Rounding out the forward six sees Bill Mohr, a 12-time club leading goal kicker and dual best and fairest on one half-forward flank and 1966 premiership player Barry Breen named on the other. Two-time All-Australian and and former club best and fairest winner Stewart Loewe and 1966 premiership captain Darrel Baldock are the forwards coming off the bench.
Which brings us to the midfielders. Starting from the square we've got former club best and fairest winner Carl Ditterich palming the ball down to a pair of dual-Brownlow medal winners in Robert Harvey and Ian Stewart. Harvey is the most recent Saint to win the Brownlow, having won the award in 1997 and 1998, whilst Stewart won the prestigious award in 1965 and in the Saints' premiership year in 1966. Rounding out the midfielders in the centre square is a Norm Smith medallist and a three-time club best and fairest in Lenny Hayes, who was as tough as they come. Nathan Burke and Leigh Montagna occupy the wing slots, but both play very contrasting styles. Burke, a three-time club best and fairest and four-time All-Australian, was a well-respected footballer who consistently showed courage any time he stepped onto an arena, whilst Montagna relied on his speed to accumulate disposals. Nick Dal Santo and Nicky Winmar (two-time club best and fairest) also show a lot of speed and finesse, and having them along with ball-winning midfielder Jack Steven coming off the bench makes the midfield group a dangerous prospect.
B: Kevin Neale, Verdun Howell, Danny Frawley HB: Trevor Barker, Neil Roberts, Brendon Goddard C: Nathan Burke, Ian Stewart, Leigh Montagna HF: Barry Breen, Nick Riewoldt, Bill Mohr F: Stephen Milne, Tony Lockett, Fraser Gehrig FOL: Carl Ditterich, Robert Harvey, Lenny Hayes INT: Stewart Loewe, Nick Dal Santo, Darrel Baldock, Nicky Winmar, Sam Fisher, Jack Steven
Western Bulldogs
For my Western Bulldogs, there is a solid blend of 21st century stars and the stars that won Footscray's maiden premiership in 1954, and despite having won a second premiership last year, only two of the 2016 premiership team have found themselves on this team, due to the superstar talent that has come through from 1954 to last year.
Starting in defence, I have named none other than the man who was branded 'Mr Football', Ted Whitten. Recognised as one of the greatest players of all time, Whitten was a five-time club best and fairest winner, a premiership star in 1954 and as well as an inspirational leader in defence, proved he could do it down forward as well, taking home Footscray's leading goal kicking on four separate occasions. Whitten's premiership team mates in Charlie Sutton, John Schultz (Both back-pockets) and Herb Henderson also join him in the defensive six, whilst another member of the 1954 team in Wally Donald comes off the bench. Sutton was both captain and coach of Footscray's 1954 premiership team, Schultz was a Brownlow medallist and a five-time club best and fairest, whilst Henderson was highly regarded as a full-back in the 1950s. Named on the half-back flanks are some of the Doggies more modern-day champions, with the recently retired duo of Robert Murphy and three-time club best and fairest Matthew Boyd - both of them former captains and five All-Australians between them (Three for Boyd and Two for Murphy).
In the middle, sees a good range of midfielders capable of great damage. With the tall trio of Scott Wynd, Gary Dempsey and Norm Ware, they have a combined three Brownlow medals and 12 club best and fairests between them, and with athleticism a handy commodity in AFL these days, I'm quite certain we can see these three be used in a variety of roles around the ground. Dempsey will be the starting ruck, with seven-time club best and fairest Scott West, a brilliant midfielder since Footscray entered the competition in Allan Hopkins and Brownlow medallist Tony Liberatore all starting in the centre square, with club legends Doug Hawkins and Rohan Smith both starting on the wing, both men having played 300 games or more and both men possessing such skill and poise required to be a wingman. Coming off the bench as midfield rotations will be former club best and fairest Brian Royal and the young star that is Marcus Bontempelli, who took home the club's best and fairest in their premiership season last year at just 20 years of age – He could effectively be a top three Bulldog by the time his career is all said and done.
Up forward, expect a lot of goal-kicking firepower from a forward line capable of significant scoring power. At full-forward is the man who currently holds the Bulldogs' record for most career goals in Simon Beasley. A Coleman medal winner in 1985 after slotting 105 goals for the year, Beasley kicked 575 goals in just 154 games in the 1980s. At centre-half forward is Chris Grant, an absolute champion of the 1990s. A two-time club best and fairest, a three-time All-Australian and should've had a Brownlow around his neck too. In the pockets, we have a three-time club best and fairest, six-time All-Australian and three-time club leading goal kicker Brad Johnson and a Coleman medallist, a five-time club leading goal kicker, a two-time club best and fairest and a 1954 premiership forward in Jack Collins who also led the competition in goals that year with 84 goals for the year. On the flanks see two Brownlow medallists with contrasting careers – on one flank there's Kelvin Templeton, a two-time club best and fairest, a two-time Coleman Medallist and five-time club leading goal kicker, and on the other flank there is Adam Cooney, when he won the Brownlow in 2008, was at the top of his game, his pace was too much for midfielders, and his ability to find the goals made him a special player. Alby Morrison, a five-time club leading goal kicker and a two-time club best and fairest will come off the bench.
