Gavin Wanganeen
The first indigenous player to reach the 300-game milestone. A seemingly elastic, rebounding defender with clean hands who played in two flags with two different teams and won a Brownlow Medal.
Stephen Silvagni
Played on some of the greatest goalkickers of all time, often giving away plenty in centimetres and kilograms, yet more than often taking the honours. Three-hundred games, a premiership player and named in the Team of the Century as the starting full-back.
Glenn Archer
I miss watching him play because you would often be holding your breath as he attacked the ball down back. So brave, tough and courageous – some would say bordering on reckless.
HALF-BACKS
Luke Hodge
My favourite current player. He simply hates losing and willed himself and his team mates to an upset win over Geelong on grand final day last year. A deserving Norm Smith medallist who inspires those around him.
Glen Jakovich
His duels with Wayne Carey were enthralling. A rugged, mobile attacking centre half-back and one of the lynchpins of the Eagles dominance under Mick Malthouse. West Coast games record holder.
Andrew McLeod
I'm a Crows supporter – need I say more? The Adelaide Rolls-Royce is quick, classy and humble, definitely deserving of Adelaide's all-time games record. Dual Norm Smith Medallist who performed on the biggest stage in September in '97 and '98.
CENTRES
Peter Matera
He set the game alight with his speedy bursts along the wing. A big-game performer who knew where the goals were and another key player for the dominant Eagles of the 1990s.
Michael Voss
He could take the game by the scruff of the neck. Suddenly the Brisbane skipper would decide he wanted to win, and often would do so off his own boot. Intimidating, in your face and tough. He dominated and others followed.
Robert Harvey
The Saints’ running machine. Watching him just run himself into complete exhaustion was exhausting in itself. An unassuming dual Brownlow Medallist and a nice guy to boot.
HALF-FORWARDS
James Hird
He made football look like ballet. Beautifully balanced, light on his feet and displaying exquisite skills. The premiership captain and Brownlow Medallist made time stand still.
Wayne Carey
Ah, the Friday nights huddled in front of the tele, watching the all-conquering, cocky North Melbourne captain strut his stuff. Powerful and fearless, Carey was one of the best.
Malcolm Blight
The Messiah! Growing up in Adelaide, the Blight football stories were legendary. The first player to win both the Magarey and Brownlow Medals; the only player to top both the SANFL and VFL goal kicking lists. And not a bad coach either!
FORWARDS
Darren Jarman
Uncanny with silky skills and brilliant on both sides of his body. An old fashioned footballer, long before rotations, clusters and flooding became vogue. His five last quarter goals in the ‘97 grand final were the stand out.
Stephen Kernahan
One of the first footy players I remember looking up to, along with his Glenelg teammate Tony Hall. Won the flag for 'the Bays' in 1985, before crossing to the Blues and dominating State of Origin clashes. Holds Carlton's goal kicking record and the AFL record for most games as a club captain.
Gary Ablett Sr
Freakish. My first VFL memory is watching Ablett boot nine goals in the 1989 grand final. Could do the impossible.
FOLLOWERS
Shaun Rehn
He was athletic and mobile and could dominate a game. Not just a good tap ruckman, but could also push forward and kick goals. Wonderful reader of the play.
Leigh Matthews
A bit before my time as a player but his record is unmatched. Eight best and fairests. And I loved the way he coached.
Chris Judd
His bursts can be breathtaking but it's his leadership and approach that really set him apart.
INTERCHANGE
Jason Akermanis
Like him or loathe him? I love him! Just the fifth player to achieve the 300 game, Brownlow Medal, premiership trifecta. (He actually won three flags.) Just like Aka, the record speaks for itself.
Mark Ricciuto
Up forward or in the middle, the Brownlow Medallist and Adelaide premiership player was ferocious and polished. A stand-out leader.
Nathan Buckley
Professionalism and perfection summed him up. His work rate and presence on the field made him one of the best leaders in the game.
Tony Modra
You may laugh, but during the mid-nineties Adelaide was gripped by Modra fever. People would go to a game just to see him take one of his speccies. And the echo of “MODRAAAAA” could be heard in every school playground at lunchtime!
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
