Chris Johnson
One of the tough and hard players from the Brisbane Lions. He was one of the main reasons they are a 2001, ‘02 and ‘03 premiership side. He always stuck in my mind as one of those hard, tough, nuggety back pockets.
Stephen Silvagni
Seven-time All-Australian, selected as full-back in the AFL Team of the Century. The kinds of blokes he played on, in the Abletts and the Locketts and so forth, he really held his own.
Glenn Archer
A 300-game player, he’s a little bit like Johnson and one of the tougher blokes I’ve played against.
HALF-BACKS
Gary Ayres
He played in a number of flags with the Hawks and held their defence together with Chris Langford and the likes. He was always a main player in finals, and was so cool under pressure.
Glen Jakovich
I remember him for his battles with Carey. One of the best centre half-backs I’ve seen.
Andrew McLeod
A little bit similar to Ayres. He was probably a main reason why the Adelaide Crows won back-to-back flags. I know he didn’t play on the back flank then but he’s played there the last three or four years and really sets up a lot of their play.
CENTRES
Peter Matera
A hard-running wingman/midfielder and goalkicker who won a couple of flags with West Coast, playing in some great finals series along the way.
Robert Harvey
A dual Brownlow Medallist who played for 18 years – just a super effort. For such a talented player, he was unlucky not to play in a premiership.
Shane Crawford
He works so hard. A Brownlow Medallist, premiership player, one of the hardest workhorses – along with Robert Harvey – that I’ve ever seen.
HALF-FORWARDS
James Hird
One of the most polished players that you’d see. He could play anywhere – forward, back, midfield – and he was a terrific leader.
Wayne Carey
I remember his battles against West Coast centre half-back Glen Jakovich. Arguably one of the best players to ever play the game, Carey was just so dominant.
Adam Goodes
A dual Brownlow Medallist and a premiership player. His athleticism for his height is a standout.
FORWARDS
Leigh Matthews
For a small fella to play midfield and forward and kick 900-plus goals is a super effort. He won the Hawks’ best and fairest eight times.
Jason Dunstall
I guess I’m a bit biased with Jase, chucking him at full-forward. But to kick over 100 goals three or four times is a super effort.
Tony Lockett
Leading goalkicker of all-time, unlucky not to get the full-forward spot.
FOLLOWERS
Dean Cox
The best ruckman I’ve seen. I think he’s been All-Australian ruckman for the last four years. When you play against him you always know you’re in for a bit of trouble.
Paul Couch
A highly respected centreman who helped Geelong to four grand final appearances. A Brownlow Medallist and a great onballer.
Michael Voss
Probably the standout of the famous Fab Four of the Brisbane Lions midfield, being the skipper. He was just a hard, tough player and also a great leader.
INTERCHANGE
Paul Kelly
Captain Courageous, a great leader for the Swans. He was another workhorse and hard at it.
Greg Williams
Diesel was a dual Brownlow Medallist who also played in grand finals. An in-and-under player who reminds me of Sam Mitchell.
Nathan Buckley
A lot of guys would love to have kicked the ball like he did. He excelled in the midfield.
Gary Ablett Sr
In the mix with Lockett and Dunstall. I supported Richmond, but growing up in Colac, I used to love getting down to Geelong and watching him play. He was freakishly good.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
