Special Sub-Topic: My All-Time AFL Team Click Here To Play: My All-Time AFL Team

Full-Back-Line: It's made up of a back-pocket who played for Hawthorn, a full-back who played for Carlton and another back-pocket who played for Geelong. The Hawthorn player's nickname was "Conan" because of his powerful upper-body, the blue's nickname was "SOS", which was always said "Soss", while the Geelong player didn't have a nickname. The Carlton player and the Geelong player were both named in the team of the century, but they are all in the Hall of Fame. Who are they?

Gary Ayres, Stephen Silvagni, Bernie Smith.. All three of these players were stars of the game and all deserve to be here. Gary Ayres was a dual Norm Smith medalist and played in 5 Grand Final wins, Stephen Silvagni is named at full-back in the team of the century, was a brilliant mark and is in the Hall of Fame, while Bernie Smith was a Brownlow Medalist, a team of the century back-pocket and a Hall of Fame member. They all ended up with coaching jobs after they retired.

Half-Back Line: My half-back line is made up of a West Coast Eagle, a Footscray Bulldog (Western Bulldogs) and a Carlton Blue. The Eagle was a premiership captain in the years 1992 and 1994 and was premiership coach in 2006, the Bulldog was one of the best players ever to play and has a ground named after him, and is in the AFL team of the century, while the Carlton Blue was a shy man who is also in the team of the century. They all have very famous nicknames. Who are they?

John Worsfold, Ted Whitten, Bruce Doull.. "Woosha" is John Worsfold, the much loved superstar, "Mr. Football" was Ted Whitten, who really is what his Nickname suggests, and "The Flying Doormat" was Bruce Doull, the head band wielding Blue. "Woosha" was in the All-Australian team as coach in 2006, was captain of West Coast from 1991-1998 and won the best & fairest in 1988. Ted Whitten is in the AFL team of the century, holds Legend status at the Hall of Fame and represented Victoria an amazing 29 times! Bruce Doull was a premiership player for the winning team 4 times and was named in both the Carlton and the AFL teams of the century.

Ruckman: He was a St Kilda and South Melbourne gun, my ruck rover is a Geelong son-of-a-gun, and my rover was a Collingwood legend. My Ruckman has a song named after him, was a Victorian representative 13 times and was a brilliant mark, my ruck rover comes from a huge footy family including many greats and was a premiership player in 2007, while my rover stood at just 171 centimetres tall and could also play forward-pocket. Who are these players?

Roy Cazaly, Gary Ablett Jr, Lou Richards.. "Up there Cazaly, in there and fight, Out there and at 'em, show 'em your might. Up there Cazaly, don't let them in, fly like an angel, your out there to win!" Need I say more about Roy Cazaly? Gary Ablett Jr debuted 2002, but he has still managed to win a Brownlow Medal and be inducted into the Geelong Hall of Fame. He comes from a HUGE footy family. Lou Richards was a tiny rover who captained the side from 1952-1955 and represented Victoria 3 times.

Mid-Field: My midfield line is made up of 2 wingmen who played for West Coast and Brisbane, and a centre-man who played for Essendon. My Eagle was the first Eagle to be named in the AFL Hall of Fame. He played a huge role in the 1992 Grand Final, winning the Norm Smith Medal. He was half Aboriginal and half Italian, so he is named in both the Indigenous and Italian team of the century. My Essendon player was a Baby Bomber who had outstanding courage and once broke or fractured all but 2 bones in his skull. He could play almost anywhere on the ground and he won the 1996 Brownlow Medal along with my Brisbane player. My Brisbane Lion and Bear was an outstanding player who once did a hamstring injury while renovating his house! He got a coaching job in 2009 after commentating for a while. He captained the Brisbane Lions to 3 consecutive premierships. Who are they?

Peter Matera, James Hird, Michael Voss.. Peter Matera was named in the All-Australian side an impressive 5 times! He played in both the 1992 and 1994 Grand Final wins for West Coast. James Hird was picked at pick 79, but was an amazing player who was named in the Essendon team of the century. In 2002, a fan-voted award saw James Hird be named at number 3 on the all-time best Essendon players! Michael Voss became co-captain at just the age of 21. He was a brilliant captain who lead Brisbane to Premiership glory 3 times in a row from 2000-2003. Brisbane nearly won a 4th premiership in 2004, but lost to Port Adelaide.

