The criteria incorporates consistency at an elite level, match-winning ability, contribution to team success and influence during their playing stints across the past two decades. He won Serie A, a Coppa Italia and the Champions League itself as part of one the most iconic Milan sides in history, and earned himself the Ballon dOr in 2004. 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. UNLUCKY DOZEN: The 12 AFL legends brutally snubbed from top-20 list, *Odds are current as of 4th March 2023, 6:03pm AEST. Mahendra Singh Dhoni. They put him in there because they knew he was a cool head, a calm head and could get the best out of his team and I think he is a massive reason as to why Geelong has had sustained success for such a massive period of time.. In their predictions for the 2023 season, both Hodge and Burgoyne believe Hawthorn will finish rock bottom. Pele said if I played with him, I wouldve scored many more goals, Thierry Henry described Scholes as the greatest Premier League player ever, and Xavi called him a role model. The 'Little Master' had it all. Ballack was the complete package as a central midfielder, capable of bossing opponents physically, spreading passes around the pitch with both feet and scoring goals. The game's all-time leader for marks was the focal point for the Saints for over a decade, claiming five All-Australian selections, six best and fairests and four leading goal-kicker awards across 336 games for St Kilda. 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. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, 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. Well before Tom Mitchell and Lachie Neale were racking up 40-plus disposals a game for fun, Buckley was the leagues true ball magnet in an era when possessions were harder to accumulate. That rangy, young Frenchman would soon blossom into one of Europe's most complete midfielders. 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. We want to see it. He was irreplaceable when he left, too. Many would argue that Cech is the greatest Premier League goalkeeper ever, and there are good reasons why. Haselbys high possession style of play was a feature of his game throughout his Rising Star award-winning season, and he continued it for 208 games in purple before hanging the boots up in 2010. He won the Scudetto in 2001 before a World Cup in 2006, reinventing himself from a false nine, second striker and attacking midfielder along the way. Luke Hodge is as hard as they come, as much of a leader you want to play for out of anyone and I found it hard not to put him at no.1. 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! Walker nearly took a Mark of the Year contender on Andrew Embleys shoulders in that game too, highlighting every exciting aspect of his game from the moment he stepped onto the field. Can use the ball really well. You will receive a verification email shortly. Lots of goals. All players have been selected and ranked based on their 21st century performances only, so any seasons prior to 2000 havent been considered. Login. The Colombians football odyssey has taken him to seven different countries, with his most successful spells coming at Porto, Atletico Madrid and Monaco. Cameron Smith and Billy Slater were a key part of one the greatest NRL teams of the 21st century. Since then, the Swans have made two Grand Finals but havent won a flag. Few have put the fear of God into quite so many defenders. The Collingwood great will go down in history as one of the clubs greatest onballers. Plus tips on how to play better and interviews with the biggest names. The cousin of 200+ game Brisbane veteran Ash, Martins AFL career lasted just four games, but his first match was something special. AFL: The home of Australian rules football on Reddit, including the Australian Football The Hawks will take a lot of encouragement out of their practice match against Collingwood in Tasmania on Thursday, losing to last years preliminary finalists by just one goal. The midfielder is quiet, understated and perhaps the ultimate German footballer. The Belgian was one of the most imperious centre-backs in Europe at his peak, adored by every manager who worked with him. 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. 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. 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. Judd . They held on to claim a two-point win and Polo took home three of five career Brownlow votes. This list was composed by taking the players with the best careers in the 21st Century (2000-2019). 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. But Pirlo still found time and he never failed to discover space. Gary Ablett was arguably an even better player at the Suns. Alonsos debut season at Liverpool couldnt have ended any better, as the Spaniard scored the equaliser in the 3-3 Miracle of Istanbul Champions League final against AC Milan before the Reds eventual penalty shoot-out victory. A two-time Golden Boot winner, Salah holds the record for the most goals scored in a Premier League season with 32 and has been astonishingly prolific at Anfield, notching more than 20 goals in each of his five seasons. Whatever way you slice and dice the numbers, weve never seen a player like Ablett and that includes his father Gary Sr, who might still be the greatest player in VFL/AFL history yet had nothing on his sons insane, unprecedented ball-winning ability. 