Top 10 Best Australian Football League (AFL) Players of All Time
The Australian Football League has been home to some of the most exciting and talented athletes to ever step onto a field. These players didn't just play the game. They redefined it, bringing their own unique skills, grit, and determination that left fans in awe.
If you're a footy fan, you've probably debated with your mates about who deserves the title of the best of all time. Is it the player who racked up goals like it was second nature? The one who turned matches around with sheer brilliance? Or maybe the leader who inspired their team to greatness year after year?
This list is all about celebrating the legends who made AFL what it is today. It's not just about stats. Those are impressive enough, but it's also about the unforgettable moments on the field, the players who changed the way the game was played, and those who've been icons for generations of fans.
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Gary Ablett
Gary Ablett Jr. is a professional Australian rules footballer currently playing for the Geelong Football Club in the Australian Football League. He is the eldest son of Hall of Famer Gary Ablett Sr., also a former Geelong player. Ablett Jr. was selected by Geelong under the father - son rule in the 2001... read more
No player has ever consistently reached the heights of this fellow. An absolute freak, a magician, uncontrollable amongst the opposition. He was able to manufacture situations from nowhere. Fast, a great mark, unbelievably strong, good at ground level, and equally skilled on either side of the body.
A further string to his bow centered on his ability to play equally well in a multitude of positions - as a wingman, centerman, half-forward, or full forward - his versatility was awesome. In short, no player was feared so much by players (and coaches) of opposition sides. People would go to the football just to watch this bloke play.
His strength, skill, fierce attack on the ball put the fear of God into opposition players. And incidentally, not far behind him on the scale of best ever players was his son Gazza Junior.
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Leigh Matthews
The best "rover" in the game, later to become the best small forward in the game. Simply ruthless in his attack on the ball and opposing players (sometimes to his detriment), and pesky point posts at "Windy Hill". His nickname to VFL fans was "Lethal", but to the Hawks faithful, he was always known as "Barney", as in Barney Rubble.
Brute strength is what broke the point post that day, and he only received a little lump on his elbow from it. I'm glad I was there to see this happen and for it to reinforce the "Legend that is Leigh Matthews."
Easily the greatest player of all time. He played over three decades and dominated as a ruck rover and small forward. What other player of his size and type has won a Coleman Medal? He intimidated opponents and was ruthless. The greatest and scariest player of all time.
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Gary Ablett Sr.
The greatest player I have seen, he has brilliant consistency. He is the best kick ever. To kick 65 metres on your right foot and 60 on your left is amazing, especially when some players cannot even kick 50. He kicked a kick against Hawthorn that went around 80 metres.
He had excellent hands and perfect judgment. His speed is astonishing. He could not be beaten. Ablett could have the whole back line on him and still kick goals. Scoring 9 goals against Richmond at halftime from the wing is incredible.
He had the best season of any footballer in 1993. He is the best footballer by a country mile.
GOAT! Go watch his highlights package. The ball comes in. He attacks it, winning it more often than any player to have played the game. His aerial skills, ground work, goal sense, and execution are unmatched. No one has ever turned it on like Gary Ablett Sr.
His 1989 Finals series, scoring 27 goals including 9 in a losing Grand Final against arguably the greatest team, the '89 Hawks, is legendary. That team had 17 All Australian players, as Dermott Brereton points out, a feat you'd never achieve or afford in the modern day due to the salary cap.
It'll never happen again. And Gary God Ablett took them on, nearly beating them single-handedly, coming back within 5 points. He won the Norm Smith Medal in a losing side against the greatest team of all time.
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Wayne Carey
He was known as "The King" for a reason. There has never been a centre half forward that has brought so much leadership, power, finesse, skill, and strength to a team. The basic skills needed to make a holistic AFL player were finely tuned in him, except for the '98 incident.
His set shot kicking was one of the most reliable of all time. He could turn a game off his own boot and was impossible to stop one-on-one. The only man at his size that has ever come close to his creativity and touch when the ball was on the ground is Buddy Franklin.
There will never be a more imposing contested mark in the game. There will never again be someone so dangerous one-on-one. The King had his dominion, and when it counted, he rose to the occasion and dragged his team over the line.
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Tony Lockett
With injury and suspension, and playing in a so-so St Kilda team at the time, he could have kicked another 200 goals. I watched him dominate for St Kilda, Sydney, and the Big V. By far the most talented goal kicker in the history of the game. I'm surprised not to see John Coleman on this list. But Plugger, you are the man. My football idol. There's only one Tony Lockett. Big Plugger!
Tony Lockett scored seven goals or more in a game 22 times - an astounding achievement! He won more games off his own boot than any other player in history. Lockett destroyed every great full back of his era, including Silvani, Langford, Lynch, Martin, and others.
He is arguably the greatest Full Forward the game has ever seen. If he had played at a better club than St. Kilda during his prime, he might have kicked over 20 goals in a match more than once.
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Chris Judd
His best was electrifying. Such an accomplished player in so many aspects of the game. His approach and attitude to football enabled him to get the best out of himself. What did he say in his biography? I recognized Chris Judd the footballer was just a character created by the fans and the public. He has maintained a great perspective on the game that is Aussie Rules.
Chris Judd is one of the best AFL players in history. He wins hard contested ball in every game he plays and has won two Brownlow Medals. He's one of the best at centre clearances in the AFL and can change a game with the flick of his finger.
He is the reason why Carlton still wins games.
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James Hird
Instinctive, fast, next level. When the ball came near him, it was hard to stay in your seat. If Hird was within 50 and got a smell of the ball, he'd goal. In a pack, facing away from the sticks, with just a nanosecond of space, he'd goal.
Hird played best under extreme pressure, which probably explains his sometimes ordinary set shots. His insane commitment, with no thought for self-preservation, explains all the broken bones. Hird and Michael Long were football poetry.
James Hird was probably the classiest and silkiest player to ever play the game. He made things look easy, was able to perform in slow motion without breaking a sweat, and alongside Wayne Carey, was the clutch king of the AFL.
Hird frequently stepped up in big moments to win matches off his own boot for Essendon. He was pure magic.
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Ted Whitten
I don't see how Ted is not number 1. He is easily the greatest footballer of all time. I reckon Gary Ablett Jr is definitely number 3. Chris Judd and Nick Maxwell in the Top 10? You're joking! I reasonably understand Chris Judd, but Nick Maxwell? He would not be in the Top 50, and he never will, even if he tried! And Luke Dalhaus at number 59? I'm a Bulldogs fan, and I'm disgusted! Little fanboys need to stop posting random entries!
Are you serious? Number seven? That's not right. Number one is easily where he belongs. As if Chris Judd is above Mr. Football. And if that's so, why isn't Josh Kennedy in at least the top fifteen? We all know Mr. Football is better than both of them combined! Get it right, TheTopTens.
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Nathan Buckley
Collingwood's greatest and a one-man team who every play went through. The most prolific exponent of the long kick in AFL history, leading the AFL through much of the 90s and early 00s in long kicks.
Hands down to Nathan Buckley, who has been a Collingwood all-time great. Hard nut at the footy, and was so close to winning a premiership for the Pies. Definitely should be in the top five!
I hate Collingwood, but this guy could play. He should be fifth, not Nick Maxwell, who has done nothing as captain since taking over from Buckley. He held the cup in 2010 because of his teammates' leadership, not his.
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Michael Voss
Did all the hard, unnoticed work in a scrap, as well as performed the miraculous. An absolute game changer, he led his team by example, put his body on the line, and did whatever had to be done to inspire his team.
He totally needs to be in the top ten.
He literally carried, inspired, and drove the Lions to three Grand Final wins with his play and leadership.
Absolute champion player! Skillful, strong, fantastic finisher. Led his team by example. Unbelievable work ethic on the ground.
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Isaac Heeney
A great asset for the Sydney Swans. He reads the game well and supports his teammates in every game.
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Jake Stringer
Just the look in his eyes would intimidate anyone.
