Besides GAblett...

[The 747]

Mitchell is close but not there. Age will get him. Franklin needs to play 2 or 3 brilliant seasons to make it. Judd chased money like GAJ - though he eas leaving a toxic team.

Those three AA's put him in rarified company. Not even close. Not even top 50 of all time.

 

[Seeds]

Agree that Fyfe & Wingard are possibilities. But Buddy? His stature in the game has become a bit of an urban legend. If what we are hearing about his personal situation is true, I doubt we will ever see him return to the 2008 form (the only year he kicked a century).

2008 and 2013 were the only seasons his form fit the hype. Another 2 to 3 seasons of that level would get him up there. It ain't going to happen though.

 

[Sttew]

Get non Geelong people to agree.

That is the test.

I rate GAJ close but not there. If he stayed at Geelong and led the charge to more flags then that would mean far more than 40 possession games in 15 goal losses.

So who are the top 9 so that we can judge?

Mitchell is close but not there. Age will get him. Franklin needs to play 2 or 3 brilliant seasons to make it. Judd chased money like GAJ - though he eas leaving a toxic team.

Scarlett is a joke. Enright more so.

Fyfe needs 5 more brilliant seasons.

Whoever said Hogan should remain in Bay 13 and never venture out.

Cox is an interesting one. But does he replace Polly? If Goldy has a couple more seasons like 2015 we will forget about Cox.

And if Hodge leads us to another flag and another NS then he deserves to be considered.

Pav cant get there without dominating a GF.

Im not sure we have anyone at the moment or in the last 10 years. And the way we play the game now probably protects the heroes of yesteryear.

BTW did someone have Sam Newman as top 10???? Really????

All what you say is fair enough. I'm not saying Scarlett is necessarily up there as OOGOAT, but when posters dismiss him outright, I will defend, just as he did for 14+ years in fine fashion.

 

[beta_condition]

Nah it's the best award we have by far. Every year the winner is about right. Go find a winner that was not deserving. Go on try. As for the Brownlow: woewodin, Hardie, liberatore, Judd the second time round, wanganeen and the list goes on and on. Even the year ablett won it at geelong was probably the worst of his four years between 2007 to 2011.

Bit redundant to say a player winning the wasn't deserving, same apply's to the brownlow, all those players had great years, were they the best probably not but for the individual season they were among the best.

Those three AA's put him in rarified company. Not even close. Not even top 50 of all time.

He's the best Hawthorn player since Dunstall, not top ten but easily in the top 50.

 

[Seeds]

I'm not sure there is but Sam Mitchell should definitely be in the conversation. A bit unlucky not to have won 2-3 Brownlows and the last 2 Norm Smith medals so far in his career. Was underrated early on and through the middle but is getting recognition in the late stages of his career where despite his age is not only maintaining his excellence but slightly improving. May not have hit the highest of highs but his time as an elite level player is near unmatched.

Mitchell as good as he is isn't in g Williams company and g Williams probably doesn't make it.

 

[Seeds]

That's the way it is, if Buckley had won b2b in 2002-2003 he would be up there instead of Voss as a great captain and would be in top 10 contention.

Most people are fools. Doesn't make what they regard as true as actually being true though.

 

[StillWaiting5689]

Anyone playing today likely to be a top 10 of all time?

Most punters would include names like Matthews, Carey, Dunstall, GAblett x 2, Scarlett, Enright, Roo x 2, Harvey x 2, Judd, Goodes, Diesel, Hird, SOS, Voss...

Fyfe is a good chance, maybe Buddy for mine...

Anyone else?

I'm unsure if I am missing someone obvious, is one of these Harveys meant to be Brent Harvey????!!!! Surely not.

Not a great list from the OP for greatest ever however hats off for generating discussion. Theres only 4 people on that list who would get widespread support for top 10 (matthews, carey, dunstall, Ablett Senior) with a few others in the mix.

Current players would be GAJ.

 

[Seeds]

Bit redundant to say a no mvp winning wasn't deserving, same apply's to the brownlow, all those players had great years were they the best probably not but for the individual season they were among the best.


