best afl players of the 21st century best afl players of the 21st century

The 253-game Essendon hero won two best and fairests and three All-Australian selection after entering the 21st century, earning him Hall of Fame honours. AFL Naming Rights Partner. 'Dusty' brings a level of aggression to the game like nobody before him. When not pulling on the FFT shirt, he can be found at Reuters, The Times and the i. Oops! Credit: PA But Pirlo still found time and he never failed to discover space. Lance Franklins famous match-winning goal against Adelaide in 2007 elimination final. LANCE FRANKLIN (HAWTHORN/SYDNEY SWANS), 2000-2020 stats: 300 games, 944 goals, 170 Brownlow votes, averaged 15.5 disposals, 2000-2020 CV: Two-time premiership Hawk, eight-time All-Australian (one as captain), one best and fairest, four-time Coleman medallist, 11-time club leading goalkicker. Pictures: AFL Photos DOMINANT tap specialist or athletic around-the-ground option? THE NUMBERS: 30 disposals, 7 clearances, 1 goal Menu . 2000-2020 stats: 161 games, 137 goals, 94 Brownlow votes, averaged 22.1 disposals, 2000-2020 CV: Three-time premiership Lion (all as captain), two-time AFLPA MVP, three-time All-Australian (two as captain), three-time best and fairest. Come the turn of the century, his standing in the game grew as he inspired the Magpies to a genuine premiership tilt. Trent Cotchin captained Richmond to nearly 200 games and in that time they won two thirds of those games, 130 of those 200 they won. The 100 best players of the 21st Century: the greatest Ballon d'Or hoggers, serial winners and cult heroes since the turn of the millennium. Van Dijks 75m move to Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018 has often been pointed to as the moment Jurgen Klopp added the final piece to his Reds jigsaw, and you can see why. There were seasons in which Didier Drogba didn't live up to his humongous hype but that big game record alone is reason to see him as one of the greatest African players of all time. . Pryor is of course known as one of the best running quarterbacks in OSU history, but check out his passing stats in 2010: 2,772 passing yards, a crisp completion percentage of 65.0, and 27 . Eight of Scholes 11 Premier League titles came after the year 2000, as well as the 2007/08 Champions League triumph. Andrew McLeod (Adelaide) 18. Hall of Fame legend Barry Cable and Norm Smith medal winners, Michael Long and Peter Matera, were invited to join Mark Robinson in picking the best team of players. San Iker still holds the clean sheet record in the Champions League and racked up over 1,000 professional matches in a two-decade career. The Galacticos needed a goalkeeper as blockbuster to match. 1 picks, dating back to 2000, and rank them as players from worst to best. Alasdair Mackenzie is a freelance journalist based in Rome, and a FourFourTwo contributor since 2015. By Seb Mottram 9 minutes ago Former AFL forward Daniel Menzel has ranked his top seven AFL captains of the 21st century. There arent many players that can claim they were the best player on the field in their first AFL game. The argument for Bale falls into three categories: his astonishing rise at Tottenham, his performances in finals for Real Madrid, and his unwavering commitment to Wales. 295. If youd like to view this content, please adjust your Cookie Settings. Provides a lot of energy. Or why not treat yourself? The star of the Lions three-peat dynasty, Voss would add to his already stellar career with record breaking season after season following the conclusion of the 20th century. These are the top seven captains that you would love to play for, he said on SENs Sportsday SA. That rangy, young Frenchman would soon blossom into one of Europe's most complete midfielders. We select the best ruckman at your club from 2000-onwards By Staff writers on May 1, 2020, 1:00pm Best ruckman of the 21st century (L-R): Brendon Lade, David Hille, Aaron Sandilands, Darren Jolly. THE NUMBERS:12 disposals, 5 marks, 5 goals Sam Mitchell talks to the team during the AFL practice match between Hawthorn and Collingwood in Tasmania. Round 13 and 14 rising stars Brandon Starcevich (Brisbane Lions) and Giant Jake Riccardi both miss the age barrier by less than six months but all the other rising star winners are in as are North Melbournes Tarryn Thomas, Bailey Scott and Jack Mahony, while Adelaides Chayce Jones and Fischer McAsey join Lachlan Sholl in the squad. Nobody could play football as if sat in a directors chair and Pasolini their way through a game. Note that players must have played at least five seasons in the 21st century to meet the criteria and their body of work during the century is also key. Luke Hodge (Hawthorn) 19. 