B: Charlie Sutton, Herb Henderson, John Schultz HB: Robert Murphy, Ted Whitten, Matthew Boyd C: Doug Hawkins, Scott West, Rohan Smith HF: Kelvin Templeton, Chris Grant, Adam Cooney F: Brad Johnson, Simon Beasley, Jack Collins FOL: Gary Dempsey, Allan Hopkins,Tony Liberatore INT: Scott Wynd, Marcus Bontempelli, Brian Royal, Alby Morrison, Norm Ware, Wally Donald
Melbourne
The oldest football club in the history of Australian football, My all-time Melbourne team features superstar-calibre players from numerous eras, dating back to the early days of the VFL to players from now. From 1955-1960, the club won five premierships out of six seasons. Of the six players that featured in all of the premierships in that span, only three of them made this team. This was one of the more harder teams to select because of the history of this football club.
In the midfield, we see starting in the square the best player in the game to come from Ireland in Jim Stynes, a former Brownlow medallist and a four-time club best and fairest at the Dees and revolutionised the ruck position in the 1990s. Starting alongside Stynes in the square include Allan La Fontaine, a three-time premiership player between 1939-41 and a four-time club best and fairest winner, current captain Nathan Jones who is a triple-club best and fairest winner at Melbourne and was their best player when things were extremely tough and rounding out the starting four in the square, none other than Ronald Barassi, a six-time premiership player a two-time club leading goal kicker and a legend of the game, both as a player and coach. Former best and fairest winner and two-time club goal kicking champion Robert Flower and five-time premiership player from the 1950s-60s Brian Dixon are named on the wing, whilst three-time premiership ruckman and two-time club best and fairest Denis Cordner will rotate in the ruck with Stynes and two-time club best and fairest Todd Viney, five-time premiership midfielder Ian Ridley, three-time premiership rover Percy Beames and two-time club best and fairest James McDonald will provide midfield rotations.
Up forward, there's no shortage of talent, with dual-Browlow medallist Ivor Warne-Smith at centre-half forward and Melbourne's all-time leading goal kicker David Neitz at full-forward the big names. Warne-Smith is considered one of the club's all-time legends and Neitz kicked over 630 goals over his career and won seven club goal kicking awards. Don't overlook Norm Smith in this forward line either as he was the man Neitz had to surpass to top the club's all-time goals record. A two-time club best and fairest, Smith won four premierships between 1939-48 and won the club's leading goal-kicking award four times. Two-time club best and fairest and two-time club leading goal kicker Garry Lyon and three-time premiership player and three-time club best and fairest Hassa Mann occupy the half-forward flanks, whilst the high-flying four-time club goal kicking champion Russell Robertson rounds out Melbourne's dangerous forward six. Coming off the bench is four-time premiership player and three-time club best and fairest winner Jack Mueller.
In the defensive six, we see three-time premiership defender Robert 'Tassie' Johnson, who was arguably one of the best full-backs to come out of Tasmania. Melbourne Hall of Famer and a former All-Australian Gary Hardeman is named at centre-half back. Two-time premiership defender Don Cordner, older brother of Denis, is named in the back pocket. Don is a Brownlow medallist and a club best and fairest winner, whilst five-time premiership defender and best and fairest winner John Beckwith is named in the other back pocket. On the flanks sees a more modern-day face in Adem Yze, a former best and fairest winner, who was extraordinarily consistent during his time at Melbourne, and was capable of playing multiple positions, whilst Don Williams – another five-time premiership player is named at the other half-back position.
B: Don Cordner, Tassie Johnson, John Beckwith HB: Adem Yze, Gary Hardeman, Don Williams C: Robert Flower, Allan La Fontaine, Brian Dixon HF: Garry Lyon, Ivor Warne-Smith, Hassa Mann F: Norm Smith, David Neitz, Russell Robertson FOL: Jim Stynes, Ron Barassi, Nathan Jones INT: Denis Cordner , Todd Viney, Percy Beames, Jack Mueller, James McDonald, Ian Ridley
Essendon
Like Melbourne, Essendon has a long and prestigious history and because of this, it was extremely difficult to settle on a squad of 24. With 16 premierships dating back to the first ever season in the history of the VFL/AFL up until their last flag in 2000, I finally managed to settle on a line-up that featured both legends and some of the more modern-day stars.
