As the 2014 AFL seasons commences, I have decided to have a look back at the last 24 years of football and choose what I believe is the best ‘All-Australian Team’ over the AFL era (since 1990).
The beauty of ‘our’ game is that for all players that can be categorized as being similar, no two players are the same, every player has small idiosyncrasies that makes them either more appealing to supporters of the game, or someone that gets under the skin of opposition supporters and therefore unable to be judged on football ability alone (Hayden Ballantyne, you fall into this group).
Players are often compared, but how can we add a little more science to the process and therefore make this selection process more than just naming your favourite 22 players of the last generation?
The five elements that I have picked to help decide my best team are.
All-Australian
Longevity:
The player must have played at least 100 games to be considered eligible. Individuals can have great seasons, yet the truly great players are those who are able to demonstrate their ability over extended periods of time (think Woewodin).
Adaptability:
When choosing between specific players, the player who has demonstrated that they are able to play a multitude of positions (and play them well) has been chosen.
Positional:
The player selected must have spent a significant part of their career playing in the position they are selected in- you won’t see Tony Lockett lining up at centre half-back just because he could.
Big Game Performances:
Individuals that have consistently performed on the biggest stages available to them during their careers.
Timing:
The player must have played a significant part of their career since 1990
#SR
By Liam O'Brien
Agree or disagree?
Let us know who you think should or shouldn't have made it!