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. Makeleles deep-midfield role helped both provide defensive cover for and unlock the attacking talents of his team-mates further up the field. Deutsch. Birthdate: June 24, 1987. Now we present the top five ranked players in foxfooty.com.aus Top 20 of the Past 20. But their passion for their old club has not prevented them from having a very dim view of the season ahead. 10 greatest AFL players of all time. Cam Mackenzie was a standout for the Hawks during the practice against Collingwood in Tasmania. Rahul Dravid (Ind) Key numbers (from Jan 1, 2000): 130 matches, 10,590 runs at 52.95 20-16: Two Crows but which Hawks icon missed the cut? Analysis, local footy and the biggest moments, Seven and 7plus are the home of footy shows for every fan. He captained them to four Grand Finals, three of them were premierships. The 2023 AFL Season is just around the corner and the Zero Hanger Season Guide is back! Chris Judd was on a different level during the mid-2000s at the West Coast Eagles. And while the no.10 broke through in the 90s, the 21st Century was paved in gold for him. The top-scoring midfielder in Premier League history only tells a fraction of the story of Frank Lampard who incredibly had to be defended by his uncle Harry from disbelieving West Ham fans as a youngster getting into the first team. AFLW Premier Partners. I dont want to put any pressure on the kids shoulders, but his debut is one of great anticipation, with some dubbing him a Brownlow chance (keep a lid on it) before the season has even begun. The 100 best players of the 21st Century: 40-26, (Image credit: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images), (Image credit: (Photo by Pawel Andrachiewicz/PressFocus/MB Media/Getty Images), The 100 best players of the 21st Century: 60-41, The 100 best players of the 21st Century: 25-11, 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: 10-1, Roberto Firmino makes stunning choice on Liverpool future: 'It's decided', Liverpool signing Mason Mount from Chelsea could be a LOT more realistic than you realise, Why Sir Alex Ferguson thinks Anfield has the best atmosphere in the country, Father of Manchester United's potential new owner Sheikh Jassim criticises bid for club: 'I dont like this investment', Manchester United target Victor Osimhen openly reveals that a dream Premier League move is his 'ambition'. After spending a few seasons on Richmond's list Polo. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Pendlebury Good top 5. . 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. 22. Inducted in 1987: Rod McGregor - 1905-1920 One of the brightest stars of his era, Rod McGregor was a four-time Premiership player for the Navy Blues in a 236-game career that stood as a club record for more than half a century. Shevchenko was great at an overachieving Dynamo Kyiv side in the 1990s, but its his time at AC Milan in the 2000s that earns him a place here. This devalues names like Robert Harvey, Scott West and Stephen Silvagni. Dalziell held the disposals record for less than two years before another mature-aged player stole his thunder. The Melbourne Team of the Century was selected in June 2000, by a panel that included Mike Sheahan, Percy Beames, Bill Guest, Lynda Carroll, Greg Hobbs, John Mitchell, Linda Pearce, Dudley Phillips and Steven Phillips. He averaged 29.5 a game in 2000 then accumulated 46 touches (plus 20 contested possessions, 13 inside 50s, eight clearances and a goal) against Fremantle early in 2001 in an awesome solo display. Weve never seen a footballer like him and never will see one like him after he retires. JESSE HOGAN. 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. Reckon you can pick the best team? Tom Harley led Geelong to the 2007 premiership and the 2009 premiership, they were coming off a premiership drought since 1963, so it was a long time. 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. Weve counted down the top 15 players of the century. The Western Bulldogs Official App is your one stop shop for all your latest team News, Videos, Player Profiles, Scores and Stats delivered LIVE to your smartphone or tablet! 2. The nicknames he inspired over the course of his playing career, il Maestro and lArchitetto, capture Pirlos appreciation for composition, design and set-pieces.. It's ironic that Kroos running riot against the Selecao has become the defining image of his career: he's far more restrained, usually. Robert Lewandowski netted 344 goals in 375 Bayern Munich games. The double baulk and goal against Port Adelaide in 2007, the running goal from the impossible angle against Brisbane in 2008 and his ridiculous snap from the boundary for the Suns against the Cats in 2013 his first game back at Kardinia Park since moving. For the AFL world will never see players of the talent and calibre of Gary Ablett and Lance Franklin again. The most experienced millennium at the end of 2020 was Western Bulldogs Bailey Smith, who had played 41 games and starred in his 42nd game in the season opener against Collingwood, followed by Carltons Sam Walsh (39) and Gold Coasts Jack Lukosius (38). Not only was he playing the first game of his career, but his debut coincided with the first game in GWS Giants history. Sydneys Tom McCartin despite already playing 48 games and scoring 28 goals is ineligible as he was born two days before the calendar ticked over to the year 2000 as is Jordan Butts being born on New Years Eve 1999. A star midfielder, an unstoppable forward and overall legend for the Bombers. . 