The first name that comes to mind when it comes to Essendon legends is Dick Reynolds. A four-time premiership captain-coach, a seven-time club best and fairest and a member of an elite club of players to have won the Brownlow Medal three-times, Reynolds is widely regarded as the greatest Bomber of all-time, playing 321 games, predominantly as a midfielder and could kick goals, kicking 442 goals over his career, and the company he has in the midfield isn't so bad either. Joining Reynolds in the middle include Tim Watson - a four-time club best and fairest and a three-time premiership midfielder from the 1980s and early 90s and Jack Clarke who is a two-time premiership midfielder and a two-time best and fairest winner from 1951-67. Starting at ruck is Simon Madden – arguably one of the best rucks to ever play the game – 378 game veteran, 575 goals and a stack of accolades, including two premierships, three All-Australians, four Essendon best and fairests, three club goal kicking awards and a Norm Smith medal. On the wings finds another Essendon great in Michael Long, a two-time premiership player and Norm Smith medal winner and current Essendon captain Dyson Heppell, a best and fairest winner and All-Australian. Paul Salmon will come off the bench to rotate with Madden in the ruck as well as being another option down forward, whilst three-time club best and fairest Jobe Watson and young prodigy Zach Merrett provide midfield rotations.
There's a lot to love about Essendon's defenders. Four-time premiership defender and club best and fairest winner Fred Baring is named at full-back and was one of the game's better defenders in the early stages of the 20th century, a more recent name is placed at centre-half back in Michael Hurley, who proved upon his return from a 12-month suspension that he is one of today's best defenders. Gavin Wanganeen and Dustin Fletcher in the pockets bring a blend of both attacking defence and traditional defence. Dual premiership player Wanganeen won his 1993 Brownlow medal as a back-pocket, whilst Fletcher's longevity, being one of four players to play 400 games or more, has made him become a club great. At half-back, there is a three-time premiership defender and former club best and fairest winner Mark Harvey and three-time club best and fairest and two-time premiership player Barry Davis, with three-time premiership player and dual best and fairest winner Mark Thompson coming off the bench.
But the forward line, is amongst some of the best we'll see in this article. Between Matthew Lloyd, John Coleman and Bill Hutchison, nearly 2000 career goals have been kicked between the trio, and they line up deep in Essendon's attack here. Lloyd, who kicked 926 goals in his career is at full-forward. Three Coleman medals, five All-Australians and 12 times he led Essendon's goal kicking in a season. John Coleman kicked 537 goals in just 98 games between 1949-54, which is an insane average of 5.47 goals per game. He was a four-time league goal kicking champion, a six-time club leading goal kicker and a two-time premiership forward. Hutchison played in four premierships between 1942-1950, a two-time Brownlow medal winner and a six-time club best and fairest who amassed 496 goals. Another Brownlow medallist in James Hird is named on one half-forward flank – another champion of the club. Two premierships, one Norm Smith medallist, five All-Australians and five-time club best and fairests speaks volumes of his talent, regardless of what he's done in recent years. Rounding out the forward six include two-time best and fairest and premiership captain Ken Fraser at centre-half forward and two-time premiership forward and former best and fairest Terry Daniher.
B: Dustin Fletcher, Fred Baring, Gavin Wanganeen HB: Mark Harvey, Michael Hurley, Barry Davis C: Michael Long, Jack Clarke, Dyson Heppell HF: James Hird, Ken Fraser, Terry Daniher F: John Coleman, Matthew Lloyd, Bill Hutchison FOL: Simon Madden, Dick Reynolds, Tim Watson INT: Paul Salmon, Scott Lucas, Mark Thompson, Jobe Watson, Paul Vander Haar, Zach Merrett
Port Adelaide
Port Adelaide's all-time team largely consists of those that featured in Port Adelaide's 2004 premiership team or were involved in the early 2000s as Port were considered a contender for the most part. 16 of the 24 selected in this squad played in this premiership game. It must be noted that Port Adelaide's all-time team is from when the Power made their debut in the league in 1997.
Warren Tredrea is strongly considered as the best forward in the history of the Power's AFL side and he was the first selected in Port's all-time team. Tredrea is a four-time club best and fairest and an eight-time club leading goal kicker, kicking 549 goals in 255 games as well as the captain of Port's 2004 premiership side. Imagine seeing Tredrea partner up with full-forward Jay Schulz, who was a very accurate kick in front of goal, he kicked 272 goals in 122 games and lead the team in goals four times. Schulz's partner-in crime during the 2010s in Justin Westhoff is also named in the pocket as he's proven to be a solid contributor in time. Having Robbie Gray (three-time club best and fairest and three-time All-Australian) and Chad Wingard (two-time club leading goal kicker and best and fairest winner) up at half-forward makes the forward line all the more exciting. Brett Ebert at forward pocket and Peter Burgoyne on the bench round out the forwards, both capable of providing solid options.