He's the best Hawthorn player since Dunstall, not top ten but easily in the top 50.

All the mvp winners were in the conversation for being the best that year. There are plenty of Brownlow winners that weren't and I would say it would be atleast half.

 

[Seeds]

I'm unsure if I am missing someone obvious, is one of these Harveys meant to be Brent Harvey????!!!! Surely not.

Not a great list from the OP for greatest ever however hats off for generating discussion. Theres only 4 people on that list who would get widespread support for top 10 (matthews, carey, dunstall, Ablett Senior) with a few others in the mix.

Current players would be GAJ.

Yes I found that very odd. Op needs to clarify.

 

[Seeds]

To be fair the OP listed Enright and Scarlett amongst some of the greatest players of all time..

Yep and we agree that that is rubbish.

 

[Seeds]

Bit redundant to say a no mvp winning wasn't deserving, same apply's to the brownlow, all those players had great years were they the best probably not but for the individual season they were among the best.


He's the best Hawthorn player since Dunstall, not top ten but easily in the top 50.

no franklin is.

 

[Bardo State]

80s to 90s was 20 years and the players that qualify are Carey ablett Lockett. Williams probably just misses out. That's 3 not 7. Matthews started in the 60s and is more a 70s player despite his last couple of years in the eighties. As for the past 15 years we only have the younger ablett. No other player has taken the game by storm like ablett, Carey and Lockett did. Franklin has for two seasons and likewise Judd. But not enough to be on the level of Carey, ablett and Lockett who dominated the game for around five seasons each throughout the career. And we are talking dominated.

Get most people on Bigfooty to do a list like this and names like Dunstall, Lockett, Silvagni, Williams would easily be in most lists. Probably Mew and Flower popping up in a lot too. Franklin has had about 5 seasons where he was easily the best forward in the game where the next best was in the rear view mirror somewhere. There were also about 4 others where he was in the top handful. Chances are he'll end up with as many All-Australian's as Carey and as many Colemans as Lockett or Dunstall.

He's probably only had four seasons where he was on a completely different planet to other forwards, but he's 28 and still going. People dismissing him out of hand or saying he wouldn't be close to the top 30 are just romanticising the football of their youth.

 

[Bardo State]

His second best season was at Sydney. He was walking wounded at hawthorn.

Also this is silly. 2011 was Franklin's peak with room for argument for 08.

 

[TropperFarquhar]

Mitchell as good as he is isn't in g Williams company and g Williams probably doesn't make it.

Mitchell is definitely in the conversation with Williams. Only 4 players in history have polled more Brownlow votes than him.

 

[beta_condition]

Mitchell is definitely in the conversation with Williams. Only 4 players in history have polled more Brownlow votes than him.

Should pass 3 off them next season assuming he stays fit.

 

[Pessimistic]

Buddy wouldn't even be top 10 at hawthorn, but I guess Gablett and Judd would be at their clubs

if this thread actually had the top ten of all time, it might be clearer

Here's the legends though - Not all players

The Hall of Fame has a special category of inductees known as Legends. Individuals are selected for Legend status if they have had a particularly significant positive impact on the game of Australian Football.



Darrel Baldock (St Kilda)

29/9/1938

Inducted: 1996 Elevated to Legend: 2006

His skill with the football was unmatched. Could play at centre half-forward despite his small stature. Captained St Kilda to its only flag in 1966.

Playing career: 1962-1968

Games: 119 Goals: 237

Player honors: Equal 2nd Brownlow Medal (equal) 1963, Equal 3rd Brownlow Medal 1965; club best and fairest 1962, 1963, 1965; club leading goalkicker 1962- 1965; club captain; 1963-1968; premiership 1966; All-Australian 1961, 1966; St K Team of the Century (captain); Victoria (10 games, 23 goals).

Coaching record: St K 1987-89 (62 games, 18 wins, 44 losses)




Ron Barassi (Melbourne/Carlton)

DOB: 27/2/1936.

Inducted: 1996. Elevated to Legend: 1996

One of the most determined players ever to play the game, Barassi did not know how to accept defeat. His attack on the football and inspired leadership made him a football great. He took that passion for the contest into his coaching, willing his players to perform at their best.