You couldn't have a better half-forward line then what I have. I have the player of the century, I have Captain Blood and I have Plugger. My Hawthorn half-forward-flanker was a freakish player who once snapped the point post by running in to it! Not only that, but he won 202 Brownlow votes, the most by a player who never won the award, and he also kicked a total of 915 goals, one of the most by a player who wasn't a full forward and he is in the team of the century and is at legend status at the Hall of Fame. My Richmond centre-half-forward is Captain Blood. He is in the team of the century and is in Legend status at the Hall of Fame. In the "100 Tiger Treasures", he is in the "Strong & the Bold" category. Although a full-forward, this Saint turn Swan has made it to my half-forward-line. He holds the all-time record for most goals kicked ever of 1,300 goals. He has a goal end of Etihad Stadium named after him. Who are they?

Leigh Matthews, Jack Dyer, Tony Lockett.. "lethal" Leigh Matthews is a 4 time Premiership coach, the player of the century and is in Legend status at the Hall of Fame. He is also in the team of the century. Jack Dyer was a true Richmond Tiger who won 6 best & fairests, a Richmond "Immortal", a legend at the AFL Hall of Fame and so much more I could hardly name them all! Tony Lockett was a legend who unfortunately doesn't think much of footy anymore and regrets playing footy. He instead trains greyhounds and is the trainer of the famous greyhound "Brett Lee". He is also in the AFL Hall of Fame.

Forward Pocket: My first forward-pocket played 6 games for Hawthorn and 242 games for Geelong. He was a brilliant mark and he is in the AFL Team of the century. He was also All-Australian 4 times. My full forward's nickname is the "Red Fox" because of his red hair. He has a medal named after him and he is actually the coach of the team of the century! He played for the Melbourne Demons and Fitzroy. My other forward-pocket was a Essendon Bomber who, although only playing 98 games, kicked a total of 537 goals! He also has a medal named after him. He is in the AFL team of the century and he was a spectacular mark. He unfortunately died at just the age of 44. Who are they?

Gary Ablett, Sr, Norm Smith, John Coleman.. All of them a team of the century member, all of them in the AFL Hall of Fame and all of them had a big impact on AFL. Gary Ablett Sr won both the medals named after the other players in this forward line, the Norm Smith Medal and the Coleman Medal. Norm Smith was also an amazing coach. He was the captain of Melbourne in 1945-1946 and 1948. He was the captain of the '48 Grand Final team. The Norm Smith Medal is given to the best on ground every Grand Final. All in separate games, John Coleman kicked 14 goals once, 13 goals twice, 12 goals twice, 11 goals twice, 10 goals 6 times, 9 goals 3 times and 8 goals 5 times. The Coleman Medal is awarded to the leading goalkicker in the home & away season every year.

Interchange: It's made up of a Geelong ruckman, a Carlton and St Kilda player who could play forward or back, and a forward who played for South Melbourne. My Geelong player came from Western Australia and he was in the AFL, Western Australian (as vice-captain), Indigenous (as Captain), West Perth, East Perth and Geelong team of the century. He is also at legend status at the AFL Hall of Fame, even though he only played 101 AFL games. My Carlton and St Kilda player was born in Austria to a Ukrainian father and a Russian mother. He was famous for his brilliant marking ability and he took the mark of the century in the 1970 Grand Final. My South Melbourne player was as brave as brave can get. He won the Brownlow Medal 3 times and he represented Victoria 25 times! He is also named in the AFL and Swans team of the century. Who are they?

Graham Farmer, Alex Jesaulenko, Bob Skilton.. When Australians hear the word, "Polly", they either think of a parrot or Graham "Polly" Farmer. Standing at 191 centimetres tall, he had a naturally high leap. He only played 101 AFL games because he wanted to return to West Australia to play in the West Australian Football League (the WAFL). He won the 1963 and 1964 Geelong best & fairests and he captained the cats from 1965-67. He even has a freeway in Perth named after him! Alex Jesaulenko's real name is Alex Esaulenko, but when he arrived in Australia from Austria, immigration officials listed his family as "Jesaulenko" because they thought they heard a J in their name. Jezza is so famous that the Dog in the famous Australian children's book, "Jezza" is named after him, and he is mentioned in the song, "The Back Upon Which Jezza Jumped" by Melbourne band TISM. Bob Skilton showed enormous courage for somebody standing at only 171 centimetres tall. He suffered concussion, he broke his nose 4 times, he broke his wrist 3 times and he suffered 12 black eyes! He played AFL for 16 years and he kicked 403 goals.

