Mine are Gary Ablett Junior Buddy Juddy Dusty Unlucky Hodge Selwood The Collingwood great will go down in history as one of the clubs greatest onballers. All rights reserved. By Seb Mottram 9 minutes ago Former AFL forward Daniel Menzel has ranked his top seven AFL captains of the 21st century. It shouldnt take away from his outstanding Blues stint, which netted him a second Brownlow Medal and three best and fairests. Picture: Annette Dew, There are few better sights in footy than Lance Franklin in full flight. He played at least 21 games in each of those seven seasons. Menzel played under Cameron Ling and Joel Selwood at the Cats, while the Swans were led by Josh Kennedy, Dane Rampe and Luke Parker in his time at the club. AFL Premier Partners. Europes biggest prize, the Champions League, still eludes De Bruyne and his club-mates, but for how long? The players have been selected and ranked based on their 21st century performances only, so any seasons prior to 2000 haven't been considered. Sachin Tendulkar (cricket) 17. Wherever El Tigre has gone, goals have followed. And while the no.10 broke through in the 90s, the 21st Century was paved in gold for him. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Ahead of the 2020 Draft, ESPN decided to look back at the last 20 No. The four-time All-Australian would flex his versatility when called upon, in midfield, ruck or forward. His ability to dominate within the middle of the ground as well as lead as a key target in the Bombers forward line gave Hird the label as one of the best utility players to stop foot on a footy field. We want to see it. Andrew McLeod (Adelaide) 18. Judd won another Brownlow in 2010 having averaged close to 27 disposals, 14-contested touches, 5.25 tackles and 6.50 clearances a game and would end his career after 279 games, winning six All-Australian selections and five Best and Fairests. Ferdinand was a ball-playing defender of the European school, rather than the bruising centre-halves more associated with the English school of thought. The 19-year-old - pick No.7 in the 2022 draft - provided a pinpoint kick inside 50 in the third term for Fergus Greene, who topped the goal count with three. The former Magpies captain and now coach won a total of seven All-Australian selections, along with a Brownlow medal and Norm Smith following the turn of the century. The team at AFL.com.au has dissected every club's records to name the best forward at each since the turn of the century. The Belgians piles of goals and assists have fired the Citizens to three Premier League titles, five League Cups and the FA Cup, not to mention a bag of individual awards. Thank you for signing up to Four Four Two. Philip Rivers (QB) San Diego Chargers and Indianapolis Colts - First year: 2004 - Drafted:. But any suggestions the unprecedented long-term deal has been failure are off the mark, as his influence at the Swans has gone beyond footy. Heres how it works. Pictures: Getty Images Defining the greats of any sporting era is a tough ask - but with the AFL on hiatus for. Eight current AFL players, including Andrew McLeod and Adam Goodes, have been included in the league's indigenous team of the century, announced today. The towering Dutchman, who combines immense strength with impressive acceleration, was the defensive rock behind Champions League and Premier League victories in his first two full seasons at Anfield. He captained Brisbane to the 2001, 2002, 2003 premierships and even in the 2004 Grand Final. Records have fallen, horizons have expanded, and fans have been treated to the best basketball yet. Griezmann won the Golden Boot and player of the tournament at Euro 2016 as France reached the final, only to succumb to Portugal, but he made amends two years later by leading Les Bleus to their first World Cup victory in 20 years, winning man of the match in the final victory over Croatia. A leader in defence like few had ever seen in the Premier League, Kompany embraced the club he defined, Mancunian twang and all. Pictures: AFL Photos DOMINANT tap specialist or athletic around-the-ground option? 13-min read. The 100 best players of the 21st Century: 100-81 The 100 best players of the 21st Century: 80-61 The 100 best players of the 21st Century: 60-41 The 100 best players of the 21st Century: 40-26 The . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. But Pirlo still found time and he never failed to discover space. You could be forgiven for not remembering Martin McGrath. August 1, 2005. Over the last decade, he has done exactly what was needed for every manager, providing an almost unrivalled passing range, superb positioning and moments of genius in abundance. Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated. At Madrid, he has scored one of the greatest goals in Clasico history a winner during the 2014 Copa del Rey final as well as one of the greatest goals in a Champions League final one of three Champions League final goals hes nabbed, while totting up four winners medals. Make sure you keep up to date with the latestAFLand AFL Fantasy articles andfollow my fan pages onFacebook,TwitterandInstagramto never miss a minute of the action! One of only four players to win two Norm Smith medals, Hodge was another match winner and showcase player, lighting up the biggest of stages with his professionalism alone. Create. His move to Carlton raised questions surrounding his ability to perform without a number of stars around him, but his critics were soon silenced. Yet the silverware he craved so much, a Collingwood premiership, eluded him until the end. 295. The Cats start kick-off our list as a deserving candidate with a stelar record to his name. The Ivorian was one of the most fearsome strikers ever. James Horncastles reflections on Andrea Pirlo remain unmatched: Many thought the regista was a relic consigned to the past. Martin boasts two best and fairest honours, three All-Australian selections and 251 goals from his 225 game career. No player has racked up more disposals, Champion Data ranking points and AFL Player Ratings points since 2000. An Italophile since growing up on a diet of Football Italia on Channel 4, he now counts himself among thousands of fans sharing a passion for Ross County and Lazio. Who is your club's best ruck of the 21st century? A powerhouse of the 21st century that hauled in four premierships in the Alastair Clarkson era (including three in a row from 2013-2015), the Hawks last played finals in 2018. As we are now a fifth of the way through the new millennium and the babies born in the first few years of the 2000s are beginning to make a name for themselves on the players lists at all 18 AFL clubs. Franklins sensational switch to Sydney, after two flags with the Hawks, was bold on many fronts. Chris Judd, Adam Goodes and Nat Fyfe are all among the AFL's best since 2000. (One of the Greatest Football Players of All Time) 1096. After spending a few seasons on Richmond's list Polo. Selwood 5. In the back-end of 2000, he went on a ridiculous six-game streak where he averaged 31.2 disposals and polled Brownlow votes in five of the matches. But hes only won the AFLPAs best captain once, which is why I didnt give him the number one spot.. The 21st century has provided a stage for new evolutions in the game of basketball. 14. And boy was this a tough job! Lewangoalski has defined the 2020s so far. While. More importantly, three premierships, and I think he changed the way he was as a leader. Dean Polo is one such player. Added to his premiership in 2000, Lloyd was selected as an All-Australian a total of five times, three coming after the turn of the century. Along with Hodge and Burgoyne, Richmond legend Matthew Richardson, AFLW trailblazer Daisy Pearce, former Geelong captain Cameron Ling, and 7NEWS football reporter Ryan Daniels also believe that the Hawks are on track to break a 58-year wooden-spoon drought. Last-gasp wins, mouth-watering match-ups, inspirational individual performances; this is the stuff that memorable Grand Final moments are made of. For sheer consistency the only player that comes to Judd for mantle of best 21st century player is Gary Ablett Jnr, but his first season didn't set the world on fire. Reckon you can pick the best team? Hawthorn draftee Cam Mackenzie had an eye-catching performance, picking up 24 disposals, one goal and two assists, while James Worpel returned to his best with a 30-possession game. Toni Kroos can do both. Since that year it has been a freefall down the ladder. At the age of 36, McCulloch scored 17 goals in the 2013-14 season to bring Rangers back into the Scottish Premiership. Brian Taylor makes outrageous Nick Daicos call for 2023 AFL season, AFL star heartbroken after losing best friend in freak accident, Indore pitch rated poor with excessive and uneven bounce after Aussies win, Shane Warnes children remember cricket legend on first anniversary of his death, UFC champion Valentina Shevchenko reveals unique training camp, Penrith Panthers teammates involved in heated argument after shock loss, Knights star fuming after being dragged from the field: Im literally fine, practice match against Collingwood in Tasmania on Thursday. Australia's #1 independent AFL news source, Eddie McGuire tips Collingwood-Richmond blockbuster to reopen season, Jordan Lewis reveals he nearly went to Carlton after Hawks departure, Richmond confirm Jack Ross sidelined with injury, Forward or back? Regarded as one of the best big-game players in the game's history, Martin has his eye on more team and individual honours