Playing career: 1953-1969 (Melb 1953-1964, Carl 1965-1969)

Games: 254 (Melb 204, Carl 50) Goals: 330 (Melb 295 Carl 35)

Player honors: Melb best and fairest 1961, 1964; Melb leading goalkicker 1958 (equal), 1959; captain Melb 1960-1964; Melb premierships 1955, 1956, 1957, 1959, 1960, 1964; All-Australian 1956, 1958, 1961.

Coaching record: Carlton 1965-1971 (147 games, 99 wins, 47 losses, 1 draw), premierships 1968, 1970. North Melbourne 1973-1980 (198 games, 129 wins, 66 losses, 3 draws), premierships 1975, 1977. Melbourne 1981-1985 (110 games, 33 wins, 77 losses); Sydney 1993-1995 (59 games 59, 13 wins, 46 losses).





Kevin Bartlett (Richmond)

6/3/1947

Inducted: 1996. Elevated to Legend: 2000

Brilliant rover and goalkicker who was known as ‘Hungry’ because of his unwillingness to handball. Evasive and with great stamina, he could win a game off his own boot.

Playing career: 1965-1983

Games: 403 Goals: 778

Player honors: 2nd in Brownlow Medal 1977, 3rd in Brownlow Medal 1974; club best and fairest 1967, 1968, 1973, 1974, 1977; club leading goalkicker 1974, 1975, 1977, 1983; captain 1979, premierships 1967, 1969, 1973, 1974, 1980; Norm Smith Medal 1980.

Coaching record: Richmond 1988-1991 (88 games, 27 wins, 61 losses).





Haydn Bunton senior (Fitzroy/Subiaco/Port Adelaide Magpies)

5/7/1911-5/9/1955

Inducted: 1996 Elevated to Legend: 1996

Champion rover through the Depression years. A brilliant runner and ball-winner.

Playing career: 1931-1942; 1945 (Fitzroy 1931-1937, 1942, Subiaco 1938-1941, PA 1945)

Games: 208 (Fitz 119, Sub 72, PA 17) Goals: 427 (Fitz 207, Sub 190, PA 30)

Player honors: Brownlow Medal 1931, 1932, 1935, 2nd in Brownlow Medal 1934; Sandover Medal 1938, 1939, 1941; Fitz best and fairest 1934, 1935; Fitz leading goalkicker 1936, 1937; Fitz captain 1932, 1936, 1937.

Coaching record: Fitzroy 1936 (18 games, 2 wins, 16 losses)






Barry Cable (Perth/North Melb/East Perth)

22/9/43

Inducted: 1996 Elevated to Legend: 2012

Running rover who was a brilliant handball exponent and strong on his feet.

Playing career: 1962-1979 (Perth 1962-1969, 1971-1973, North Melbourne 1970, 1974-1977, East Perth 1978-1979)

Games: 383 (Perth 225, NM 115, EP 43) Goals: 505 (Perth 324, NM 133, EP 46)

Player honors: NM best and fairest 1970; NM premierships 1975, 1977; Sandover Medal 1964, 1968, 1973; Perth best and fairest 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1973; All-Australian 1966, 1969; Kang Team of the Century; Victoria (1 game, 2 goals); West Aust (23 games 0 goals)



Coaching record: NM 1981-1984 (76 games, 40 wins, 46 losses).



Roy Cazaly (St Kilda/South Melbourne)

13/1/1893-10/10/1963

Inducted: 1996 Elevated to Legend: 1996

Legendary ruckman whose name was invoked as a catchcry on the battlefields in World War II. His spectacular leaping and strong ruckwork made him an awesome player.

Playing career: 1911-1927 (St K 1911-1915, 1918-1920, SM 1921-1924, 1926-1927).

Games: 198 (St K 99, SM 99) Goals: 167 (St K 39, SM 128)

Player honors: St K best and fairest 1918; SM best and fairest 1923; SM leading goalkicker 1921, 1922.

