Heath Shaw
A rebounding defender who the opposition is going to put a lot of time and effort into. Drafted at pick 48 in the 2003 NAB AFL Draft under the father-son rule, Heath creates a lot of drive off the backline for the Pies.
Zac Dawson
My teammate Zac is fairly versatile and can play on tall and small forwards. He has impressive closing speed and competes well for every ball.
Beau Waters
The West Coast Premiership defender adds some experience to my backline. Beau’s toughness and attack on the football is an asset to any side.
HALF-BACKS
Ricky Dyson
Ricky provides the Bombers with good run off the half-back line. He has a lovely kick who consistently hits targets.
Sam Fisher
I only just managed to fit Sam into my best 22! He won the best and fairest at the Saints in 2008 and I’m guessing he’s a player most people would want in their side.
Raphael Clarke
When Raph is up and about, he is a valuable rebounding half-back who gives great support to his teammates.
CENTRE
Brad Symes
Brad was one of the Crows more reliable players last year. He’s naturally a good runner and his contribution would definitely benefit any team.
David Mundy
Drafted from the Murray Bushrangers, David is a mobile, utility-type player who adds some extra flair to the Fremantle midfield.
Brett Peake
A teammate of mine who is a great runner. Brett has great speed and the ability to break the lines.
HALF-FORWARDS
Brent Stanton
Brent would be useful in either this high half-forward position or as a sixth midfielder because of his big tank and endurance.
Kepler Bradley
Kepler and I played together for Western Australia during the under 18s carnival. He has the ability to dominate a game and his versatility would be useful at centre half-forward.
Amon Buchanan
A premiership player during this time at the Sydney Swans, the Brisbane Lions’ recruit would definitely add some experience to my best 22 and crumb a few goals while he’s at it.
FORWARDS
Troy Chaplin
Although he would usually line up as a defender at Port Adelaide, I didn’t think he could take Sam Fisher’s spot down back, so I thought Troy’s height could be useful up forward instead.
Colin Sylvia
Colin was drafted to Melbourne at pick number three in the 2003 NAB AFL Draft. He is a natural leading forward who can win a game for any side.
Andrew Walker
The 2003 number two draft pick is a great utility player. There were quite a few class defenders in that draft so I’m forced to put Andrew up forward, but his marking ability and flair would be useful up forward in this team.
FOLLOWERS
Ben Hudson
An experienced ruckman at the Western Bulldogs who has a strong second-effort mentality. A trait that is certainly beneficial for any team.
Adam Cooney
My former teammate at the Bulldogs was the number one draft pick in 2003. Adam is an okay player who has apparently won a Brownlow medal.
Brock McLean
The Carlton recruit is a really strong player who adds real grunt to the midfield.
INTERCHANGE
Mark Blake
The Geelong 2009 premiership player would be the perfect compliment to Hudson in the ruck.
Shane Tuck
The Richmond midfielder is obviously from a good pedigree, with his dad Michael the AFL games record holder. Tuck is hard at the ball and would go the distance for the team.
Michael Pettigrew
Michael would add an extra element to our solid backline. He can play on key or small forwards and has great pace to compete with his opponents.
Michael Rischitelli
The Brisbane Lions midfielder would really compliment the likes of Cooney, McLean and Mundy through the middle.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs
