Best AFL Players of All Time: Top 10 Legends of the Australian Game

Top 10 Best AFL Players Of All Time

Best AFL Players Of All Time

The Australian Football League (AFL) has seen countless talented players grace its fields throughout its rich history. From dazzling displays of skill to unwavering determination, these athletes have left an indelible mark on the game. In this exploration of the best AFL players of all time, we delve into the careers of those who have achieved greatness, earning the admiration of fans and the respect of their peers. From legends of the past to modern-day heroes, this collection highlights the exceptional talent, leadership, and impact of individuals who have defined the sport and left an enduring legacy within the annals of Australian Rules Football.

1. Leigh Matthews

Leigh Matthews is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of Australian Rules Football. Born on March 1, 1952, Matthews played for the Hawthorn Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL) from 1969 to 1985. Renowned for his exceptional skills, fierce competitiveness, and incredible goal-scoring ability, he earned the nickname “Lethal Leigh” for his aggressive style of play.

Matthews’ career highlights include playing in four premiership-winning teams with Hawthorn, in 1971, 1976, 1978, and 1983. He also claimed the Brownlow Medal, the league’s highest individual honor, in 1971. Matthews’ strength, agility, and ability to read the play made him a formidable force on the field. He consistently dominated matches, using his powerful marking, precise kicking, and excellent decision-making to make a significant impact.

After his playing career, Matthews transitioned into coaching and achieved remarkable success. He led the Brisbane Lions to three consecutive premierships in 2001, 2002, and 2003, solidifying his status as one of the most accomplished figures in AFL history. His unparalleled influence on and off the field has earned him a place among the legends of the game.

2. Ted Whitten

Ted Whitten, known as “Mr. Football,” is an iconic figure in Australian Rules Football. Born on July 27, 1933, Whitten played for the Footscray Football Club (now the Western Bulldogs) in the VFL from 1951 to 1970. He was not only an outstanding player but also a beloved and respected ambassador for the sport.

Whitten’s versatility and skill allowed him to excel in multiple positions, including as a ruckman, half-forward, and midfield maestro. His powerful kicking, exceptional marking ability, and intelligent play made him a crucial asset to his team. Whitten’s dedication to the game and his club was unwavering, as he played a record 321 games for Footscray.

While Whitten’s career accolades include being a seven-time club best and fairest winner and representing Victoria in 29 interstate matches, his impact extended beyond statistics. He embodied the spirit of the game and became a symbol of passion, loyalty, and sportsmanship. Whitten’s charisma and engaging personality made him a beloved figure among fans, and his contributions to the sport were recognized when he was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 1996.

3. Gary Ablett Senior

Gary Ablett Senior, often referred to as “God,” is revered as one of the most talented and electrifying players in AFL history. Born on October 1, 1961, Ablett played for the Hawthorn and Geelong Football Clubs in the VFL/AFL from 1982 to 1997. His exceptional skills, natural athleticism, and sheer brilliance made him a true game-changer.

Ablett’s ability to take spectacular marks, evade opponents with remarkable agility, and deliver breathtaking goals made him a thrilling player to watch. His agility and balance allowed him to navigate through congested packs and emerge with the ball seemingly effortlessly. Ablett’s uncanny goal sense and accurate kicking enabled him to consistently impact matches and leave a lasting impression.

Throughout his career, Ablett received numerous accolades, including the Brownlow Medal in 1989 and 1993, which recognized him as the league’s best and fairest player. He also claimed the Coleman Medal for being the league’s leading goal kicker three times. Ablett’s exceptional contributions to Geelong were highlighted when he was inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame and named in the AFL Team of the Century.

4. Dick Reynolds

Dick Reynolds is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of Australian Rules Football. Born in 1915, Reynolds had an illustrious career that spanned from 1933 to 1951, all with the Essendon Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL). Renowned for his exceptional skills, versatility, and leadership qualities, Reynolds left an indelible mark on the sport.

Reynolds played as a midfielder and was known for his remarkable ball-winning ability and precise disposal. He possessed the outstanding vision and was a master of reading the play, often making accurate long kicks to set up attacking plays for his team. Reynolds was also a tenacious and disciplined player who consistently showcased his courage and determination on the field.

His contributions to Essendon were exceptional, leading the club to four premierships as captain-coach in 1942, 1946, 1949, and 1950. Reynolds won three Brownlow Medals (awarded to the best and fairest player in the VFL) in 1938, 1939, and 1942, cementing his status as one of the game’s elite performers. He was also named as an All-Australian seven times during his career.

Beyond his playing days, Reynolds continued to make an impact on the sport as a successful coach, guiding Essendon to two more premierships in 1962 and 1965. His legacy extends far beyond statistics and accolades, as he epitomized the values of sportsmanship, skill, and leadership throughout his career.

5. Wayne Carey

Wayne Carey, often referred to as “The King,” is considered one of the greatest forwards to have graced the AFL. Born in 1971, Carey played the majority of his career with the North Melbourne Football Club from 1989 to 2001 before joining the Adelaide Crows for his final two seasons in 2002 and 2003.

Carey’s physical presence, athleticism, and football IQ set him apart from his peers. Standing at 6’4″ (193 cm), he possessed exceptional marking and kicking abilities, making him a dominant force in the forward line. Carey had a remarkable sense of timing and could leap above opponents to take spectacular marks, often converting them into goals with his accurate kicking.