Coaching record: South Melbourne 1937-1938 (36 games, 8 wins, 27 losses, 1 draw); Hawthorn 1942-1943 (30 games, 10 wins, 20 losses).





John Coleman (Essendon)

28/11/1928-5/4/1973

Inducted: 1996 Elevated to Legend: 1996

Champion full-forward who was a high-flying goalkicking genius. His strength one-on-one was brilliant and he was not intimidated by any opponent. His playing career was tragically cut short by a knee injury.

Playing career: 1949-1954

Games: 98 Goals: 537

Player honors: club best and fairest 1949; club leading goalkicker 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954; VFL leading goalkicker 1949, 1950, 1952, 1953; premierships 1949, 1950; All-Australian 1953.

Coaching record: Essendon 1961-1967 (134 games, 91 wins, 40 losses, 3 draws), premierships 1962, 1965.





Gordon Coventry (Collingwood)

25/9/1901-7/11/1968

Inducted: 1996 Elevated to Legend: 1998

Greatest goalkicker in the game’s history until Sydney player Tony Lockett broke his record in 1999. A hero during Collingwood’s most successful era, he accumulated goals at an incredible rate. His strength was his major asset in turning opportunities into goals.

Playing career: 1920-1937

Games: 306 Goals: 1299

Player honors: club best and fairest 1933; club leading goalkicker 1922-1937; VFL leading goalkicker 1926-1930, 1937; premierships 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1935.





Jack Dyer (Richmond)

15/11/1913-23/8/2003

Inducted: 1996 Elevated to Legend: 1996

In football folklore is one of the toughest players to have played the game. His name is synonymous with Richmond where his fighting spirit and fierce determination is legendary. A great ruckman and inspirational leader.

Playing career: 1931-1949

Games: 312 Goals: 443

Player honors: club best and fairest 1932, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1940, 1946; club leading goalkicker 1947, 1948; premierships 1934, 1943.

Coaching record: Richmond 1941-1952 (225 games, 134 wins, 89 losses, 2 draws), premiership 1943.





Graham Farmer (Geelong/East Perth/West Perth)

10/3/1935

Inducted: 1996 Elevated to Legend: 1996

Became a rucking giant after crossing from Western Australia. His tap-outs were attacking and his handball revolutionised the game in Victoria. Also capable of playing for much of his career with injury. A great leader.

Playing career: 1953-1971 (East Perth 1953-1961, Geelong 1962-1967, West Perth 1968-1971).

Games: 356 (East Perth 176, Geel 101, West Perth 79) Goals: (East Perth NA, Geel 65, West Perth 55)

Player honors: Sandover Medal 1956, 1957, 1960; 2nd in Brownlow Medal 1963 (equal); Geel best and fairest 1963, 1964; Geel premiership 1963; EP best and fairest 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1959, 1960, 1961; EP premierships 1956, 1958, 1959; WP best and fairest 1969; WP premierships 1969, 1971 (captain-coach); All-Australian 1956, 1958, 1961.

Coaching record: Geelong 1973-1975 (66 games, 24 wins, 42 losses).






Royce Hart (Richmond/Sturt)
Profile: Perhaps the greatest half-forward of all time

10/2/1948

Inducted: 1996

Recruited from Tasmania, Hart holds the illustrious honour of being named the centre half-forward of both the Richmond and AFL/VFL Team of the Century. High-marking centre half-forward who dominated the game. Graceful, courageous and a match-winner.

Playing career: 1967-1977 (Rich 1967-1977, Sturt 1969)

Games: 188 (Rich 187, Glenelg 1) Goals: 371 (Rich 369, Glenelg 2)

Player honors: Rich Best & Fairest 1969, 1972; Rich leading goalkicker 1967, 1971; Rich captain 1972- 1975; Rich premierships 1967, 1969, 1973, 1974; AFL Team of the Century; Rich Team of the Century; All-Australian 1969; Victoria (11 games, 29 goals).

Coaching record: Footscray 1980-1982 (53 games, 8 wins, 45 losses).