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. Between 2001 and 2003, Voss won two AFLPA MVP awards, two best and fairests, three best captain titles and All-Australian honours on three occasions (including twice as the captain). He shows real poise and is able to scan and find targets, Hawthorn assistant coach Chris Newman said. Click here to subscribe on iTunes There were devastating patches of brilliance. Hawthorn champion Dermott Brereton recently told Fox Footy Live Judds best football was the best midfield football Ive seen. 236K subscribers in the AFL community. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Sidney Crosby (ice hockey) Credit: PA 20. [1] Players and/or at least one of the player's parents or grandparents had to have been born in Italy. He won back-to-back Europa League titles with different clubs in 2011 and 2012 for Porto and Atleti, a Ligue 1 title with Monaco and is Colombias all-time top scorer with 35 goals in 90 caps. Already the number of players eligible if we include the category A and B rookies is 215 but obviously, a lot of these have not yet had the opportunity to show their skills in the hot cauldron of Australias finest football competition. That is the reason I gave him the best captain of the last 23 years., 2023, SEN All Rights The four-time All-Australian would flex his versatility when called upon, in midfield, ruck or forward. Italiano . Di Maria has won league titles in Portugal, Spain and France, and finally added an international honour to his cabinet last year by scoring the only goal of the Copa America final against Brazil. My Top 5 players drafted since 2000. 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. Your first AFL game is a pretty monumental occasion, but Toby Greenes debut was different from others. Falling just short of the best player of the century, Franklin deserves a podium finish for his astounding career-to-date. Comparing different eras in football is a thankless task . In 2000, Rio Ferdinand became the most expensive defender in the world and the most expensive British footballer ever when he moved to Leeds for 18m. His heroics earned McGrath a game in the next three rounds, where he combined to record just 19 possessions and one goal. He was a key contributor in the Giants first AFL season, illustrating his talents from day one as he tied for the second most touches for his side in an expectedly ugly loss to the Swans. Selwood 5. CB, CM, CF. 5. Picture: Colleen Petch, Sign up to all of Foxtel Now with a 10-day free trial. Then again, Buddy is no ordinary player or footy figure. 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 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. Analysis, local footy and the biggest moments, Seven and 7plus are the home of footy shows for every fan. Get everything you need, from team lists, fixtures, statistics and a profile on every single player in the competition in our 2023 AFL Season Guide. 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. Mine are Gary Ablett Junior Buddy Juddy Dusty Unlucky Hodge Selwood 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? Birthdate: June 24, 1987. His move to Carlton raised questions surrounding his ability to perform without a number of stars around him, but his critics were soon silenced. Cechs individual records stack up high: he has the most clean sheets ever in the Premier League with 202, as well as the most in a single season, 24, while hes a four-time Golden Glove winner and has gone longer than any other keeper without conceding, 1,025 minutes in 2004/05. Makeleles deep-midfield role helped both provide defensive cover for and unlock the attacking talents of his team-mates further up the field. Or why not treat yourself? Buckleys 2003 campaign was arguably the finest of his career. And fair to say there is some big names on this one! The 21st century has provided a stage for new evolutions in the game of basketball. Heres how it works. Without further ado, it is time to unveil the All-21st-Century team through 2019. Novak Djokovic (tennis) 18. 13-min read. Two Crows but which Hawks icon missed the cut? I thought it was timely to pick a team of future champions who over the next decade will become the face of the AFL. 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. THE NUMBERS:12 disposals, 5 marks, 5 goals 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. 'Saint Nick' was everything a coach could ask for in a player. Please refresh the page and try again. 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. Judd 4. Ablett in full flight in the trademark words of Fox Footy caller Dwayne Russell is as good as it gets. Picture: Phil Hillyard. No player has polled more Brownlow Medal votes. Today, we're able to reveal the players you considered to be the greatest bassists of the 21st century (so far). Greene hasnt played in the AFL since 2018 but could be a valuable addition for the Hawks, who meet Essendon in round one. 