with the Tigers premiership window still wide open. 4. He is electric. Perhaps somewhat controversially, Voss has usurped Judd here. The midfield wizard behind Manchester Citys recent successes, De Bruyne has developed into one of the worlds most complete midfielders under Pep Guardiola. LISTEN TO THE LATEST EPISODE OF THE DEBATE DAVID KING, DERMOTT BRERETON AND TOM MORRIS ON WHETHER CUTTING LIST SIZES WILL BE GOOD OR BAD FOR FOOTY, IF YOURE ON A MOBILE, TAP HERE TO LISTEN, 15. He was probably stiff not to win Buckleys 2002 Norm Smith Medal too. It had become too high in velocity, too intense. Playing Career: 1982, 1984-96 (Haw 1982, Geel 1984-96) Games: 248. Hird lived for the big games, winning Norm Smith honours in the club's 2000 Premiership victory as Captain as well as three ANZAC Day Medals. Michael Barlow looked composed beyond his years against the Crows to start 2010 as he effortlessly chalked up 33 touches, becoming a Freo fan favourite from day one. Footballers of Franklins size arent supposed to cover the ground as quickly and athletically as he does. A subscription makes a thoughtful gift for both family and friends. Dangerfield has won seven All-Austrlian selections in the past eight seasons and is a proven threat within the middle and deep forward. I think that holds a lot of weight, if your players and your peers vote you as the best captain it shows what they think about you. A key figure in the side's maiden AFL premiership success, Cornes is the club's only 300-game AFL player, won four best and fairests in seven years and was named in two All-Australian sides. Menu . That he's managed to force himself into conversations alongside the great Gerd Muller is testament to what a phenomenon he's become: that he's managed to break records Der Bomber set is scarcely believable. Debate about the best players of the 21st Century goes . The two-time Norm Smith medalist has reached unparalleled feats and continues to prove to be a one in a generation-type player. Hes a player you just wanted to play for. Patrick Vieira was the beating heart of every side he led, winning the Euros with France, a double and unbeaten title with Arsenal and covering more grass than just about any other teammate. Player Sponsorship . The high-flying forward who was taken second overall had to wait until Round 5 to make his AFL debut, but he wasted no time playing a pivotal role in the Blues second win of the season. The Bombers all-time leading goal-kicker won his club's goal scoring tally in nine of the opening 10 season to start the decade and would end his career at the end of 2009 after 270 games and 926 goals. AFL: The home of Australian rules football on Reddit, including the Australian Football New York, Iker Casillas burst into the Real Madrid side as a kid, putting in a masterclass as a 19-year-old in a Champions League final. Or why not treat yourself? 12 votes, 77 comments. A star midfielder, an unstoppable forward and overall legend for the Bombers. Considered one of the best football players in the world and a prolific goal scorer, Lionel Messi has shattered and created numerous records in his playing career. Where Robben was direct, obvious, powerful and bold, Ribery was deft, thoughtful and capable of the unexpected. The WA-born prospect had to toil to break into the Lions side, but he was rewarded with seven straight games late in the 2008 campaign going on to average over 26 touches in those matches. The Czech sensation won a league and cup double with Lazio in 2000, before replacing Zinedine Zidane at Juventus and firing the Turin club to two league titles and the Champions League final, achievements that helped him clinch the 2003 Ballon dOr. These players have all played at some point throughout 21st century, however based on their entire career. Franais. The shaggy-haired Spaniard captained Barcelona to an incredible 18 major titles, including six La Liga crowns and three Champions Leagues, and his magnetic effect on trophies extended to international level too. Few have put the fear of God into quite so many defenders. Puyol was part of Spains triumphant sides at Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup, and it was his headed goal against Germany that sent them through to the final of the latter tournament. 23 jumper Franklin did, wrote in the Herald Sun during that season that Franklin was drawing people to the football again for the first time since Gary Ablett Sr. When you consider Franklin has kicked 944 goals as a key forward in an era where goals have never been harder to kick, its a truly remarkable feat. THE NUMBERS: 33disposals, 6 marks, 4 tackles, 4 clearances, 2 goals He captained Collingwood in 184 games, he captained them to a Grand Final, he was twice the AFLPAs best captain he is a silky footballer, he got it done. But perhaps Alonsos greatest achievement was his central role in Spains three consecutive major tournament victories at Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012. He starred under the bright lights with his third and final goal of the game putting the Tigers in front with just a few minutes remaining. A subscription makes a thoughtful gift for both family and friends. 