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Stephen Kernahan

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Apr 18, 2005
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31,663
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Melbourne
People talk about Wayne Carey being the premier CHF, with Franklin probably equal or better than him now, but what about Stephen Kernahan? Surely he is top 3 with Carey & Franklin as the best of the last 30 years?

Looking at his stats, I'd probably even say he and Carey are on par. I very rarely hear his name mentioned, but deserves it, no questions asked.
 

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One of those players that was always second best in the eyes of the footy public. Second to Brereton during his time at the top, then second to Carey.
 
People talk about Wayne Carey being the premier CHF, with Franklin probably equal or better than him now, but what about Stephen Kernahan? Surely he is top 3 with Carey & Franklin as the best of the last 30 years?

Looking at his stats, I'd probably even say he and Carey are on par. I very rarely hear his name mentioned, but deserves it, no questions asked.

his record is pretty amazing. 250+ games (loads more in the SANFL), circa 3 goals a game with stints in the ruck and prepared to chase and tackle.
 

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People talk about Wayne Carey being the premier CHF, with Franklin probably equal or better than him now, but what about Stephen Kernahan? Surely he is top 3 with Carey & Franklin as the best of the last 30 years?

Looking at his stats, I'd probably even say he and Carey are on par. I very rarely hear his name mentioned, but deserves it, no questions asked.
Stats aren't the only measure. I have posted before on a thread about Brereton v Carey - yes, Carey was better overall, but if we measure everything by stats, then we aren't necessarily measuring influence. For example, Matt Priddis gets great numbers, but would we rank him as a top class mid alongside Judd, Mitchell, Williams etc.? No. Sticks was a top top player no doubt. And hugely influential at Carlton for 11 years as skipper. I'd have him and Carey ahead of Franklin if we look at stats and influence. Buddy has not dragged his team over the line in GFs, or actually played a blinder in one. If we were to look at influence and forget stats, then Brereton is in the mix.
 
Stats aren't the only measure. I have posted before on a thread about Brereton v Carey - yes, Carey was better overall, but if we measure everything by stats, then we aren't necessarily measuring influence. For example, Matt Priddis gets great numbers, but would we rank him as a top class mid alongside Judd, Mitchell, Williams etc.? No. Sticks was a top top player no doubt. And hugely influential at Carlton for 11 years as skipper. I'd have him and Carey ahead of Franklin if we look at stats and influence. Buddy has not dragged his team over the line in GFs, or actually played a blinder in one. If we were to look at influence and forget stats, then Brereton is in the mix.
I thought Buddy’s 2014 GF was excellent. His team was shit but he was great
 

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Kernahan was a full forward for most of his career. Effects the stats for a CHF.

Was more a full-time full forward in his late 20’s. Didn’t even start in the VFL/AFL until almost 23yo. Otherwise would alternate between KF posts. Terdders did the same. And Brown. Franklin hasn’t strictly been a CHF and Carey played quite often in a hybrid role closer to goal than a traditional CHF. Probably Brereton and Riewoldt are the most strictly CHF players of the lot of them.

In order, my top 5 of the last 30 years.

Carey
Franklin
Riewoldt
Kernahan
Tredrea

Switch around Roo and Sticks and that’s the closest to how I’d have it too.
 

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Stephen Kernahan

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