Georgie Prespakis and Gary Ablett Jr are both products of the NAB League.

As the AFL celebrates the 30-year history of the NAB League, a star-studded list of the 30 best AFL and AFLW players to be recruited from the competition has been assembled.

The boys competition was first played in 1992 as the Victorian State Football League (VSFL) Under 18s with six teams and was sponsored by the TAC up until 2018, before NAB took over naming rights. The girls competition was introduced in 2017.

A five-person judging panel selected the top 30 list from the NAB League Boys program, with only players from Victorian based NAB League clubs considered.

The selection panel consisted of Kevin Sheehan (AFL), Tarkyn Lockyer (AFL), Patrick Keane (AFL), Samuel Zito (AFL) and Chris Cavanagh (Herald Sun).

Rankings were based on personal achievements at AFL level, with leadership qualities and team success also factored in.

The top 30 was an update to a top 25 that was selected in 2017 for the competition’s 25th anniversary.

The top 30 list from the NAB League Girls program was based on Champion Data average ranking points per AFLW game.

Players must have played more than 10 AFLW games to be eligible for selection.

BOYS

1. GARY ABLETT Jr (Geelong Falcons)
Games: 357; Goals: 445
The son of Geelong great Gary Ablett Sr made his own name as one of the greatest players of the modern era, winning a Brownlow Medal with two clubs plus two premierships at Geelong. Ablett has polled the most career Brownlow Medal votes of any player in the award’s history.

2. CHRIS JUDD (Sandringham Dragons)
Games: 279; Goals: 228
A priority pick in the 2001 “Super Draft”, the dynamic midfielder won a Brownlow Medal with West Coast and Carlton, a flag with the Eagles and captained both clubs.

3. ADAM GOODES (GWV Rebels)
Games: 372; Goals: 464
A dual Brownlow Medal winner and dual premiership player with the Swans, Goodes has played the second-most number of games of any Indigenous player behind Shaun Burgoyne.

4. SCOTT PENDLEBURY (Gippsland Power)
Games: 350; Goals: 184
An ultra-consistent player now in his 17th season, Pendlebury has played the most VFL/AFL games of any Collingwood player and is the club’s longest-serving captain. Won the Norm Smith Medal in the Magpies’ 2010 Grand Final win.

5. BRAD JOHNSON (Western Jets)
Games: 364; Goals: 558
A forward who played bigger than his 182cm frame should have, the durable Johnson kicked 40 or more goals seven times and ranks 12th for all-time VFL/AFL games played. An All-Australian on six occasions.

6. MATTHEW LLOYD (Western Jets)
Games: 270; Goals: 926.
An Essendon champion and premiership player, Lloyd kicked 100 or more goals in a season twice and booted the eighth-most goals of any player in VFL/AFL history.

7. JOEL SELWOOD (Bendigo Pioneers)
Games: 348; Goals: 171
Geelong’s games record holder, Selwood has captained the club since 2012 and has led the club to finals in all but one season. A triple premiership player.

8. LUKE HODGE (Geelong Falcons)
Games: 346; Goals: 194
A three-time premiership captain of Hawthorn and two-time Norm Smith Medal winner, the Colac product made a name for himself across half-back after being taken at pick No.1 in the 2001 Super Draft.

9. DUSTIN MARTIN (Bendigo Pioneers)
Games: 268; Goals: 302
In 2017, Martin enjoyed what was described by football Leigh Matthews as the greatest individual season by a VFL/AFL player, as he collected every major individual award and helped Richmond end a 37-year premiership drought. Three-time Norm Smith Medal winner.

10. PATRICK DANGERFIELD (Geelong Falcons)
Games: 296; Goals: 312
One of the most decorated players of the modern era, the boy from Moggs Creek has been an All-Australian on eight occasions – the equal-most of any player. He has also polled the third-most votes in Brownlow Medal history.

Patrick Dangerfield in action for Geelong Falcons. Picture: AFL Players Association

11. SAM MITCHELL (Eastern Ranges)
Games: 329; Goals: 71
While he was ultimately recruited from Box Hill Hawks, Mitchell learnt his craft at the Ranges. The highly decorated Brownlow Medal winner finished his career with four Hawthorn flags and one season at West Coast, before heading down the coaching path.

12. BRENT HARVEY (Northern Knights)
Games: 432; Goals: 518
The AFL’s all-time games record holder, Harvey played 432 AFL matches across an astounding 21 seasons, his final game coming at 38 years of age. The five-time club best and fairest also played in North Melbourne’s 1999 premiership.

13. TOM HAWKINS (Sandringham Dragons)
Games: 319; Goals: 710
Hawkins came through the Dragons’ program after being a boarder at Melbourne Grammar. Picked up as a father-son selection in 2006, his dad Jack being a Geelong great. Hawkins has won two premierships and is a four-time All-Australian.