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. No player has racked up more disposals, Champion Data ranking points and AFL Player Ratings points since 2000. Toni Kroos can do both. Greatest player of the 21st Century (so far)" thread, where we could all share some of our favourite stories of the great man. [1] Players and/or at least one of the player's parents or grandparents had to have been born in Italy. New York, These are guys you want to go out to battle with. If you like what you read be sure to check out more SportsbyFry articles by hitting this link. Horrie Clover - 1920-1924 & 1926-1931 Sachin Tendulkar (cricket) 17. Comparing different eras in football is a thankless task . Martin's 2017 season is arguably the most dominant by any midfielder of the past decade, winning almost every honour possible and stamping his authority as the competitions best. We offer our respect to the Elders of these traditional . Please gamble responsibly. Hazard captained Belgium to a third-place finish and won the Silver Ball at the 2018 World Cup, his countrys best-ever finish. Sun Sign: Cancer. Cornes might not be a match-winner like some of his 2004 premiership teammates, but he has an unmatched resume for any Port Adelaide player this century. The team, captained by ruck legend Graham . A two-time premiership player with Geelong, Ablett had notched up close to 200 games for Geelong before leaving for the Gold Coast, winning a Brownlow Medal, four All-Australian selections, two best and fairests, three AFLCA Player of the Year awards and three Leigh Matthews trophies before 2011. Player Sponsorship . He captained Brisbane to the 2001, 2002, 2003 premierships and even in the 2004 Grand Final. 1. He earned legend status over 11 years at the Bernabeu and remains the foreigner with the most appearances for the club. If names are anything to go by, we are in for a treat with surnames that whether or not they are in any way related mirror the surnames of former Brownlow Medalists, champion goal scorers and club champions both past and present. The four selectors picked their separate teams, from which the final team was named. Naming the 10 best AFL players of all-time is a thankless task when you consider the talent the competition has had in its long history. Slow succeeded in a fast environment thanks to the genius flashing behind his eyes. Reserved. This list was composed by taking the players with the best careers in the 21st Century (2000-2019). Last-gasp wins, mouth-watering match-ups, inspirational individual performances; this is the stuff that memorable Grand Final moments are made of. 12 votes, 77 comments. Atletico Madrids flamboyant Frenchman has inspired club and country to success in the last decade. His last 10 minutes of the 2002 Grand Final when he controlled the game, he took it from a 50/50 to getting the Lions the win, probably should have own the Norm Smith as well. 2000-2020 stats: 138 games, 140 goals, 82 Brownlow votes, averaged 24.5 disposals, 2000-2020 CV: Norm Smith Medallist, Brownlow Medallist, three-time All-Australian, two-time best and fairest. His time with the Suns proved he could do it with any side, winning a second Brownlow in 2013 and even winning the club's leading goal-kicking tally in 2012 and 2013. They (will) have a lot of youth and enthusiasm, Tuck said. Footballers of Franklins size arent supposed to cover the ground as quickly and athletically as he does. At his peak, Falcao looked utterly unstoppable - Chelsea fans might still have traumatic flashbacks to his stunning first half hat-trick in a 4-1 UEFA Super Cup victory for Atleti in 2012. Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Rounding off the top five are Brazilian icon Ronaldinho and Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta. He may well be the Ballon d'Or's greatest miss, too. Novak Djokovic (tennis) 18. Smith, Kelly, Hird, Fyfe, Mitchell and Bedford may take the AFL trophy this century and Coleman, Young, Carroll and Rowell may be leading goal-kickers and what supporter would not want another Rioli, King, Stephens, Weightman, West, Neale, Walsh, Hamill, Serong, Clark or Evans playing again? Alastair Clarkson told a female reporter "your . CB, CM, CF. As we near the last Saturday in September, to help whet your appetite for the big day, here are the 10 Best AFL Grand Final Moments of the 21st Century in chronological order. Picture: Annette Dew, There are few better sights in footy than Lance Franklin in full