Six of the seven defenders have featured in Port's 2004 premiership team, with Darryl Wakelin, Gavin Wanganeen, Michael Wilson, Chad Cornes, Damien Hardwick and Brett Montgomery all named, with Tom Jonas being the seventh player in this defence. Wakelin played a big role at full-back in Port's premiership in 2004, getting the better of spearhead Alastair Lynch. Wanganeen won two of his five All-Australian selections at Port, and was a club best and fairest winner. Wilson was a rugged shut-down defender in Port's premiership success. Cornes' best years were at centre-half back and it showed when he was named All-Australian centre-half back in 2004, but has also showed that he can play virtually any position around the ground. Hardwick was another tough, no-nonsense defender that was able to do his job week in week out and Montgomery is a silky half-back type who won Port's best and fairest in his first season at the club. Current player Jonas is a solid defender that hardly gets beaten and in the prime of his career, can only go onwards and upwards.
The midfield has a good mixture of both old and new, with the old – Kane Cornes, Stuart Dew and Shaun Burgoyne – all premiership stars from 2004 and the new – Travis Boak, Brad Ebert and Ollie Wines so talented, yet still searching for a premiership. 300-game veteran Cornes is a four-time club best and fairest, Burgoyne is an All-Australian, and has gone to win three more premierships at Hawthorn and Dew was a midfielder capable of kicking goals, kicking 245 goals in 180 games with the Power. Matthew Primus was a talented ruckman, winning the club's best and fairest in 2002 as well as All-Australians in 2001-02, but injury costed him a premiership, he will work in tandem with Brendon Lade, who was an All-Australian and a best and fairest winner in the latter stages of his career. Travis Boak is a two-time All-Australian and a club best and fairest winner, whilst team mate Brad Ebert is a very solid and consistent midfielder. Wines, coming off the bench for Port's all-star team, is a contested beast, but is only 22 years of age. Also joining Wines on the bench include three premiership players such as the 2004 Norm Smith medallist Byron Pickett, former captain Dom Cassisi, who captained the club when things were tough and did an admirable job and Josh Carr who was a tough-as-nails midfielder.
B: Gavin Wanganeen, Darryl Wakelin, Michael Wilson HB: Tom Jonas, Chad Cornes, Damien Hardwick C: Shaun Burgoyne, Kane Cornes, Stuart Dew HF: Robbie Gray, Warren Tredrea, Chad Wingard F: Brett Ebert, Jay Schulz, Justin Westhoff FOL: Matthew Primus, Travis Boak, Brad Ebert INT: Brendon Lade, Ollie Wines, Domenic Cassisi, Byron Pickett, Josh Carr, Brett Montgomery
West Coast Eagles
It's been 30 years since the West Coast Eagles played their first game in the AFL, and since then, they have had their fair share of stars come and go. I've managed to name players from each decade, from the late 80s-early 90s until now and it's fair to say, this team is capable of making some noise.
Let's talk about their midfield first, which unsurprisingly, I've named Brownlow medallists Chris Judd (Norm Smith medallist, two-time All-Australian and two-time club best and fairest at his time with the Eagles) and Ben Cousins (Six-time All-Australian and four-time best and fairest), key components to West Coast's 2006 premiership success, with team mate Dean Cox – a six-time All-Australian, playing as the ruck, with another Brownlow medallist in Matt Priddis rounding out the midfielders starting in the square. Two Norm Smith medallists occupy the wings, with 250-game veteran Andrew Embley and five-time All-Australian and dual premiership player Peter Matera named in the positions. Nic Naitanui (All-Australian) will rotate with Cox in the ruck, whilst premiership players Daniel Kerr, Dean Kemp,Chris Waterman, Chris Mainwaring and Drew Banfield will provide midfield rotations, all capable of various roles around the ground.
In defence, there are a number of capable lock-down defenders, none more notorious than the key defensive partnership of Glen Jakovich (two premierships and four club best and fairests) and Darren Glass (one premiership, four All-Australians and three club best and fairests). Both of them were incredible defenders and it would've been a joy to watch these two -in their primes - work in tandem. In the back-pockets, we have another well-respected full-back in two-time premiership defenderAshley McIntosh and a former All-Australian in David Wirrpanda, a 227-game veteran who was well-loved by the West Coast community. At half-back we see respected leader John Worsfold – the current coach of Essendon on one flank, who won a best and fairest with the club and captained West Coast's 1992 and 94 premiership sides and premiership team mate Guy McKenna on the other flank, who was a two-time club best and fairest and a four-time All-Australian.