Coach: My coach played AFL with the Tigers and coached Essendon. He was known for making unusual tactics, like putting players in places they're not used to. At Essendon, he was premiership coach 4 times and he coached from 1981-2007. He was also a fine player, winning the Richmond best & fairest in 1976 and he is in the Richmond team of the century. Who is he?

Kevin Sheedy. It seems like those unusual tactics paid off! Kevin Sheedy was a superstar coach, and when he coached his last game in round 22 2007, the crowd gave a standing ovation to him and James Hird, who was also retiring. Essendon lost that game to West Coast by 8 points.

The Captain: My captain is the captain of the AFL team of the century. He was a brilliant player who played 321 games! Who is my captain?

Ted Whitten. Ted Whitten was Mr. Football, so he was an obvious choice. He captained the Footscray Bulldogs from 1957-1970.

Vice-Captain: He was captain of his side from 1981 to 1985, 1985 being his last season. He won a total of 8 best & fairests and he captained the Victorian state of origin team in 1980. Who is he?

Leigh Matthews. "Lethal" Leigh Matthews was a legend for the Hawthorn footy club. He was even voted the player of the century!

My Centreman played for the Brisbane Bears and the Brisbane Lions. he was the premiership captain 3 times in a row! He also suffered one of the strangest injuries ever, doing a hamstring while painting his house during renovation! At just the age of 21 he became the Co-captain for the Lions. His brother, Brett, also played football. He won the Norm Smith Medal in 2002 as captain, narrowly beating Nathan Buckley. In 2009, he became a coach. Who is he?

Michael Voss. Michael Voss started to coach the Brisbane Lions in 2009. He was Co-captain for the Lions along with Alastair Lynch. He announced his retirement after the 2006 season and found a commentry job with channel 10. Voss's last game was against St Kilda, where he gavered 34 possesions and picked up 2 Brownlow votes. The Brisbane Lions lost that game by 50 points. He shared the Brownlow Medal in 1996 with James Hird. All of the other players also played/play for the Lions, but Alastair Lynch played for Fitzroy before they merged with the Bears. None of the others fits the whole description given.

My other wingwan was an Essendon Bomber and part of the team nicknamed the "Baby Bombers". Known for his outstanding courage, he always seemed to be injured, but would always bounce back. He was picked at number 79 in the draft, which really dosen't demonstrate his skill. When he finally debuted after many injuries, he made the most of it. He won the Norm Smith Medal in the year 2000 against Melbourne. He also won the Anzac Day Medal in 2004. This player could play almost anywhere on the ground, but his favoured positions were half-forward and midfield. He was named Essendon's captain in 1998. He retired at the end of the 2007 season. Who is he?

James Hird. James Hird was a legend. He played in both the 1993 and 2000 Grand Final wins. On his last game, the crowd gave him and Kevin Sheedy (Also retiring) a standing ovation. Some of his most noticable awards were: Joint Brownlow Medal (with Michael Voss) 1996, Anzac Day Medal in 2004, three times Best & Fairest, Essendon Team of the Century, 2003 All-Australian, and in 2002, a fan-voted promotion put James Hird at #3 in the "Champions of Essendon" rankings. In the early 2000's, a horrific injury to his face kept him out for several weeks. He had hit his head on teammate Mark McVeigh's knee, fracturing or breaking all but a couple of bones in his skull. All of the other players were also Baby Bombers, but none of them fitted the description.

My half-forward-flank was a Hawthorn LEGEND and is in legend status at the Hall of Fame and a member of the AFL and Hawthorn Team of the Century. He even has a statue in front of the MCG of him. There was almost nothing he couldn't do on a footy field, he even snapped the point post after running into it! A piece of the post fell of and hit the boundry umpire! He has the most Brownlow points, 202, by anyone who hasen't won the award. In his career, he scored 915 goals, the most by a player who wasn't a full-forward. Who is he?

