ONE of the game's finest ruckmen or a brilliant forward whose became the first Swans player to reach the 300-game milestone?
Who's your pick: Graham 'Polly' Farmer or Michael O'Loughlin?
>> WHO IS THE DEADLIEST? WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS BELOW AND VOTE HERE
As a feature of the new Yokayi Footy show on NITV and AFL.com.au, the 16 contenders to be the Greatest Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander player have been placed into a tournament-style bracket, based on their career achievements and the selectors' votes.
Week 4 results
Last week's round of The Deadliest saw one of footy's most skilful exponents, Andrew McLeod, face off against Sir Doug Nicholls, who broke new ground for Indigenous people in both football and the wider Australian society. The results were:
- Andrew McLeod 75% v Sir Doug Nicholls 25%
McLeod moves on to face the winner of Michael Long v Maurice Rioli in the quarter-finals.
Match-up 6: Graham 'Polly' Farmer v Michael 'Irish' O'Loughlin. WATCH IT HERE
Graham 'Polly' Farmer
- West Perth/East Perth/Geelong
- Noongar
- 356 games, 277 goals, Australian Football Hall of Fame – Legend Status, five-time WAFL Premiership player, 1963 VFL premiership, three-time Sandover medallist, AFL Team of the Century, Indigenous Team of the Century (captain), Western Australian Team of the Century, Geelong Team of the Century (vice-captain), West Perth Team of the Century, East Perth Post-War Team of the Century, three-time All-Australian
'Polly' Farmer's record speaks for itself – any player in six different 'Team of the Century' sides is worthy of serious consideration for any all-time great discussions.
Farmer revolutionised the game and was considered to be ahead of his time: the handball went from a last-choice option to a genuine offensive game-changer.
Farmer turned down a recruiting offer from St Kilda and in turn joined Geelong, favouring the country lifestyle over money.
Additionally, Farmer spoke of his desire to not join a powerhouse, but create one: "I wanted to get with a club that had struggled and were looking to achieve some sort of success, and I wanted really to be part of the success story."
The 191cm ruckman was the first Australian footballer to receive a Queen's honour when he was inducted as a member of the Order of the British Empire.
Farmer was given a state funeral following his death in 2019.
Michael O'Loughlin
- Sydney Swans
- Narrungga/Ngarrindjeri
- 303 games, 521 goals, Australian Football Hall of Fame, Indigenous Team of the Century, 2005 premiership player, two-time All-Australian, The Deadlys Male Sportsperson of the Year 2009
'Micky O' was the first person to play 300 games for the Sydney Swans and will go down as a crucial part of the brilliant Swans teams from the mid-2000, helping his side claim the 2005 premiership in thrilling fashion against West Coast.
O'Loughlin running into the open goal and roaring face-to-face with Eagles fans in the 2006 qualifying final was symbolic of the rivalry between the two powerhouses.
But West Coast would have its revenge just weeks later with a one-point win in the Grand Final.
O'Loughlin's brilliant agility and skill saw him start his career as a half-forward flanker, but he transitioned to be Barry Hall's partner as a tall forward later in his career.
Tune in to Yokayi Footy each Wednesday at 8pm AEDT on NITV, AFL.com.au, the AFL Live App; and on Friday at 3pm AEDT on SBS Viceland, and SBS On Demand.
Head to afl.com.au/deadliest each week to cast your vote for the Greatest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander player.