Throughout his career, Carey consistently topped the league in goal-kicking and was renowned for his ability to turn the tide of a game with his individual brilliance. He won four North Melbourne Best and Fairest awards and was named the AFL’s Most Valuable Player twice in 1995 and 1998.

Off the field, Carey’s career was marred by controversy and personal struggles, which affected his standing in the public eye. However, his impact on the game remains undeniable, and he is remembered for his electrifying performances and ability to single-handedly change the outcome of matches.

6. Ian Stewart

Ian Stewart is regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in the history of Australian Rules Football. Born in 1943, Stewart played for the St Kilda Football Club from 1963 to 1969 before joining the Richmond Football Club from 1970 to 1975. His remarkable achievements on the field earned him a place among the AFL’s all-time greats.

Stewart possessed exceptional skills, athleticism, and an uncanny ability to read the game. He was a dominant force in the midfield, known for his superb ball-winning ability, clean disposal, and extraordinary evasive skills. Stewart’s versatility allowed him to excel as both an inside and outside midfielder, consistently impacting games with his decision-making and ability to create scoring opportunities for his team.

Throughout his career, Stewart received numerous accolades, including three Brownlow Medals in 1965, 1966, and 1971, making him one of only four players to have won the prestigious award three times. He was also a three-time All-Australian and played a pivotal role in St Kilda’s 1966 premiership victory.

Stewart’s impact extended beyond statistics, as he played a key role in revolutionizing the role of the modern midfielder. His ability to influence games through his skill, endurance, and football intelligence set a benchmark for future generations of players.

7. Gary Ablett Junior

Gary Ablett Junior, commonly known as “GAJ” or “Junior,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest Australian rules footballers of all time. Following in the footsteps of his legendary father, Gary Ablett Senior, Junior carved out his own remarkable career. Ablett’s exceptional skills, versatility, and consistency made him a standout player throughout his time in the AFL. Known for his agility, speed, and accurate kicking, he excelled in both the midfield and forward positions.

Ablett’s achievements include two Brownlow Medals (2009 and 2013), multiple All-Australian selections, and numerous AFL team and individual records. His ability to impact games with his electrifying play, outstanding ball-winning abilities, and goal-scoring prowess made him a vital asset for the Geelong Cats and later the Gold Coast Suns. Ablett’s remarkable career, marked by his strong work ethic and dedication to the sport, earned him the admiration and respect of fans and fellow players alike.

8. Haydn Bunton

Haydn Bunton was a dominant force in Australian Rules Football during the 1930s and early 1940s. His incredible skill set, football intelligence, and relentless work ethic established him as one of the game’s most exceptional midfielders. Bunton’s ability to read the play, gather possessions, and deliver accurate kicks set him apart from his contemporaries.

Bunton’s illustrious career included three consecutive Brownlow Medals (1931, 1932, and 1933), making him one of only four players in history to achieve this feat. He also won three Sandover Medals and claimed three premierships with the Subiaco Football Club in the West Australian National Football League (WANFL). Bunton’s playing style, characterized by his athleticism, agility, and exceptional decision-making, cemented his status as a true footballing legend.

9. Graham “Polly” Farmer

Graham “Polly” Farmer revolutionized the game of Australian Rules Football with his innovative rockwork and extraordinary skills. As a ruckman, Farmer’s impact on the game extended far beyond his physical dominance. He introduced new techniques such as the “handball,” fundamentally changing the way the sport was played.

Farmer’s career spanned from the late 1950s to the early 1970s, during which he achieved great success. He won three Sandover Medals and was a key figure in East Perth’s four consecutive Western Australian National Football League (WANFL) premierships from 1956 to 1959. Farmer then moved to Victoria to play for the Geelong Cats in the Victorian Football League (VFL), where he further displayed his exceptional skills and leadership.

10. John Coleman

John Coleman is widely regarded as one of the greatest full-forwards in the history of Australian Rules Football. His explosive speed, remarkable goal-scoring ability, and outstanding marking skills made him a formidable force on the field. Coleman’s playing career, unfortunately, cut short by a knee injury, spanned from 1949 to 1954.

Who is the Best AFL Player Of All Time?

Leigh Matthews, often referred to as “Lethal Leigh,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of Australian Rules Football. His remarkable career, characterized by unparalleled skill, tenacity, and competitiveness, solidified his status as a true legend of the game.

Matthews played for the Hawthorn Football Club from 1969 to 1985, during which he achieved extraordinary success. Renowned for his physicality, agility, and powerful presence on the field, he was a dominant force in both the midfield and forward positions. His ability to impact games with his exceptional marking, accurate kicking, and incredible goal sense made him an indispensable asset for Hawthorn.

Matthews’ list of achievements is extensive and impressive. He played in four premiership teams with Hawthorn (1971, 1976, 1978, and 1983), including serving as captain in the latter two victories. In 1971, he won the club’s Best and Fairest award, the first of his many individual accolades. Matthews also claimed three Coleman Medals as the league’s leading goal-kicker (1975, 1976, and 1982) and earned seven All-Australian selections.

Known for his ferocious competitiveness and uncompromising playing style, Matthews was a fearless leader both on and off the field. His strong work ethic and determination to win inspired his teammates and struck fear into opponents. Despite his physical approach to the game, he showcased exceptional skill, decision-making, and football intelligence.

Following his playing career, Matthews transitioned to coaching, where he achieved further success. He led the Brisbane Lions to three consecutive premierships from 2001 to 2003, further solidifying his reputation as one of the game’s greatest minds.

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