Leigh Matthews. After retiring, "Lethal" Leigh Matthews became the coach for Collingwood and Brisbane. At Collingwood, he was the Premiership coach in 1990, before being sacked after an unsuccessful 1995 season. At Brisbane, he was the Premiership coach in 2001, 2002 and 2003! He retired in 2008, making way for Michael Voss, and became one of the most respected AFL critics in Australia. He published the book, "The Australian Game of Football" to celebrate 150 years of football. His brother was Kelvin, who had played 155 games for Hawthorn and Geelong. Well, lets just say, nobody who knowd their football wouldn't have him here! Jason Dunstall was also a Hawthorn legend, but he isn't in this team. Tim Boyle also played for Hawthorn. Shane Crawford was a legend, but he didn't play in the Forward line!

My centre-half-forward is from Tigerland. He is in Legend status at the AFL Hall of Fame and is in the AFL Team of the Century. He was Richmond's Best & Fairest in 1932, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1940 and 1946 and was their leading Goalkicker in 1947 and 1948. He was Richmond's premiership coach in 1943. His nickname was "Captain Blood" after a newspaper cartoonist drew a picture of him as a pirate while the journalist dubbed him "Captain Blood" after a movie. In Richmond's "100 Tiger Treasures" he is under the "Strong and the Bold" category. His parents were of Irish decent. He was born on the 13th of November 1913, but he sadley died on the 23 of August 2003. Who is he?

Jack Dyer. Some of "Captain Blood's" OTHER honors are: Richmond Premiership Captain in 1934 and 1943, Richmond Captain/Coach 1941 to 1949, Victorian Representitive (16 games, twice as Captain), Richmond Team of the Century and Richmond Hall of Fame. Initially, Jack Dyer hated his nickname because he thought it was a "implied slur" on his Sportsmanship, as Jack Dyer preffered the Hip and Shoulder method of the game. Dyer could also play Ruck, even though he was only 185cm tall! He is the inventor of the "Drop Punt", which is the most used kick in the modern game. The "Jack Dyer Medal" is awarded to Richmond's Best & Fairest every year. Although the others were also Tiger legends and also under the "Strong and the Bold" category, none of them fitted my discription.

Although a full-forward, this Saint and Swan has sneaked into my half-forward line at half-forward-flank. Once a pig ran on to the field with #4, the number that this player used to wear, spray painted onto his side, while the commentator Sandy Roberts yelled "theres a pig at full-forward!" He was actually not playing that game due to injury. He broke the record for most goals in 1996, when Sydney were playing Geelong. During one game in 1996 this player was at one end, while Gary Ablett Snr was at the other end. This battle coarsed one of the greatest ever pitch invasions. He inititally retired at the end of the 1999 season, but was lured out of retirment in 2002, but he only played two games and added 3 goals to his tally. He also has one goal end at Etihad Stadium named after him. His best goal scoring game was in round 19, 1995, where he kicked 16 goals and 0 behinds. Who is he?

Tony Lockett. There is only one Tony Lockett, and he is in my team! He was named in both the St Kilda and Sydney Swans Team of the Century and Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame on the 22nd of June 2006. But, sadley, Tony Lockett lost passion in AFL, reaveling to Triple M's AFL coverage that he retired due to other interests, and felt ashamed of his footy career. He called himself a "thug who could play a bit". He started training Greyhounds for racing, and was the trainer of the famous Greyhound, "Brett Lee". Gordon Coventry played for Collingwood, Dermott Brereton played for Sydney and Brett Allison played for North Melbourne and Sydney.

My first forward-pocket was a Geelong superstar who's sons play for Geelong. Well, one of them does, the other has retired. In his career his honours were AFL Hall OF Fame, AFL Team of the Century, Geelong Team of the Century, the 1993 Leigh Matthews Trophy, three Coleman Medals, four times All-Australian, eleven time state representative for Victoria, a Norm Smith Medal, a Carji Greeves Medal and leading Goalkicker for Geelong 9 times. In 2006, he was voted the best ever Geelong Football player of all time by Past & Present players. He also played 6 games for Hawthorn. Who is he?