On the other end, up in the forward line, possess some of the sharpest shots at goal from Western Australia. As the focal points up forward, there was no other option than to name dual premiership player and seven-time club goal kicking champion Peter Sumich at centre-half forward, and two-time Coleman medallist and six-time club goal kicking champion in Josh Kennedy at full-forward – how amazing would it be to see these two co-exist as they combine for over 1000 career goals. And with Kennedy currently inn his prime, expect more goals to come. In the pockets, we have five-time club leading goal kicker and All-Australian Phil Matera (389 career goals) and a two-time club leading goal kicker, All-Australian and club best and fairest winner in Mark LeCras (Over 400 career goals), both men very dangerous around the big sticks, with club best and fairest winner and dual premiership player Chris Lewis and team mate Brett Heady rounding out the Eagles' forward six.
B: Ashley McIntosh, Darren Glass, David Wirrpanda HB: John Worsfold, Glen Jakovich, Guy McKenna C: Andrew Embley, Matt Priddis, Peter Matera HF: Brett Heady, Peter Sumich, Chris Lewis F: Mark LeCras, Josh Kennedy, Phillip Matera FOL: Dean Cox, Chris Judd , Ben Cousins INT: Dean Kemp, Nic Naitanui, Daniel Kerr, Drew Banfield, Chris Waterman, Chris Mainwaring
Sydney Swans/South Melbourne
This side will feature players from both South Melbourne – which was the original Swans team – and Sydney – which is where South Melbourne relocated to in 1982. Regardless of where this side played, the talent named is incredibly scary, but at the same time, it would be unreal to see some of the game's stars play with one another.
The Sydney forward line is a very potent and capable of such destruction. With names such as Barry Hall, Tony Lockett, Lance Franklin and Bob Pratt, the forward six may be top-heavy, but it would still provide a lot of headaches for the opposition. Lockett starts at full-forward, having kicked 462 of his 1360 goals at Sydney, as well as two Coleman medals and three All-Australians. It'll be interesting to see him working with Bob Pratt (Three-time league-leading goal kicker and Sydney's all-time leading goal kicker and Barry Hall (Seven-time club leading goal kicker and four-time All-Australian). The trio combining for 1610 career goals at their time at the Swans. Starting at centre-half forward is none other than Lance Franklin, who has been a three-time All-Australian, a two-time Coleman medallist and a four-time club leading goal kicker since arriving at Sydney. On the flanks we have former Brownlow medallist and three-time club best and fairest Gerard Healy and two-time All-Australian and premiership forward Michael O'Loughlin.
In defence, we have a perfect blend of modern-day greats and legends of the Swans. Premiership Swan Heath Grundy is a very underrated key defender and is very consistent in terms of shutting down the opposition's best forwards. He partners up with Ron Clegg at centre-half back. Clegg is a Brownlow medallist and a three-time club best and fairest. In the pockets we have two-time All-Australian defender Leo Barry, best known for his game-saving mark in the 2005 Grand Final that won the Swans their first premiership in 72 years and John Rantall, a reliable defender that possessed magnificent skills and consistently did a fantastic job stopping opposition attacks. Two-time club best and fairest and premiership captain Jarrad McVeigh and another former captain in Dennis Carroll occupy the half-back positions.
In the midfield, there is no shortage of talent, with Brownlow medallists, multiple club best and fairests and a grand mixture of legends and modern-day superstars. Bob Skilton is the most notorious Swans' player, having won three Brownlow Medals along with nine club best and fairests and three club leading goal kicking awards. He will start in the centre square along with two other Brownlow medallists in Paul Kelly (Four-time club best and fairest) and Greg Williams, with another Brownlow medallist in Barry Round named as the starting ruckman. Five-time club best and fairest and Brownlow medallist Herbie Matthews and two-time premiership Swan Jude Bolton occupy the wings. On the bench, we have two-time Brownlow medallist and three-time club best and fairest Adam Goodes – one of the best utility players of the modern era, as well as two-time club best and fairest Stephen Wright, All-Australian Daryn Cresswell, two-time club best and fairest and premiership Swan Brett Kirk, three-time club best and fairest and current captain Josh Kennedy and dual premiership player and 2012 Norm Smith medallist Ryan O'Keefe.
B: Leo Barry, Heath Grundy, John Rantall HB: Jarrad McVeigh, Ron Clegg, Dennis Carroll C: Jude Bolton, Greg Williams, Herbie Matthews HF: Michael O'Loughlin, Lance Franklin, Gerard Healy F: Barry Hall, Tony Lockett, Bob Pratt FOL: Barry Round, Paul Kelly, Bob Skilton INT: Adam Goodes, Josh Kennedy, Ryan O'Keefe, Brett Kirk, Stephen Wright, Darryn Cresswell
Greater Western Sydney
The Greater Western Sydney Giants have only been in the league for five years, so like the Suns, they've proven to be a very easy team to select in terms of all-time talent. They are a top-four team at the moment and it shouldn't come as any surprise to see a number of players come from the 2017 list, but given that they have also offloaded a number of talented players, imagine what could've been if some of those that have gone on to forge promising careers came back?
Melbourne midfielder Dom Tyson and Collingwood trio Taylor Adams, Adam Treloar and Will Hoskin-Elliott are all back for GWS's all-time team. Tyson, Adams and Treloar have all performed exceptionally well at their clubs and along with former number one draft pick Lachie Whitfield, will come off the bench for an elite Greater Western Sydney midfield brigade that is led by co-captain Callan Ward. The 2012 club best and fairest has been terrific since joining the Giants for their inaugural season and may very well be in the Giants' all-time team in 50 years, as could 2017 All-Australians Josh Kelly and Dylan Shiel. Stephen Coniglio and another former number one draft pick in Tom Scully round out the starting midfielders, but just imagine how potent this midfield could've become if the Giants could've swayed Adams, Treloar and Tyson to stay.
The defence is pretty much as it is right now, with the back-six marshalled by co-captain Phil Davis, alongside a two-time All-Australian and club best and fairest at the Giants in Heath Shaw. Zac Williams and Nathan Wilson are essentially successors to Shaw in the back-line as the premier running defenders with sublime skills and pace to burn and will be absolute stars for a number of years to come if they are committed to the cause. Nick Haynes at centre-half back was another easy choice as the former top-10 pick in 2011 has been an emerging presence in defence over the past 24 months. Rugged mid-sized defender Adam Kennedy rounds out the defensive six as he has been super consistent whenever he has been able to get on the park. Former Brisbane defender Joel Patfull will come off the bench despite only playing for the club for two seasons – he has done job so quietly and so consistently all throughout his career.
Up forward, the massive focal point is Jeremy Cameron, who is the club's all-time leading goal kicker, kicking 278 goals in 109 games. He is an All-Australian, a club best and fairest and a six-time club goal kicking champion. His partnership with former number one draft pick Jonathan Patton and Rory Lobb very crucial to the Giants' forward structures over the past couple of years. Former Cat Steve Johnson has been somewhat of a revelation since he crossed over from the Giants, kicking 64 goals across 40 games, whilst Toby Greene has all the makings to be a real legend of this football club. His ability to give you 20-25 disposals and kick three-four goals on any given day is a rarity in football these days and the fact he is already an All-Australian and club best and fairest winner at 24 is dangerous in the long term. Former Giant, now Pie Will Hoskin-Elliott rounds out the forward six as his pace makes him such a dangerous player around the goals, kicking 26 goals in 20 games back in 2014 when he was still a Giant.
B: Nathan Wilson, Phil Davis, Adam Kennedy HB: Zac Williams, Nick Haynes, Heath Shaw C: Josh Kelly, Callan Ward, Tom Scully HF: Toby Greene, Jeremy Cameron, Will Hoskin-Elliott F: Rory Lobb, Jon Patton, Steve Johnson FOL: Shane Mumford, Dylan Shiel , Stephen Coniglio INT: Dom Tyson, Joel Patfull, Taylor Adams, Adam Treloar, Devon Smith, Lachie Whitfield
Geelong
The Cats have such a long and proud history in the VFL/AFL, producing legends of the game in various eras since their first season in 1897, but the Cats truly became a dynasty in the late 2000s and as a result of this, ten of the 24 selected in this line up featured in at least one of the club's premierships in 2007, 2009 and 2011.
Starting in the back line, you couldn't find a better full-back in the 2000s than Matthew Scarlett. A triple premiership player, six-time All-Australian and a former best and fairest winner, Scarlett always did the job with little to no fanfare. How good would it be seeing him team up with premiership captain-coach and two-time club best and fairest at centre-half back Reg Hickey? Add in Scarlett's premiership team mates Corey Enright (Six-time All-Australian and two-time best and fairest) and Darren Milburn (All-Australian and 292 game veteran) – both superbly skilled players. Dual-premiership defender and three-time club best and fairest George Todd, a defender who rarely lost a one-on-one between 1922-34, is named in the back-pocket, whilst former Brownlow medallist Bernie Smith, a two-time club best and fairest and two-time premiership defender rounds out the starting defensive six, named on a half-back flank. Ian Nankervis, a three-time club best and fairest will come off the bench as a defensive rotation.
