Gary Ayres
He was tough and skilful, and he’d be in the side to scare a lot of the opposition players. Nobody enjoyed having Gary Ayres as their opponent for the day.
David Dench
He was the first great attacking defender who would set up play and not just aim to stop his man.
Chris Langford
He was a player who had all the tools; strength, skill, height and courage. He played on all the great forwards and had a wonderful record. He’s still doing great work for the game now as an AFL commissioner.
HALF-BACKS
Chris Mew
It was a luxury to have a player as good as him on a half-back flank. He was always in the contest, a great mark, a reliable kick and never gave an opponent an easy kick.
Ross Glendinning
He simply never fell over. He always held his feet and was virtually impossible to beat one on one. He had wonderful skills and could play at either end of the ground, depending on what we needed.
Bruce Abernethy
He was a fine player and even better company off the field. He had great skills on both sides of his body and was one of the best on the training track in preparing for next week, as well as ensuring he got the best out of himself.
CENTRES
Keith Greig
He was an all-time great. He had wonderful skills and every forward would be delighted to know he had the ball in his hands.
Phil Carman
He was far and away the fittest and best athlete I played with. He used to run from Ringwood to training. He had sensational skills and went to his own drum. He was ahead of his time for his fitness and physical attributes. An amazing player.
Wayne Schimmelbusch
He was incredibly mentally strong, and had an unbelievable desire to win the ball and win every contest he was involved in. He inspired everyone he played with.
HALF-FORWARDS
Gary Buckenara
He doesn’t get the credit he deserves at times for his skill. He could take a great mark and kick a great goal when it was required.
Dermott Brereton
Dermott had the ability to do the big thing at the big moment that would turn a game. We needed him for big finals, when he was always at his best, and he would also be in charge of what we did as a team after the game.
Phil Krakouer
He and brother Jim revolutionised the game when they arrived at Arden St with their skills and their ability to cut through teams. His ability to hit a leading forward was amazing.
FORWARDS
Jim Krakouer
He was an unbelievably skilled player. Made for an amazing combination with his brother. He could run all day and was incredibly brave and tough.
Jason Dunstall
He had fantastic hands on the lead, was an incredible goal kicker and is an all-time great. Also, he’d get very angry if he wasn’t at full forward and I don’t want him yelling at me.
Malcolm Blight
He could do everything and play anywhere. Having him deep in the forward line would be a luxury for our team, but we could play him anywhere on the ground if we happened to get into trouble.
FOLLOWERS
Gary Dempsey
He dominated ruck duels around the ground and had a contested mark that was second to none.
Michael Tuck
He is the most durable player in the game’s history. He didn’t say much but led by example with his commitment to every week and every game.
John Platten
One of the greatest rovers in the game’s history. He could run all day, had great skills and showed no fear on the ground.
INTERCHANGE
Matthew Larkin
He had the ability to just keep getting the ball and to always be in the right place. A natural ball winner.
Peter Jonas
Injuries ruined his impact but he had skills that few players could better. He could do everything as a forward and it was a great tragedy fans rarely saw his best due to injury.
Robert DiPierdomenico
One of the greats in our game. He worked incredibly hard at his skills and made himself a vital member of one of the greatest teams in history.
Darrin Pritchard
He was an outstanding wingman in the great Hawthorn sides of the late 80s. Our forwards would love to see him running towards goal with the ball in his hands.
Kym Hodgeman
He was a massively under-rated player. He was quick and skilful and very brave. He won a best and fairest in a side full of North Melbourne greats.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