Gary Ablett, Snr.. Often regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Gary Ablett Snr was an amazing mark and a beautiful kick. Born on october the 1st 1961, he took the 1994 Mark of the Year and won 3 Coleman Medals in a row, each time kicking over 100 goals. His sons, Gary Ablett Jnr and Nathan, also play for Geelong, although Nathan retired at only the age of 21 saying he had lost passion in footy. His brothers were Kevin Ablett, who played for Hawthorn and Geelong, and Geoff Ablett, who played for Hawthorn, Richmond and St Kilda. His Nephew is Luke Ablett, a Sydney player, and his sister is married to the great Michael Tuck, who's sons are Shane and Travis Tuck. All of the others played for Geelong, but Gareth Andrews also played for Richmond. None of the others fit the description given.

My full forward was an absolute LEGEND. He played 210 games for Melbourne and 17 games for Fitzroy. His nickname was "The Red Fox" due to his red hair. He was actually named as the coach of the Team of the Century. He was famously sued by an umpire, creating one of the biggest Media fusses of the history of the AFL. He is also famous for sacking Ron Barrassi. He has a medal named after him. Who is he?

Norm Smith. Norm Smith was a brilliant player. He was born on the 21st of November 1915 and died on the 29th of July 1973. He is only the 2nd coach to be inducted into legend status at the AFL Hall of Fame. He coached Fitzroy from 1949 to 1951, Melbourne from 1952 to 1967 and South Melbourne from 1969 to 1972. The Norm Smith Medal is awarded every year to the best on ground on Grand Final day. Norm Smith was a cool-headed thinking player. Jack Cashman played for Fitzroy and Carlton, Doug Searl played for Collingwood and Fitzroy and Charls Brownlow, who has the Brownlow Medal named after him, played for Geelong.

My last forward, a forward-pocket, played only 98 games with the Bombers, but he kicked an amazing 537 goals. He suddenly died at only the age of 44 from Atherosclerosis. With a medal named after him, he was famous for his high leap and he once kicked a bag of 14 goals in one game! Not only that, but he kicked 13 goals twice, 12 goals twice, 11 goals twice, 10 goals six times, 9 goals three times and 8 goals five times. As soon as he started he was a sensation. Who is he?

John Coleman. The John Coleman Medal is awarded every year to the leading goal kicker in the AFL. In one game he continualy lost his temper, and was famously reported for stricking Harry Caspar after he continualy abused him during the game. John Coleman lost his temper and lashed out at him. He also striked a Carlton fan after he spat at him while the Bombers were walking into their change room. He got so destressed that he spoke of not returning on to the ground. He did though, and got them into the Grand Final, which he didn't play from suspension and which Essendon lost. John Coleman started crying from rage, disappointment, and disbelief. John Coleman later collapsed on his pavement after all that had happened. Harry Caspar is now known as the "Man who cost Essendon the Premiership". All the others where also Essendon forwards, but they didn't fit all the descritions given.

My first benchman was a Geelong superstar ruckman. Originally from Western Australia, he only played 101 games for Geelong before retiring to play for the West Perth Falcons in the WAFL. He was drafted from the East Perth Royals, also a WAFL team. Surprisingly enough, he also coached all those teams mentioned (Geelong, West Perth and East Perth)! At 191 centremetres tall and weighing 94 kilograms, he had a natural leap and often won the ruck easily. There is even a freeway in Perth named after this aboriginal superstar. He is the ruckman for the AFL and Indigenous Team of the Century. Who is he?

Graham Farmer. When aussies hear the word, "Polly", they either think of a parrot or of Graham "Polly" Farmer. Some of his honors are: Legend Status at the AFL Hall of Fame, West Australian Team of the Century (Vice Captain), AFL Team of the Century, Indigenous Team of the Century (Captain), Sandover Medal (WAFL version of the Brownlow) winner in 1956, 1957 and 1960, 4 time Simpson Medal winner, 7 time East Perth Best & Fairest and West Perth Footy club Best and Fairest 1969. He revolutionised Handballing in the AFL and was nominated as the first choic ruckman in each of the Taam of the Centuries he is in. The Graham Farmer Freeway is a freeway in Perth. The others also all played for Geelong and were also ruckman, but Ian Hampshire also played for Fitzroy.