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Jason Dunstall
For someone who just got behind opponents and pushed (sarcasm intended), he was an extraordinary mark on the lead. Great hands, accurate kick, and only Pratt and Hudson kicked more goals in a season, and they never dished one off to a teammate. He was a fantastic big game player and continued at an elite level even when Hawthorn went into a decline.
Not bad for a fat boy from Queensland. Best leading mark of all time, not a bad kick either.
Oh, if only 10 goals were kicked by a forward every day in this day and age. A freak and also a star on Bounce. No dribble kick.
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Bobby Skilton
Left or right foot and over his head. Bashed and bruised, he won the ball against winning rucks. He had to fight for every kick and still won three Brownlows.
Never reported nor suspended and always humble. Belongs on everyone's mantlepiece among the very best.
To win three Brownlows in a team that was for the most part in the bottom half of the ladder, and considering umpires' votes mostly go to the winning sides, I regard Bob Skilton as the greatest footballer in the sixty years I have followed league football. G.J. G.
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Robert Harvey
Dual or Back-to-Back Brownlow Medalist in 1997 and 1998, Harvey always beat his opponent physically and mentally. He equally polled the most votes in a season in 1998 until Dane Swan's victory with 34 in 2011. He could run all day and gather over 30 possessions a match. He used to leave midfielders such as Buckley, Voss, Ricciuto, West, and Crawford metres behind him.
Robert Harvey is easily one of the greatest players to ever play the game. His achievements speak for themselves:
- 2-time Brownlow Medal winner
- 8-time All Australian
- 4-time club best and fairest
- 2-time AFL MVP award (Leigh Matthews Trophy)
- Herald Sun Player of the Year award winner
Not many players have a track record like that.
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Matthew Lloyd
Matthew Lloyd is the greatest full-forward of the AFL era. He kicked over 900 goals and could have easily reached 1000 had Matthew Knights not impacted his career.
Lloyd was a traditional key forward who led up to the footy all day long, had vice-like hands, and never missed a goal. A genuine weapon, he consistently performed on the big stage.
Matthew should still play. I play footy, and I look up to him a lot. He's my hero. That's why I love the Bombers. In the EJ game (2013), he was a superstar. I've got something to say, Matthew, you rock!
Lloyd was one of the greats. Fantastic player, should be ranked a lot higher!
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Lance Franklin
Lance "Buddy" Franklin (born January 30, 1987) is a former professional Australian rules footballer. He played for the Hawthorn Football Club from 2005 to 2013 and for the Sydney Swans from 2014 to 2023. He kicked 1,066 goals during his career, making him the fourth-highest goal scorer in VFL/AFL history... read more
Buddy Franklin! Brilliant! He is the greatest forward of all time, kicking the best goals from over 80 meters. He has scored 950 career goals and still has three years left on his contract. By the end of his career, I'm predicting he'll reach 1,100 goals!
He's won four Coleman Medals: two for Hawthorn with 113 and 68 goals, and two for Sydney with 69 and 87 goals. He's also a two-time premiership player, winning in 2008 and 2013, and has scored two goals of the year! Franklin was the six-time leading goal scorer at Hawthorn and five-time at Sydney.
Currently, he's the seventh highest goal scorer in history, but by my prediction, he will finish fourth, behind Jason Dunstall. Officially, he's been rated the 12th best AFL player of all time by the AFL as of 2018. We love you, Bud! We hope the end of your career is amazing and wish you a great life with Jesinta and your soon-arriving baby in March! Buddy Franklin, the greatest forward of all time!
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Alex Jesaulenko
As time passes, the younger generations may not have seen him play. Jezza could play anywhere on the ground and excel. He stood up in the grand finals, weaved through packs with ease, and kicked 100 goals in a season when sent forward.
He made the mark of the century, was a captain/coach in a grand final year, and is Carlton's best. Truly, the best ever!
Simply the most elegant player there was.
For his size, he had an amazing leap and grip for the ball and could always be relied on to kick a goal when needed.