38 Hawthorn jumper for all the trivia buffs playing along at home the Buddy nickname stuck. Franklin will be keen to knock down the 1,000-goal milestone as he currently sits just 56 goals away, securing his rank with some of the game's greatest ever forwards. Sign up to all of Foxtel Now with a 10-day free trial. Thats why the likes of Wayne Carey and Robert Harvey arent on the list. It got me thinking though, with plenty of fresh faces set to chalk up the first game of their careers this weekend, which players have had the best performances in their first AFL contest since 2000? The 'Little Master' had it all. As well all know, Rutten served as a key defensive pillar for the Crows until his retirement in 2014, but with nine goals (including one with his last kick in footy) to his name from 229 games, his first three kicks are something Rutten wont forget anytime soon. Voss played through most of the 90s, but his durability and elite consistency across the first seven years of the 2000s mustnt be forgotten. Become a member to join in Australia's biggest sporting debate, submit articles, receive updates straight to your inbox and keep up with your favourite teams and authors. The Czech Republic international was behind four league titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and a Champions League triumph during his 11-year spell with Chelsea, before clinching another FA Cup at Arsenal. See who made it into Hawthorn's team of the 20th century. Arguably the game's greatest ever full-back, Matthew Scarlett's dominance over the league is yet to be reached by any there player since his retirement. He is PSGs all-time top assist provider, while at Real Madrid his ability to morph into a central midfielder under Carlo Ancelotti helped the club win La Decima - their long-awaited 10th Champions League title. The 100 best players of the 21st Century: 100-81 The 100 best players of the 21st Century: 80-61 The 100 best players of the 21st Century: 60-41 The 100 best players of the 21st Century: 40-26 The . Plus tips on how to play better and interviews with the biggest names. Its hard to make a case against Barlows game as the best AFL debut since the start of the century and he didnt slow up recording 34 disposals the very next week against Essendon. Eight of Scholes 11 Premier League titles came after the year 2000, as well as the 2007/08 Champions League triumph. With his technical ability and intelligence, he would still slot into elite teams in the modern game, many years after he left his six-Premier League title-winning career behind him. Your first AFL game is a pretty monumental occasion, but Toby Greenes debut was different from others. THE NUMBERS:27 disposals, 5 clearances, 5 tackles Hodge's consistency in both midfield and defensive roles were vital to his side's prolonged successes between 2008 and 2015, with Hodge a key name in every contest. 2 pick recording 30 touches against Geelong way back at the start of the 2000 season. Youll never tire of watching them. 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Get insight to top players, instructions & drills and extensive coverage of equipment. 1 picks, dating back to 2000, and rank them as players from worst to best. The club's CEO at the time, John Anderson acted as non-voting chairman of the panel. These are guys you want to go out to battle with. Few deserved the accolade more. It just seemed he wasnt as dynamic at Carlton compared to his West Coast days, while his ability to hit the scoreboard declined. Bulldogs welcoming Darcy dilemma, Old habits die hard as Buckley backs Blues to miss finals. 245 games as captain, the most games as captain, the most wins as captain. BA1 1UA. That's 22.5% of the greatest sluggers of this century, even with testing in place for 17 of the 21 seasons. Picture: Colleen Petch, Sign up to all of Foxtel Now with a 10-day free trial. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, An Italophile since growing up on a diet of Football Italia on Channel 4, he now counts himself among thousands of fans sharing a passion for Ross County and Lazio. (We've also collated a 12-man list of snubbed players, which you can check out here.) There were devastating patches of brilliance. Top 20 AFL players of 21st Century. What is surprising is the two other clubs who also have 14: Port Adelaide and Collingwood.