14. JONATHAN BROWN (Geelong Falcons)
Games: 256; Goals: 594
One of Brisbane’s most decorated players, the Warrnambool product was picked up as a father-son by the Lions in 1999 after his father, Brian, played 51 games for Fitzroy. Three flags early in his career in 2001-03.

15. MATTHEW SCARLETT (Geelong Falcons)
Games: 284; Goals: 17
Widely recognised as one of the best defenders of the modern era, Scarlett followed in father John’s footsteps to play for Geelong. Triple premiership player.

16. DANE SWAN (Calder Cannons)
Games: 258; Goals: 211
A hidden gem at pick 58 in the 2001 draft, the boy from Westmeadows became one of the game’s most damaging onballers. Was at his prime in 2010 (Collingwood premiership) and 2011 (Brownlow Medal).

17. DUSTIN FLETCHER (Western Jets)
Games: 400; Goals: 71
One of just five members in the VFL/AFL’s 400-game club, Fletcher was a father-son selection to Essendon in 1992, where his father Ken played 264 matches. The key defender won a premiership in his first year in 1993 and another in 2000.

Dustin Fletcher featured for the Western Jets during the 1992 VSFL season. Picture: Supplied

18. BARRY HALL (Murray Bushrangers)
Games: 289; Goals: 746
A feared player on the field, “Big Bad Barry” was also one of the most powerful key forwards in the game over a 16-year career. Played for three different clubs and helped lead Sydney to its 2005 premiership.

19. TRENT COTCHIN (Northern Knights)
Games: 281; Goals: 131
A ferocious ball winner, Cotchin won a Brownlow Medal in 2012 but also gets points for leadership. He served as Richmond skipper for nine years, including the club’s three flags in 2017, 2019 and 2020.

20. JIMMY BARTEL (Geelong Falcons)
Games: 305; Goals: 202
A classy utility who could play midfield, back or forward, Bartel is one of only two players – alongside Simon Black – to have won a Brownlow Medal, a Norm Smith Medal and played more than 300 games. Three flags at Geelong.

21. TRAVIS BOAK (Geelong Falcons)
Games: 322; Goals: 193
A damaging midfielder and former Port Adelaide captain, Boak has aged like a fine wine. He is the Power’s AFL games record holder and a three-time All-Australian.

22. STEVE JOHNSON (Murray Bushrangers)
Games: 293. Goals: 516
In many ways, Johnson was a game changer as a mid-size forward from Wangaratta who kicked freakish goals across 293 games. Three Geelong premierships including the 2007 Norm Smith Medal.

23. EDDIE BETTS (Calder Cannons)
Games: 350; Goals: 640
Arguably the best small forward of the modern era, Betts unofficially had a pocket named after him at Adelaide Oval for his sublime goalkicking talents. He won the Goal of the Year award on four occasions.

24. MARCUS BONTEMPELLI (Northern Knights)
Games: 187; Goals: 177
The Western Bulldogs captain is still only 26, but already has a resume that rivals many of the AFL’s greats, including four All-Australian selections, four best and fairests and the 2016 premiership.

Marcus Bontempelli of the Knights in action during the 2013 TAC Cup Round 10 match between the Sandringham Dragons and Northern Knights. Picture AFL Photos

25. JARRYD ROUGHEAD (Gippsland Power)
Games: 283; Goals: 578
A champion goalkicker and four-time premiership player for the Hawks, Roughead overcame multiple cancer battles to return to football and formed a powerful [partnership with Lance Franklin in the Hawthorn forward line.

26. MAX GAWN (Sandringham Dragons)
Games: 174; Goals: 86
The one-time pizza delivery driver who made a slow start to his career helped deliver Melbourne a drought-breaking premiership in 2021 as a dominant ruckman. Named in the All-Australian team in five of the past six seasons.

27. ROBBIE GRAY (Oakleigh Chargers)
Games: 267; Goals: 363
Considered one of Port Adelaide’s greatest ever players, the forward and midfielder has constantly kicked goals and delivered in big moments. Three-time best and fairest and four-tine All-Australian.

28. DAVID MUNDY (Murray Bushrangers)
Games: 369; Goals: 159
An underrated player by those in the eastern states, Mundy has been a consistent performer as a midfielder or half-back, with his toughness, poise and durability all features. In 2021, Mundy became the oldest player to poll 20 votes in a Brownlow medal count.

29. NICK DAL SANTO (Bendigo Pioneers)
Games: 322; Goals: 156
A smooth-moving midfielder with silky skills on both sides of his body, Dal Santo was a consistent performer across his career with St Kilda and later North Melbourne.

30. JUSTIN LEPPITSCH (Dandenong Stingrays)
Games: 227; Goals: 194
A key part of the Brisbane Lions’ backline through its premiership years in the early 2000s, Leppitsch also had the ability to play as a forward.