Peter Hudson (Hawthorn)

19/2/1946

Inducted: 1996 Elevated to Legend: 1999

A freakish full-forward who just kept accumulating goals. Made brilliant use of the body, was deadly accurate and had an amazing ability to read the play. Holds the best goals per game average (5.59) in VFL/AFL history and in 1971 matched Bob Pratt’s record for most goals in a season with 150.

Playing career: 1967-1974, 1977

Games: 129 Goals: 727

Player honors: 2nd in Brownlow Medal 1971 (equal); club best and fairest 1968, 1970; club leading goalkicker 1967-1971, 1977; VFL leading goalkicker 1968, 1970, 1971, 1977; premiership 1971; All-Australian 1966, 1969.





Bill Hutchison (Essendon)

28/4/1923-18/6/1982

Inducted: 1996 Elevated to Legend: 2003

Fit and fearless and creative rover who was a key figure in Essendon’s golden era. Possessed explosive pace, great indurance and exceptional kicking skills.

Playing career: 1942-1957

Games: 290. Goals: 496

Player honors: 30 games for Victoria & 67 goals; premiership 1942, 1946, 1949, 1950; All Australian 1953, 1956; Brownlow Medal 1952, 1953; 2nd in Brownlow Medal 1955, 3rd in Brownlow Medal 1948, 1951; club best & fairest 1946, 1948, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1955, 1956. Club leading goalkicker 1948; club team of the century; club captain 1951-1957; Victorian captain 1953, 1956



Alex Jesaulenko (Carlton/St Kilda)

2/8/1945

Inducted: 1996 Elevated to Legend: 2008

Freakish skills made him one of the most exciting footballers of all time. A spectacular mark, remarkably he did not play Australian football until the age of 14.

Playing career: 1967-1981 (Carl 1967-1979, St K 1980-1981)

Games: 279 (Carl 256, St K 23) Goals: 444 (Carl 424, St K 20)

Player honors: 3rd in Brownlow Medal 1967, 1970, 1975 (equal); Carl Best & Fairest 1975; Carl leading goalkicker 1969, 1970, 1971; captain Carl 1975-1976, 1978-1979; premierships Carl 1968, 1970, 1972, 1979 (captain-coach); AFL Team of the Century; Carl Team of the Century; All-Australian 1969, 1972; Victoria (15 games, 37 goals).

Coaching record: Carlton 1978-1979, 1989-1990 (76 games, 53 wins, 22 losses, 1 draw); premiership 1979; St Kilda 1980-1982 (64 games, 13 wins, 49 losses, 2 draws).




Tony Lockett (St Kilda/Sydney)
Profile: A record-breaking colossus who they flocked to see

9/3/1966

Inducted: 2006 Elevated to Legend: 1996

The greatest goalkicker in AFL history, Lockett enjoyed a stellar career with St Kilda and Sydney. An imposing figure who gave defenders a torrid time.

Playing Career: 1983-99, 2002 (St K 1983-94, Syd 1995-99, 2002)

Games: 281 (St K 183, Syd 98) Goals: 1360 (St K 898, Syd 462)

Player honours: Brownlow Medal 1987; St K best & fairest 1987, 1991; Syd best & fairest 1995; St K leading goalkicker 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994; Syd leading goalkicker 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999; Coleman Medal 1987, 1991, 1996, 1998; St K Team of the Century; Syd Team of the Century; All Australian 1987, 1991, 1992, 1995, 1996, 1998; Victoria (5 games, 19 goals).



James 'Jock' McHale

12/12/1882 - 4/10/1953

Inducted: 1996 Elevated to Legend: 2005

His record-and longevity-suggests he is the greatest football coach of all time. Played in the 1910 premiership side then coached the Magpies to eight premierships, including an unprecedented four in succession between 1927 and 1930.

Playing career: Coll 1903-1918; 1920 (261 games, 18 goals).

Player honors: Collingwood premierships 1910, 1917.

Coaching record: Collingwood captain-coach 1912-1913, playing coach 1914-1917, coach 1918-1949 (714 games, 467 wins, 237 losses, 10 draws), premierships 1917, 1919, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1935, 1936; Collingwood Team of the Century (coach).