Geelong's midfield is amongst one of the more skilled midfields of all-time. Imagine Gary Ablett Jr. (four-time All-Australian and three-time AFLPA MVP at Geelong) and Jimmy Bartel (Norm Smith medallist and dual All-Australian) – both Brownlow medallists alongside premiership team mate Joel Corey (dual club best and fairest winner and dual All-Australian), partnering up with four-time club best and fairest winner Garry Hocking and Brownlow medallist and two-time premiership player Edward 'Carji' Greeves in a starting midfield for the Cats, with premiership ruckman Graham Farmer (two-time club best and fairest) starting at ruck. And on top of that you have triple premiership midfielder, triple club best and fairest and six-time All-Australian Joel Selwood, Brownlow medallist and three-time club best and fairest Paul Couch and two-time club best and fairest Sam Newman as back-up ruckman, then this midfield is unbelievably potent.
Better still, imagine having all those guys feeding the ball to some of the most dominant forwards of the game. Imagine seeing Gary Ablett Sr. and Doug Wade playing forward together – the two have combined for over 2000 career goals, which speaks so much about how talented they were as forwards. Ablett was a nine-time goal kicking champ and a three-time Coleman medallist, whilst Wade won three of his four Coleman medals at Geelong and was their leading goal kicker a staggering 11 times. The support cast here isn't too shabby either, with Ablett's partner-in-crime Billy Brownless (two-time club leading goal-kicker) at centre-half forward, three-time premiership player and Norm Smith medallist Steve Johnson and two-time premiership player and former club best and fairest winner Bob Davis occupying the half-forward flanks and Lindsay White, a five-time club leading goal kicker and club best and fairest winner at forward pocket. Norm Smith medallist and three-time premiership player Paul Chapman and five-time club leading goal kicker and two-time premiership full-forward Tom Hawkins are the forward rotations.
B: Corey Enright, Matthew Scarlett, George Todd HB: Darren Milburn, Reg Hickey, Bernie Smith C: Jimmy Bartel, Edward 'Carji' Greeves, Joel Corey HF: Steve Johnson, Billy Brownless, Bob Davis F: Gary Ablett Sr, Doug Wade, Lindsay White FOL: Graham Farmer, Gary Ablett Jr, Garry Hocking INT: Tom Hawkins, Paul Chapman, John 'Sam' Newman, Joel Selwood, Paul Couch, Ian Nankervis
Richmond
With Richmond's greatest team of all-time, there is unbelievable talent on every line. This side includes goal kicking legends, champion midfielders, and flat-out match-winners. The Tigers made their way into the VFL/AFL in 1908 and have since produced a number of legends and future hall of famers.
In defence, we will see two-time premiership defender and two-time best and fairest Vic Thorp partner up with arguably the game's best defender today in Alex Rance, who is a four-time All-Australian and a club best and fairest winner. Also starting in defence includes coaching legend Kevin Sheedy, who as a player, was a fierce competitor and was a three-time premiership defender and a club best and fairest. Partnering Sheedy in the back-pocket is none other than Jim 'The Ghost' Jess. Like Sheedy, Jess was a fierce competitor and played a huge role in Richmond's last premiership in 1980, he also was a member of the 1980 All-Australian team. On the half-back flanks we have three-time premiership player Mervyn Keane, a skilful defender and two-time premiership player and two-time club best and fairest winner Basil McCormack.
Richmond's forward line is a very interesting, yet so potent. Between Matthew Richardson, Royce Hart, Dale Weightman, Jack Titus and Jack Riewoldt, this group of five have combined for over 3000 career goals. I say interesting because all five of these guys had been focal points up forward for Richmond in different eras. Riewoldt at the moment is the big full-forward at Tigerland, kicking 535 career goals and is a two-time Coleman medallist. He spent a couple of years working in tandem with Richardson, who was a 13-time club leading goal kicker and a three-time All-Australian who kicked over 800 goals. Imagine how lethal it would be seeing Richo team up with Jack Titus, who is the all-time leading goal kicker at the Tigers with 970 goals, including 11 leading goal kicker awards at Richmond, as well as a two-time club best and fairest and a two-time premiership player. Then we have Royce Hart a two-time club best and fairest winner and a four-time premiership player and Dale 'The Flea' Weightman a three-time All-Australian and two-time club best and fairest, with Roger Dean a two-time premiership player and a former club goal kicking champion rounding out the starting six. Two-time Coleman medallist and seven-time club leading goal kicker Michael Roach and two-time premiership player David Cloke are named on the bench as forward rotations.