An absolute leged, this Carlton Blue has made it in to my team. He could play forward or back and was an outstanding mark. He was born in Salzburg, Austria, to a Ukrainian farther and to a Russian mother! He played 279 games altogether and kicked 444 goals. He is at legend status at the AFL Hall of Fame, and is in the AFL Team of the Century. He played in the high quality 1970 grand final, in which a record breaking 121,696 people came to see. In the end, Carlton came from 44 points down to win by 10 points. Who is he?

Alex Jesaulenko. "Oh, Jesaulenko, you beauty!" This is the famous commentry after Alex Jesaulenko took the Mark of the Century. Belive it or not, his real name is actually Alex Esaulenko, but immigration officals listed him as Jesaulenko because they thought they heard a 'J' in the name. He also played 23 games for St Kilda and kicked 20 goals for them, but his more famous for his Carlton career. The dog in the famous Australian children's book, "Jezza" is named after him, and he is mentioned in the song, "The Back Upon Which Jezza Jumped" by Melbourne band, TISM (This Is Serious Mum). All the other players also played for Carlton, but Ron Barrassi also played for Melbourne.

My next benchman was a South Melbourne legend who played as a forward. Lightning quick and a brilliant kick on both feet, he was an in-and-under player, suffering many injuries due to his hard attack at the football style of play. He suffered concussion, a broken nose 4 times, a broken wrist 3 times and more than his fair share of black eyes. He stood at only 171 centimetres tall and his nickname was "Chimp". He was a 9 time club champion and won 3 Brownlow medals. Who is he?

Bob Skilton. Bob Skilton was a brilliant player and he has earned his spot here. He represented Victoria in the Stae of Origion match an amazing 25 times! He played for South Melbourne for 16 years and he later coached them from 1965-1966 and the Melbourne Demons from 1974-1977. Bob Skilton made a speech at the 2005 AFL Grand Final after the Sydney Swans made it to the Grand Final and won for the first time in 72 years. He missed the whole of the 1969 VFL Season after he snapped his Achilles Tendon in a practice game. It was very difficult to say if he was left or right footed, because he could kick further with his right, but he was more accurate with his left. Lindsay White played for South Melbourne and Geelong, Harvey Kelly played for South Melbourne and Carlton and Jim O'Meara played for South Melbourne and Fitzroy.

My last benchy was a Brisbane Bear and a Collingwood Magpie. He won the first Rising Star medal in 1993 and he also won the 2003 Brownlow Medal along with 2 other people. He was club captain from 1999 to 2007 and is in the Collingwood Team of the Century. He could play almost anywhere on the ground, Midfield, back or forward, but his most favored position was Midfield. He was born on the 26th of July 1972 in Adelaide. Who is he?

Nathan Buckley. A Brownlow Medalist, a Rising Star winner, a Norm Smith Medalist, a six time Best and Fairest, an international rules captain, what more could you want from this brilliant player? His autobiography is called "All I Can Be". He was an All-Australian 7 times, 3 times as vice-captain. He was all a coach could dream of. Paul Licuria played for Collingwood, Chris Tarrent played for Colllingwood and Fremantle and Aaron Shattock played for the Brisbane Lions and Port Adelaide Power.

My coach was coach of the Bombers for an amazing 635 games! He played AFL for Richmond from 1967-1979 as a back-pocket. He was a premiership coach in the years 1984, 1985, 1993 and 2000. Who is he?

Kevin Sheedy. Known for his bizzare tactics, Kevin Sheedy was a brilliant player and coach. He always tried playing players in positions which their not used to. He is also in the Richmond Team of the Century. It seems the bizzare tactics worked after all! All exept for Mark Thompson were coaches for Essendon. Hey, just because Mark Thompson's nickname is "Bomber", doesn't mean he coached them! He was a Geelong coach.

My Captain was club captain from 1957-1970 and He is captain of the Team of the Century. Who is he?

Ted Whitten. I was actually thinking of having Leigh Matthews as captain, but I changed my mind. After all, Ted Whitten was Mr. Football.

My Vice-captain played for Hawthorn and is the Player of the Century. In 1980 he was selected as captain for the Victorian State of Origion team. Who is he?

Leigh Matthews. All were brilliant players, but I decided to give my vice-captain title to Leigh Matthews. Steven Silvangi was the player who I was originally going to have as vice-captain, but I changed my mind.