Kevin Murray (East Perth/Fitzroy)

18/6/1938

Inducted: 1996 Elevated to Legend: 2010

Had ferocious desire and was a brilliant leader off half back and as a ruck rover. A durable Player, he played at senior level for two decades despite a back injury. A popular winner of the Brownlow Medal in 1969, he epitomised the spirit of the Lions.

Playing career: 1955-74 ( Fitzroy 1955-64, 1967-74, East Perth 1965-66)

Games: 377 (Fitz 333, EP 44)

Goals: 71 ( Fitz 51, EP 20)

Player honors: Brownlow Medal 1969, 2nd Brownlow Medal 1960, 1962(Equal) 3rd Brownlow Medal,1968, Fitz Best and Fairest 1956, 1958, 1960,1961,1962,1963, 1964, 1968, 1969; EP Best and Fairest 1965; AFL Team of the Century; Fitz Team of the Century (Captain); EP Team of the Century (Post-War) All-Australian 1958,1966;Victoria (24 Games, 0 Goals), Western Australia (6 Games).

Coaching record: Fitz 1963-1964 ( 34 Games, 0 Wins 34 Losses) EP 1965-1966 ( 46 Games, 26 Wins, 20 Losses).




Leigh Matthews (Hawthorn)

1/3/1952

Inducted: 1996 Elevated to Legend: 1996

The toughest player of his era, he could turn a game in a flash. Few players were as capable of lifting another gear so regularly and destroying opponents.

Playing career: 1969-1985

Games: 332 Goals: 915

Player honors: 3rd in Brownlow Medal 1973, 1982; club best and fairest 1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1982; club leading goalkicker 1973, 1975, 1981-1984; VFL leading goalkicker 1975; club captain 1981-1985; premierships 1971, 1976, 1978, 1983 (captain); All-Australian 1972, 1982, 1983.

Coaching record: Collingwood 1986-1995 (224 games, 125 wins, 94 losses, 5 draws); premiership 1990. Brisbane Lions 1999-2008 (237 games, 142 wins, 92 losses, 3 draws); premierships 2001-2003.





John Nicholls (Carlton)

13/8/1939

Inducted: 1996 Elevated to Legend: 1996

Inspirational leader with intimidating presence who dominated games from the ruck. A huge man, he would feed the ball to his smaller teammates who would lift because of his stature.

Playing career: 1957-1974

Games: 328 Goals: 307

Player honors: 2nd in Brownlow Medal 1966; club best and fairest 1959, 1963, 1965, 1966, 1967; captain 1963, 1968-1974; premierships 1968, 1970, 1972 (capt-coach); All-Australian 1966, 1969.

Coaching record: Carlton 1972-1975 (97 games, 63 wins, 31 losses, 3 draws), premiership 1972.





Bob Pratt (South Melbourne)

31/8/1912-6/1/2001

Inducted: 1996 Elevated to Legend: 1996

High-leaping full-forward who kicked a record 150 goals in 1934. Brilliant mark and kick who exuded confidence and spearheaded South Melbourne during a successful era for the club.

Playing career: 1930-1939, 1946

Games: 158 Goals: 681

Player honors: club leading goalkicker 1932-1936, 1939; VFL leading goalkicker 1933-1935; premiership 1933.





Dick Reynolds (Essendon)

20/6/1915-2/9/2002

Inducted: 1996 Elevated to Legend: 1996

The ‘King’ in a dominant Essendon era. His roving skill, leadership and class in using the football was unparalleled. One of four triple Brownlow Medallists.

Playing career: 1933-1951

Games: 320 Goals: 442

Player honors: Brownlow Medal 1934, 1937, 1938, 3rd in Brownlow Medal 1939; club best and fairest 1934, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1942, 1943; club leading goalkicker 1943; captain 1939-1950; premierships 1942, 1946, 1949, 1950.

Coaching record: Essendon 1939-1960 (420 games, 277 wins, 137 losses, 6 draws), premierships 1942, 1946, 1949, 1950.





Barrie Robran (North Adelaide)

25/9/1947

Inducted: 1996 Elevated to Legend: 2001

Regarded as the best player never to play at AFL level, Robran was a star in South Australia.