However, it is the midfield that I think is the most exciting. With ruckman Roy Wright starting, the Tigers have a two-time Brownlow medallist and four-time club best and fairest, and the support cast around him is full of legends. None more bigger than 'Captain Blood' Jack Dyer – a six-time best and fairest, dual premiership player and two-time club leading goal kicker, then there is Kevin Bartlett, a five-time premiership player, five-time club best and fairest, four-time club leading goal kicker and a Norm Smith medallist in 1980, Bartlett was skilled and a champion of the game, but was always unwilling to pass the ball off. Rounding out the starting midfield include Four-time club best and fairest Wayne Campbell, whilst five-time premiership player Francis Bourke and the reigning Brownlow medallist Dustin Martin occupy the wing slots. On the bench providing rotations for the midfield include dual club best and fairest winner Matthew Knights, current captain and Brownlow medallist Trent Cotchin, two-time club best and fairest Maurice Rioli and two-time premiership player Bill Barrot.
B: Kevin Sheedy, Vic Thorp, Jim Jess HB: Basil McCormack, Alex Rance, Mervyn Keane C: Francis Bourke, Wayne Campbell, Dustin Martin HF: Roger Dean, Royce Hart, Matthew Richardson F: Jack Riewoldt, Jack Titus, Dale Weightman FOL: Roy Wright, Jack Dyer, Kevin Bartlett INT: Matthew Knights, Michael Roach, Trent Cotchin, Maurice Rioli, Bill Barrot. David Cloke
Adelaide
Whilst the history of the Adelaide Crows isn't as historic as the Richmond Football Club, the Crows have still produced a solid number of champion footballers and it's really no surprise to see that the majority of this side play in either the 1997-98 premiership years or are currently playing for the Crows now as they prepare for their first premiership in nearly 20 years.
In the Crows back-line we have current stars Daniel Talia, a two-time All-Australian and a former club best and fairest and Rory Laird, arguably one of the game's best running defenders right now, team up with premiership stars Ben Hart, Andrew McLeod and Nigel Smart. Smart was a three-time All-Australian, Hart was a four-time All-Australian and a two-time club best and fairest, whilst McLeod has the most accolades of the trio – two Norm Smith medals, three club best and fairests and five All-Australian selections. Rounding out the starting defensive six is former All-Australian Ben Rutten, who was very underrated as a full-back. Former club best and fairest winner Nathan Bock, 230-game veteran utility Michael Doughty and dual-premiership captain Mark Bickley are the defensive rotations.
Up forward, we'll see the current Adelaide captain Taylor Walker at the centre-half forward position, a two-time club leading goal kicker at the Crows and voted as the best captain of the 18 clubs in the past two seasons, Walker's leadership skills have been amazing since he was appointed ahead of the 2015 season. How good would a forward tandem between Walker and full-forward Tony Modra be? A high-flying full-forward, Modra kicked 440 goals in 118 games at the Crows, he's a former Coleman medal winner and a five-time club goal kicking champion and if it wasn't for injury, he could've been one of the game's greatest goal kickers. Modra will be alongside another high-flyer in Brett Burton, who was a two-time club leading goal kicker, with the freakishly talented Eddie Betts on the other pocket. Rounding out the starting forward six includes two-time premiership stars from 1997-98 in Darren Jarman and Tyson Edwards.
I'd be interested to see how this amazing midfield could fare with the rest. Starting with two-time premiership player and former club best and fairest Shaun Rehn at the ruck. Starting at the square we have Brownlow medallist, an eight-time All-Australian and three-time club best and fairest winner in Mark Ricciuto along with five-time All-Australian, three-time club best and fairest and dual premiership star Simon Goodwin and two-time club best and fairest Scott Thompson. On the wings, we have a three-time All-Australian Patrick Dangerfield, who is a superstar of the game today, but left the Crows before he won his Brownlow medal, along with former team mate and former club best and fairest Richard Douglas, who is a very underrated footballer. Midfielders coming off the bench for the Crows include dual premiership player Kane Johnson, dual club best and fairest Rory Sloane and an emerging star midfielder in Matt Crouch.
B: Ben Hart, Ben Rutten, Rory Laird HB: Andrew McLeod, Daniel Talia, Nigel Smart C: Richard Douglas, Simon Goodwin, Patrick Dangerfield HF: Tyson Edwards,Taylor Walker, Darren Jarman F: Brett Burton, Tony Modra, Eddie Betts FOL: Shaun Rehn, Mark Ricciuto, Scott Thompson INT: Mark Bickley, Michael Doughty, Nathan Bock, Rory Sloane, Kane Johnson, Matt Crouch