The debate over who stands as the greatest player in a football club’s history is a perennial one among fans. With nearly 130 seasons of VFL/AFL football, identifying the top player is never straightforward. From early 20th-century icons to modern stars, each era has produced its share of legends.
For example, Collingwood’s Gordon Coventry, who dominated in the early 1900s, and 1950s, 60s, and 70s greats like Ron Barassi, Bob Skilton, and Kevin Bartlett, each have compelling cases. More recent heroes such as Scott Pendlebury, Dustin Martin, and Marcus Bontempelli also add to the rich tapestry of football history. The recent brilliance of Lance Franklin and Gary Ablett Jr. further illustrates that greatness spans all eras, proving that football’s quality is not confined to the past.
As Richmond prepares to honor Dustin Martin at its final home game of the season at the MCG, AFL.com.au’s experts have weighed in on each club’s greatest player. Here’s a look at some standout choices:
Adelaide Crows: Andrew McLeod
Andrew McLeod, a superb half-back/midfielder, is a leading contender for Adelaide’s greatest player. Over a distinguished 340-game career, McLeod became the first player to win back-to-back Norm Smith Medals during the 1997 and 1998 premierships—an achievement later matched by Dustin Martin. A five-time All-Australian and three-time club champion, McLeod also set the club’s games record. His performance in the 2001 preliminary final, where he scored seven goals, was instrumental in Adelaide’s back-to-back Grand Finals appearance, and he finished runner-up in the 2001 Brownlow Medal.
Other Contenders
Mark Ricciuto, a 2003 Brownlow Medallist and premiership player, is a strong rival with a career that included 312 games and eight All-Australian selections. Patrick Dangerfield, a standout midfielder who began his career with the Crows, earned three All-Australian blazers in his first 154 games. Full-forward Tony Modra, known for his spectacular goal-scoring feats, kicked 440 goals in 118 games. Eddie Betts, another crowd favorite, scored 310 goals in 110 games. Midfield star Simon Goodwin, an inaugural Hall of Fame inductee, played 275 games and won premierships in his first two seasons. – Nathan Schmook
Brisbane Lions: Michael Voss
Michael Voss is often considered the greatest player in Brisbane Lions history. As a three-time premiership captain, Voss led his team with distinction, securing a Brownlow Medal and five All-Australian selections. His intense playing style and leadership were crucial to Brisbane’s success during one of the club’s most dominant periods.
Other Contenders
Several other Lions greats are worth noting. Kevin Murray, a Hall of Fame Legend, played 333 games for Fitzroy, winning nine best and fairests and the 1969 Brownlow Medal. Haydn Bunton Sr., another Hall of Fame Legend, won three Brownlow Medals (1931, 1932, 1935) in just 119 games and was selected as a forward pocket in the Team of the Century. Simon Black, a modern midfield star, won a Brownlow Medal (2002), Norm Smith Medal (2003), and three All-Australians, contributing significantly to Brisbane’s three premierships. – Michael Whiting
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