Playing career: 1967-1976, 1978-1980

Games: 201 Goals: 194

Player honors: Magarey Medal 1968, 1970, 1973; club best and fairest 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973; premierships 1971, 1972.





Bob Skilton (South Melbourne)

8/11/1938

Inducted: 1996 Elevated to Legend: 1996

His skills were the best in the game and his ability to find and use the footy was unmatched. A fair ball player, he embodied many of the game’s finest traditions.

Playing career: 1956-1968, 1970-1971

Games: 237 Goals: 412

Player honors: Brownlow Medal 1959, 1963, 1968, 3rd in Brownlow Medal 1958; club best and fairest 1958, 1959, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1967, 1968; club leading goalkicker 1959, 1962, 1963; captain 1961-1971.

Coaching record: Melbourne 1974-1976 (66 games, 23 wins, 43 losses).




Norm Smith(Melbourne/Fitzroy)

21/11/1915-29/07/1973

Inducted: 1996 Elevated to Legend: 2007

Melbourne's graetest coach and arguably one of the finest the game has seen. Led Melbourne through it's most successful era in the 1950's and 1960's before being sacked in controversial circumstances in 1965.

Playing career: Melbourne 1935-48 (210 games, 546 goals); Fitzroy 1949-50 (17 games, 26 goals).

Player honors: Melb Best & Fairest 1939, 1944; Melb premierships 1939, 1940, 1941, 1948; Melb leading goalkicker 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941; League leading goalkicker 1941 (following finals); Victoria (2 games, 2 goals).

Coaching record: Fitzroy 1949-1951 (55 games, 30 wins, 23 losses, 2 draws); Melbourne 1952-1967 (310 games, 198 wins, 107 losses, 5 draws), premierships 1955, 1956, 1957, 1959, 1960, 1964; Melb Team of the Century (coach); South Melbourne 1969-1972 (87 games, 26 wins, 61 losses).




Ian Stewart (St Kilda/Richmond)

14/7/1944

Inducted: 1996 Elevated to Legend: 1997

A football genius. Out of the centre, his precision passing, evasive skills and pace made him unstoppable. One of four triple Brownlow Medallists.

Playing career: 1963-1975 (St K 1963-1970, Rich 1971-1975) Games: 205 (St K 127, Rich 78) Goals: 80 (St K 25, Rich 55)

Player honors: Brownlow Medals St K 1965, 1966, Rich 1971; St K best and fairest 1964, 1966; Rich best and fairest 1971; St K captain 1969; St K premiership 1966; Rich premiership 1973; All-Australian 1966.

Coaching record: South Melbourne 1976-1977, 1979-1981 (111 games, 49 wins, 60 losses, 2 draws), Carlton 1978 (3 games, 1 win, 2 losses).





Ted Whitten (Footscray)

27/7/33-17/8/1995

Inducted: 1996 Elevated to Legend: 1996

Known simply as ‘Mr Football’ or ‘EJ’, the champion Footscray player could play in any position on the ground. A favorite with football supporters whose legend continued to grow after he retired.

Playing career: 1951-1970 Games: 321 Goals: 360

Player honors: 3rd in Brownlow Medal 1959 (equal); club best and fairest 1954, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1961; club leading goalkicker 1961, 1962, 1964 (equal) 1968; captain 1957-1966, 1969-1971; All-Australian 1956, 1958, 1961.

Coaching record: Footscray 1957-1966, 1969- 1971 (228 games, 91 wins, 137 losses).

 

[David the Cat]

I think the question was:

Anyone playing today likely to be a top 10 of all time?

Yeah I'm tipping Hogan to be one of those. By the end of his career. It's been a long while since a key forward made such a huge impact in his first year. Apart from him, Fyfe and Ablett I can't see any current players nudging the top ten of all time.

Which in context, I guess, is fair enough...I just think its a little premature to nominate him just yet. Players well into their careers...ok...but a boy in his first year? Honestly admire your enthusiasm for him...he looks like he could be a very good player...just as I thought Dan Menzel would be a very good player...

