Interesting.....
If the 80's team is the benchmark, then comparing like for like makes for great discussion. Is it ability that counts, or accumulated proven performances? I'm going with pure
ability and skill as my key factors.
I think clear winners for the 80's are the KP spine. Langford over any fullback we've seen, Mew over any CHB, Brereton clearly our greatest CHF, and Dunstall untouchable at Fullforward. Platten the great rover. Different story I feel on the flanks. I give Ayres a pocket, but Gibbo, Birch and Silk get the other back line spots for their skill and playmaking as well as defensive ability. The wings are hard, Dipper was great for a long time but his skills weren't as damaging as his will to compete was, and Pritch was very good but not as damaging with his feet as Hill and Smith are proving....I'd go with the Dipper on one side and Hill on the other. I could completely understand someone else flipping those two around in whatever combo they liked. Up forward Bucky gets an outside spot, but because Leigh finished in 85' and was on the decline I'm not including him for these purposes. Cyril is automatic, Roughy better than any other Tall forwards in a pocket and I'm going to give Gunston the nod as that tweener ala Peter Curren for the last spot.
The ruck is impossible to call, largely we won in spite of never dominating from the position and merely had players to provide a contest. Big Boy hasn't played enough games to show what he is......
I'm giving the ruck rover spot to Hodge over Tuck (I know, heresy to many), and Mitch the Center over Plough.
I won't try too hard with the bench, I think it's probably a toss up over who you like better, and I'm giving just the barest edge to Jeansy over Clarko, as much because of the awe factor as coaching nous.
Overall I take the 80's because of the spine, and just as we are plundering teams with our skills these days, we pillaged and devastated so many others back in the day.
What I really like is the look of my combined team

.
B: Burgoyne Langford Ayres
HB: Birch Mew Gibson
C: Dipper Mitchell Hill
HF: Bucky Brereton Cyril
F: Rough Dunstall Gunston
Foll: ? Hodge Platten
Coach: Jeans