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Greg Williams
He was awesome to watch live. He'd be in a pack, looking one way and handball the other way to a player 20 yards away. In a pack, it was like he slowed down time, ducking and weaving, standing still, and still not getting tackled. Just magic.
Should be in the top five at least. Vision on the field second to none.
Best player I've seen in the last 40 years!
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John Coleman
I'm not old enough to have seen him play, but he must have been one hell of a player based on how older people describe him. I had lunch with some workmates in about 1991, and we joined up with four older gentlemen who were having their monthly 'catch-up'. It was around the period where many in the press were speculating that Garry Ablett was the best player of all time.
None of these guys barracked for Essendon, but to a man, each of them scoffed at the suggestion that Ablett was in the same class as Coleman. They said he marked from anywhere, was too quick for any opponent, a great kick, and a constant match-winner over his 99 games. 'We will never see his like again'. These stories are similar to what my parents, uncles, aunties, grandparents, etc., told about Coleman. Was he the best ever? I don't know, but the generation that saw him play say he was.
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Peter Hudson
Peter Hudson was better than Lockett, better than Coleman, and simply the best full forward the game has ever seen. One wonders how many goals he would have kicked if his career hadn't been cut short.
Has any other full forward ever controlled the ball like Hudson? He was a genuine football genius and, of course, like Leigh Matthews, he played for the brown and gold.
The best forward I ever saw. Great anticipation and a wonderful reader of play. Strong and used his body strength to outmaneuver his opponent. Could mark very well above his head and one-on-one was rarely beaten.
A very accurate flat punt for goal.
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Ron Barassi
Probably rated about where he should be for football ability, but he deserves to be in the top ten just for his fantastic contribution. I shook hands with him when I was 12 in 1957 and only just washed my hand the other day.
In my day, every Melbourne-supporting kid, and there were thousands of them in those days, wore a number 31 jersey. He was and still is a true inspiration.
Barassi was right up there with Teddy Whitten, for sure.
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Kevin Bartlett
The ordinary man who did extraordinary things.
A receiver who never got dirty, quick to pounce on other players' hard work...
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Peter Daicos
At a time when no one else could conjure the impossible dribble goal, Daicos did it consistently. The buzz and anticipation when he went near the ball within 50 of goal was unmatched.
Brilliant, skillful, clever player. Still the best small forward ever. He kicked 90+ goals in a season. I haven't seen any other small forward do it, especially these days.
Great player who could score whenever he touched the ball. A real freak.
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Adam Goodes
Best player in history, both on and off the field. He could play any position and was one of the first ruckmen to ever win a Brownlow, two in fact. He had the skill of a ruck-rover and played like no one else. He could take a grab while still having the mobility to dodge through his opponents with ease. A respectable person off field as well, showing the best leadership the Swans have ever seen, along with his Indigenous input, which will last within our game forever. Best player that the AFL has ever seen and completely underrated. Legend of the game and inspiration to all.
How versatile and talented was Adam Goodes? He could play from ruck to rover, forward or back. An amazing athlete. If you lined them all up and had a draft to build a team around, he would be one of the first picked, and not just because of his obvious on-field talent. Good clubs are made of good people.
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Matthew Pavlich
Matthew Pavlich is a miracle because he can just boot that goal, and he has kicked 700 goals! After he retired, he went to meet young Auskick players like my little brother, and he gave some good advice and was friendly.
A seriously good player and leader who is too often overlooked in these discussions, I think because he was not front and centre in the popular media in Victoria.
Loyal, underrated, and deserves more recognition.
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Graham Farmer
Everyone I know that saw this bloke play rated him as the best they had seen. He gave Bobby Davis and Geelong glory. And coached WA to the 1977 State of Origin demolition of Victoria.
"The only individual man that changed the game."
Not just a brilliant player, but he changed the way the game is played. He overcame the most incredible adversity in life to make his mark. He is virtually the father of handball.
A legend in two states. His handballing skills were second to none. As a ruckman of the highest calibre, his clashes with John Nicholls were legendary.
He played over 400 games at the top level. Probably the greatest player from W.A.