Theres many a slip twixt cup and the lip. Lets wait and see.

 

[Seeds]

Get most people on Bigfooty to do a list like this and names like Dunstall, Lockett, Silvagni, Williams would easily be in most lists. Probably Mew and Flower popping up in a lot too. Franklin has had about 5 seasons where he was easily the best forward in the game where the next best was in the rear view mirror somewhere. There were also about 4 others where he was in the top handful. Chances are he'll end up with as many All-Australian's as Carey and as many Colemans as Lockett or Dunstall.

He's probably only had four seasons where he was on a completely different planet to other forwards, but he's 28 and still going. People dismissing him out of hand or saying he wouldn't be close to the top 30 are just romanticising the football of their youth.

Yeah and those people are just as wrong as the ones putting goodes, Judd and franklin in. People tend to highly regard the first era in which they supported the game above all others.

 

[HairyO]

Those three AA's put him in rarified company. Not even close. Not even top 50 of all time.

Cos 50 other guys have 200+ Brownlow votes. Amirite?

Its amazing how many average players Hawthorn has. Mmm hmm.

 

[Pessimistic]

Should pass 3 off them next season assuming he stays fit.

Not sure Mitch is that high in the all time AFL/VFL but hes a candidate for top 10 at Hawthorn and probably the best centreman.

When the guy blitzed the VFL medal one year I was sure he'd get at least one brownlow in his career. Amazing that Judd (+6 votes) Ablett (+10 votes) and Harvey (+11 votes) each have two brownlows. and hell probably pass two of them, maybe three

 

[Seeds]

Also this is silly. 2011 was Franklin's peak with room for argument for 08.

Go back to 2013 and look at all the threads from hawthorn and neutrals debating whether franklin was better in 2008 or 2013. Many neutrals thought 2013 was better. I don't. But it was easily his second best. 2011 not even in the debate.

 

[deflated]

Get most people on Bigfooty to do a list like this and names like Dunstall, Lockett, Silvagni, Williams would easily be in most lists. Probably Mew and Flower popping up in a lot too. Franklin has had about 5 seasons where he was easily the best forward in the game where the next best was in the rear view mirror somewhere. There were also about 4 others where he was in the top handful. Chances are he'll end up with as many All-Australian's as Carey and as many Colemans as Lockett or Dunstall.

He's probably only had four seasons where he was on a completely different planet to other forwards, but he's 28 and still going. People dismissing him out of hand or saying he wouldn't be close to the top 30 are just romanticising the football of their youth.

I don't think you realize how many bloody amazing forwards there have been over the last 100 years. Buddy is a great of the game but I'm not sure he's even in the top 3 forwards ever to play for the Swans, let alone has a shot at top 10 players ever (for the record I think Plugger, Pratt and Nash all had higher peaks than Buddy and he's not going to get close to Plugger's career).

He's still got years to pile up achievements, I can see him being a top 10 forward, maybe top 30 players when he's done if he stays healthy and that would be an amazing career.

More generally GAblett is top 20, not sure if top 10 and Fyfe is the only other one I see coming close if luck smiles on him with injuries and a Brownlow or two. Seems to be a bit of a down period for talent right now, some great players but no-one is taking over games like Carey used to.

 

[HairyO]

Go back to 2013 and look at all the threads from hawthorn and neutrals debating whether franklin was better in 2008 or 2013. Many neutrals thought 2013 was better. I don't. But it was easily his second best. 2011 not even in the debate.

2008 he dominated. 2013 Clarko deliberately played him out of position to prepare the team in case he left.

Roughy was as good in 2013. Noone was as good in 2008. Though Fev came closr.

 

[Pessimistic]

Hogan? Made a good start, MFC might hold him back though

 

[Seeds]

Mitchell is definitely in the conversation with Williams. Only 4 players in history have polled more Brownlow votes than him.

Williams at his best was a far better player then Mitchell. People have short memories. Mitchell does have amazing high consistency though. Brownlow votes aren't a great measure. Williams wasn't exactly the umps favourite either given all the mouthing off he did. Umps have admitted they didnt give him votes because of it.