1. Warwick Capper
Sydney Swans/Brisbane Bears
Capper was spotted by the Swans playing for Oakleigh in the early 1980s and quickly became a fan favourite in the harbour city. The blond-haired forward in the tight white shorts became famous for his high marking ability and also finished runner-up in the Coleman Medal in 1986 -87. He has remained in the spotlight since retiring from the game in 1992.

2. Robert ‘Dipper’ Dipierdomenico
Hawthorn
The curly-haired kid from South Kew made his debut for Hawthorn in 1975 and went on to play 240 games with the brown and gold including five premierships. ‘Dipper’ shared the Brownlow Medal with Swan Greg Williams in 1986 and was renowned for his courage. His toughness was displayed in the 1989 grand final when he played part of the game with a punctured lung.

3. Peter Daicos
Collingwood
Daicos joined the Pies from Preston RSL in the late 1970s after his family moved outside the South Melbourne zone. He debuted for Collingwood in 1979 and went on to kick 549 goals in 250 games for the black and white. Often referred to as the ‘Macedonian Marvel’ because of his heritage, Daicos wowed fans with his uncanny ability to kick goals from seemingly impossible angles.

4. Tony Lockett
St Kilda/Sydney Swans
Lockett joined St Kilda from the North Ballarat Football Club in the early 1980s and quickly established himself as a formidable player. The imposing forward, affectionately known as ‘Plugger’, holds the AFL all-time goal scoring record, with 1360, and remains the only full-forward in the game to have won the Brownlow Medal.

5. Tony Modra
Adelaide/Fremantle
The high-flying forward played several senior seasons with SANFL side West Adelaide before being recruited by the Crows as a 23-year-old in 1992. He kicked 129 goals in his second season with the club and thrilled onlookers with his phenomenal leap and good looks. Modra won the Coleman Medal in 1997 and took out the AFL’s Mark of the Year award on three separate occasions.

6. Matthew Richardson
Richmond
Richardson joined the Tigers from Devonport in Tasmania under the father-son rule in 1992. The long-haired forward led the club’s goalkicking on 13 occasions in his 282-game career and won All-Australian selection three times. He was renowned for his on-field tantrums, but remained one of the most well liked players during his time in the game.

7. Cameron Ling
Geelong
Ling has proved to be an absolute steal for the Cats after being selected with pick No.38 in the 1999 NAB AFL Draft. The red-haired tagger has gained popularity in recent years through his uncompromising playing style and down to earth nature and was even made the mayor of Geelong for a day when the Cats won the flag in 2007.
 
8. Dermott Brereton
Hawthorn/Sydney Swans/Collingwood
Brereton was recruited from the Frankston Football Club and made his debut for Hawthorn in the 1982 finals series. The bustling centre half-forward kicked 427 goals in 189 games for the Hawks and earned a reputation for his tough style of play. He played in five premierships and represented Victoria on nine occasions.

9. Jason Akermanis
Western Bulldogs/Brisbane Lions
Akermanis joined the Brisbane Bears as a zone selection in 1994, but it was his antics in the middle part of his career that saw him grow into a cult figure. The outspoken Brownlow Medallist was one of the Lions’ most valuable players during the club’s glory years of 2001-03, dominating games with his pace and uncanny kicking ability. He delighted the Gabba home crowd by performing a handstand after each win, but left the club under controversial circumstances at the end of 2006.

10. Mark Jackson
St Kilda/Melbourne/Geelong
Mark ‘Jacko’ Jackson started his career with South Fremantle in the WAFL before embarking on separate stints at Richmond (reserves), St Kilda, Melbourne and Geelong. The eccentric forward topped the Dees’ goalkicking in 1981, but was more famous for a handstand he performed in front of Hawthorn full-back Kelvin Moore. Jackson embarked on a singing and acting career after retiring from football and is best known as the ‘Energizer’ man.

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or the clubs.