GIRLS

1. MONIQUE CONTI (Calder Cannons)
Games: 39; Goals 6
AFLW disposals: 772; AFLW Ranking Points average: 142.95

2. MADISON PRESPAKIS (Calder Cannons)
Games: 34; Goals 15
AFLW disposals: 695; AFLW Ranking Points average: 128.12

3. GEORGIA PATRIKIOS (Calder Cannons)
Games: 15; Goals 2
AFLW disposals: 309; AFLW Ranking Points average: 121.99

4. GEORGIE PRESPAKIS (Calder Cannons)
Games: 10; Goals 0
AFLW disposals: 133; AFLW Ranking Points average: 114.04

5. OLIVIA PURCELL (Geelong Falcons)
Games: 25; Goals 6
AFLW disposals: 408; AFLW Ranking Points average: 113.71

6. CHARLIE ROWBOTTOM (Oakleigh Chargers)
Games: 10; Goals 1
AFLW disposals: 157; AFLW Ranking Points average: 112.81

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 08: Charlie Rowbottom of the Chargers runs with the ball during the NAB League Girls Finals Week 2 match between the Oakleigh Chargers and the Eastern Ranges at Avalon Airport Oval on May 08, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Grimes/AFL Photos)

7. NINA MORRISON (Geelong Falcons)
Games: 15; Goals 1
AFLW disposals: 212; AFLW Ranking Points average: 111.63

8. TYLA HANKS (Gippsland Power)
Games: 36; Goals 7
AFLW disposals: 526; AFLW Ranking Points average: 110.66

9. CHLOE MOLLOY (Calder Cannons)
Games: 35; Goals 31
AFLW disposals: 399; AFLW Ranking Points average: 101.14

10. ELLIE McKENZIE (Northern Knights)
Games: 15; Goals 5
AFLW disposals: 208; AFLW Ranking Points average: 99.86

11. MIMI HILL (Oakleigh Chargers)
Games: 12; Goals 2
AFLW disposals: 203; AFLW Ranking Points average: 99.28

12. REBECCA WEBSTER (Murray Bushrangers)
Games: 29; Goals 5
AFLW disposals: 407; AFLW Ranking Points average: 97.34

13. LUCY McEVOY (Geelong Falcons)
Games: 23; Goals 6
AFLW disposals: 290; AFLW Ranking Points average: 94.60

14. MIKALA CANN (Eastern Ranges)
Games: 33; Goals 6
AFLW disposals: 391; AFLW Ranking Points average: 92.56

15. EDEN ZANKER (Bendigo Pioneers)
Games: 39; Goals 12
AFLW disposals: 400; AFLW Ranking Points average: 91.87

16. GRACE EGAN (Murray Bushrangers)
Games: 23; Goals 2
AFLW disposals: 351; AFLW Ranking Points average: 91.72

17. GABBY NEWTON (Northern Knights)
Games: 15; Goals 0
AFLW disposals: 158; AFLW Ranking Points average: 90.35

Georgia Patrikios and Gabby Newton pose for a photograph during the 2019 NAB League Girls Grand Final Press Conference. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

18. MIA KING (Tasmania Devils)
Games: 24; Goals 5
AFLW disposals: 282; AFLW Ranking Points average: 88.75

19. JESSICA FITZGERALD (Northern Knights)
Games: 19; Goals 7
AFLW disposals: 205; AFLW Ranking Points average: 86.73

20. ELIZA McNAMARA (Sandringham Dragons)
Games: 22; Goals 4
AFLW disposals: 275; AFLW Ranking Points average: 82.27

21. GEORGIA GEE (Dandenong Stingrays)
Games: 40; Goals 19
AFLW disposals: 400; AFLW Ranking Points average: 82.19

22. ELISABETH GEORGOSTATHIS (Western Jets)
Games: 25; Goals 3
AFLW disposals: 266; AFLW Ranking Points average: 78.92

23. ISABELLE PRITCHARD (Western Jets)
Games: 14; Goals 0
AFLW disposals: 141; AFLW Ranking Points average: 75.72

24. ELEANOR BROWN (Sandringham Dragons)
Games: 29; Goals 0
AFLW disposals: 298; AFLW Ranking Points average: 75.11

25. NICOLA XENOS (Oakleigh Chargers)
Games: 15; Goals 7
AFLW disposals: 110; AFLW Ranking Points average: 74.01

26. KATIE LYNCH (Oakleigh Chargers)
Games: 25; Goals 1
AFLW disposals: 231; AFLW Ranking Points average: 73.05

27. JORDYN ALLEN (Dandenong Stingrays)
Games: 30; Goals 3
AFLW disposals: 288; AFLW Ranking Points average: 70.02

28. SHELLEY HEATH (Dandenong Stingrays)
Games: 28; Goals 1
AFLW disposals: 218; AFLW Ranking Points average: 69.63

29. ISABELLA GRANT (Western Jets)
Games: 12; Goals 0
AFLW disposals: 106; AFLW Ranking Points average: 68.97

30. TARNI BROWN (Eastern Ranges)
Games: 19; Goals 5
AFLW disposals: 196; AFLW Ranking Points average: 68.28