Selecting my best 22 of the AFL era

Wow, I have certainly made a rod for my back by trying to fit the constellation of stars into a team that represents the best 22 from the AFL era.

Those who missed out, rather than those who made it, are the ones likely to be discussed.

But I have always been a lover of stirring pots, so here goes

The team
B: Stephen Silvagni, Matthew Scarlett, Gavin Wanganeen
HB: Andrew McCleod, Glenn Jakovich, Luke Hodge
W: Peter Matera, Greg Williams, Ben Cousins
HF: James Hird, Wayne Carey, Gary Ablett Snr
FF: Darren Jarman, Tony Lockett, Gary Ablett Jnr
Rucks: Dean Cox, Adam Goodes, Michael Voss ( C ),
Int: Chris Judd, Mark Ricciuto, Robert Harvey, Matthew Pavlich

Back line
There was a bit of a Captain Obvious about the composition of the backline with the only real shock being my selection of Luke Hodge, and moving of the full back of the century Stephen Silvagni to the back pocket.

First on Hodge, many will bring up names such as Guy McKenna, John Worsfold, Ben Hart, James Clement, Chris Johnson among others as being more suited to this position than Hodge.

In truth, as solely defenders these names would be better suited, but with Hodge in the role, he would be able to defend against big or small and then his transitioning into attack through the use of his ability to read play coupled with his skill and vision made him the perfect pick.

As for my selecting Scarlett at full back over Stephen Silvagni, well firstly I will add a bit of context here by stating that I saw both as A+ grade full backs, but I just had a preference for Scarlett because of the real mongrel he possesses.

Of the remaining three, Glenn Jakovich was a true colossus at centre half back and in McCleod and Wanganeen, you have brilliance in all regards with both standing out because they were such brilliant readers of the play.

In a sense, they knew what was going to happen before most had even see anything begin.

Centre line
This is an outrageously brilliant threesome of players.

Starting in the centre with Greg Williams, the king of winning the ball in tight and distributing out from packs with his Barry Cable like mastery of handball.

He was such a master of this side of the game that there were many other players who shared teams with him that would have had their careers still born if it was not for the man known as ‘Diesel’ making them.

In an age where there was real thuggery attached to tagging, Williams was nigh on untaggable with his skill, vision, toughness and relentless desire making him one of the best ever.

Could you imagine the Jet Matera and silky sublime Cousins feeding off Williams?
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Matera put the fear of god into me when I first saw him rip my beloved Hawks to ribbons off a wing in 1991.

His balance was incredible and when you added his lightning pace and breath taking skill together, he was truly something else.

Completing the package was his eye for a goal as the hapless Cats found out in his Norm Smith performance in 1992 and his versatility as seen in his seamless transition to half back in his latter years

Then there was Cousins. The sad thing about this legend is because of his issues with drugs people have chosen to remember him for this and it has lessened their appreciation for his talent.

At his best, he was comparable to any midfielder that has played the game and in fact I would go so far to say that he would easily make the top 10 of greatest midfielders.

It is a huge call that, but he was just that complete in his brilliance.

The forward line
Murderers row for a backman is my only description for these six forwards.

The book ends are the two traditional power forwards in Tony Lockett and Wayne Carey in the key positions, with both having reputations as being the best ever in their roles.

Just on Lockett, he was the epitome of fear because at his best he was truly unstoppable, and I have no doubt if he played in a better team he would have kicked 200 in a season.

The other string to Lockett’s bow in a team across this era is with teams rarely picking a specialist second ruckman nowadays, you could see him as not only being perfect as a back up ruckman but indeed having the tools to be a star in the role.

Of the rest, you have the freakish abilities of Ablett snr, who surrounded by this cast is likely to do anything.

Two masterminds in Hird and Ablett jnr, who would commandeer many a massacre with their unparalleled footballing smarts.

Lastly in Darren Jarman, can you think of a more ice cool and devastating goal sneak?

And yes, I know, there is no Buddy in the team.

I can respect the fact that he could kick one of the most brilliant goals ever seen, but I cannot accept that he could equally miss a set shot from 10 metres out in front that costs you a match.

Rucks
The following trio is lethal with Dean Cox in the ruck being the man that has changed the ruck into more of a ruck roving position.

With the ruckman expected to be that extra midfielder, rather than the old days where they would contest the bounce and then put a kick behind play at half back.

Goodes is probably the most complete swing man the game has seen with him being able to play any position on the ground and indeed excel.

Saving the best to last in the team is captain Michael Voss, who was one of the best midfielders the game has seen and indeed a leader of the highest calibre.

The bench
A bench containing three Brownlow Medalists with both Chris Judd and Robert Harvey having dual ‘Charlies’.

Then probably the most under rated player in the game’s history, Matthew Pavlich, would be sitting along beside them.

Roarers, your thoughts please!