flight. (Mackenzie) is a great kid. THE star forward of the 21st century, nobody has or will ever match the ability of Buddy Franklin. The 100 best players of the 21st Century: the greatest Ballon d'Or hoggers, serial winners and cult heroes since the turn of the millennium (opens in new tab) Page 4 of 6: He is the very embodiment of the football club. Eight current AFL players, including Andrew McLeod and Adam Goodes, have been included in the league's indigenous team of the century, announced today. In particular, Judds leadership helped Carlton emerge from one of the clubs darkest periods into one of great promise during the late 2000s and early 2010s. No player has polled more Brownlow Medal votes. Statistically, Black is one of the greatest midfielders to grace the game, leading the all-time count for games, disposals, tackles, inside 50's, clearances,contested possessions and Brownlow votes for the Lions alone. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, The top 10 players in your ranking, below, will next go head-to-head with our winningest pre-80 and 80-99 stars for the battle to determine the one true bass GOAT. The Hall of Famer was a staple in Geelong's three premierships between 2007 and 2011, with Scarlett adding six All-Australian selections and a Carji Greeves Medal from his 284-game career. The four-time premiership Hawk added three All-Australian selections and two Best and Fairests during his 18-year, 346-game career with the Hawks and Lions. While. Black also sits in exclusive company as one of only six players to win a Brownlow, Premiership and Norm Smith, joining the likes of Bartel, Williams, Hird, Judd and Martin. Jonathan Brown (Brisbane Lions) 20. Catch up and settle in with no installation & no lock-in contract. The club also lost its much-loved captain and No.1 ruck Ben McEvoy, who decided to hang up the boots, and 255-game veteran Liam Shiels also retired (but then found his way to North Melbourne). 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. Voss presence within the midfield lifted those around him, making some of the greatest onballers within the league better, perhaps producing the 'fab four' himself. Some notable examples in this regard would be Gianluigi Buffon, Carles Puyol, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Luis Figo, and more recently Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Robert. At the very start of the 21st Century, Luis Figo committed the most controversial transfer that football had ever seen. Gerard Healy thinks Richmond superstar Dustin Martin is already a "certainty" to be named the AFL player of the 21st century. Hawthorn champion Dermott Brereton recently told Fox Footy Live Judds best football was the best midfield football Ive seen. Michael Voss The star of the Lions three-peat dynasty, Voss would add to his already stellar career with record breaking season after season following the conclusion of the 20th century. Gold Coast Suns also have a big contingent with Noah Anderson, Connor Budarick, Caleb Graham, Ben King and Matt Rowell who although played only five games before his season-ending injury in 2020 had already shown the depth of his talent. Bath Judd . Few deserved the accolade more. 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. Nathan Buckley emerged as a genuine superstar of the game in the early 2000s. Best Performance: Chanderpaul scored five hundreds against Australia including one remarkable out-of-the-box effort - the fifth-fastest Test ton of all time, from just 69 balls as West Indies chased down a world record 418 in Antigua, 2003. 2010 - Collingwood vs St. Kilda. Every now and then, you get caught on YouTube watching freakish Judd highlights from the mid-2000s. Burnett Bartolo Colon Dan. He was also a dangerous goalkicker, punctuated by his 36-goal season in 2002 and a seven-goal haul against Adelaide in early 2004. Amazing to think Ablett would have even gotten close to the level of his father when he first arrived at Kardinia Park, but now we could argue he has surpassed his senior. Its no coincidence that in his three years at an increasingly galactic Real Madrid, he picked up two La Liga titles and a Champions League, while the club had to wait another four years to lift another domestic title and 11 years to lift a European title once he left for Chelsea. Gavin Brown, a 254-game champion of the club, was added in 2002 five years after the league had extended the standard interchange bench . When it comes to the most incredible trades of the 21st century, Brodie Grundy may well currently be on the podium after his move to the Dees . His heroics earned McGrath a game in the next three rounds, where he combined to record just 19 possessions and one goal. Since breaking into Bara team at the age of 20, he has never made fewer than 40 appearances a season, he has been the rock on which Messi and co.s cathedral was built throughout the 2010s.