'Dusty' brings a level of aggression to the game like nobody before him. Not only was it the only win he played in, McGrath kicked an unreal five goals from 12 touches in the Tigers triumph against the Western Bulldogs. His progression from left-back to to one of Europes most feared forwards at Spurs landed him the PFA Player of the Year, PFA Young Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year in 2012/13 (a feat only matched by Cristiano Ronaldo), as well as an 85m move to Real Madrid. No player has won more MVP awards. Hawthorn are bracing for a world of pain in the 2023 AFL season, according to two of their most decorated players. Aged 24, Mbappe is already a World Cup winner, only the second player to net a hat-trick in the final, a Golden Boot winner as well as being widely considered among the best current players in the world. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Inside or outside, left boot or right boot, in the air or on the ground, short kick or long kick, overhead or on the ground, in front of the goals or on the last line of defence, Geelong or Gold Coast he could do it all and has done it all, wherever hes played. It will be an interesting exercise to look back at these players careers when another decade has passed. Left-footers like him arent supposed to have a better chance of kicking a goal from the boundary on the wrong side for a left-footer. Get insight to top players, instructions & drills and extensive coverage of equipment. Across his stellar two-club career, 'Buddy' has also added four Coleman Medals, two premierships and a best and fairest from his 300-game career. Premier League and Champions League victories have been the reward, while at international level the winger captained Egypt to their first World Cup in 28 years in 2018 and runners-up finishes in two Africa Cup of Nations. 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. Alasdair Mackenzie is a freelance journalist based in Rome, and a FourFourTwo contributor since 2015. 1 picks, dating back to 2000, and rank them as players from worst to best. The Brownlows, All-Australians, best and fairests and flags flowed, even after he sensationally walked away from the Cats at the end of 2010 to become new club Gold Coasts marquee player. 10 goals, 10 finals, 10 trophies at club level. Heres how it works. The team, captained by ruck legend Graham . Chelsea didnt take long to pounce and it was at Stamford Bridge that the dynamic winger established a reputation as one of the best in the business, scoring 110 goals over seven seasons with the London club and wining a stack of individual awards to go with two Premier League and two Europa League titles. During Collingwoods stint at the bottom of the ladder in the late 1990s, Buckley was a rare shining light. Andrew Walker reached great heights (pun intended) during his 204-game career at Carlton. It recognises the role of Italian Australian players in the sport. Weve never seen a footballer like him and never will see one like him after he retires. He was probably stiff not to win Buckleys 2002 Norm Smith Medal too. 0. The midfield wizard behind Manchester Citys recent successes, De Bruyne has developed into one of the worlds most complete midfielders under Pep Guardiola. 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. Its remarkable to reflect on what Mbappe has already achieved in his short career so far - and consider what might still be to come. Wherever El Tigre has gone, goals have followed. FourFourTwo is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. You could be forgiven for not remembering Martin McGrath. Dane Swan (Collingwood) Now we present the top five ranked players in foxfooty.com.au's Top 20 of the Past 20. Alastair Clarkson told a female reporter "your . Share, or vent, your thoughts on Facebook or tweet us @FOXFOOTY. Buddy 3. Random. Changkuoth Jiath had some solid moments in defence for Hawthorn in his first pre-season appearance and rising midfielder Jai Newcombe was also among the best with 27 disposals. His 2016 campaign will go down as one of the greatest seasons in recent history, collecting a then-record 35 Brownlow votes, both AFLPA and AFLCA awards and a Carji Greeves medal to cap off a record breaking debut season with Geelong. Dangerfield has won seven All-Austrlian selections in the past eight seasons and is a proven threat within the middle and deep forward. Toni Kroos can do both. 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. Lining up in attack Rutten is part of a unique club having managed to kick three goals with the first three kicks of his career. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). THE star forward of the 21st century, nobody has or will ever match the ability of Buddy Franklin. 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. Originally a striker, Roberto Carlos bombing runs, fierce shot and bending free-kicks made him possibly the most entertaining left-back the game has ever seen. Greatest player of the 21st Century (so far)" thread, where we could all share some of our favourite stories of the great man. 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. Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access, Enjoy your first month for just 1 / $1 / 1, *Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription, Current page: Nedved was already a decade into his playing career by the turn of the millennium, but he saved some of his best form for the 21st century. 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. He was at the very core of everything that would happen on Eastlands. 2000-2020 stats: 346 games, 437 goals, 266 Brownlow votes, averaged 25.3 disposals, 2000-2020 CV: Two-time premiership Cat, two-time Brownlow Medallist, five-time AFLPA MVP, eight-time All-Australian (one as captain), six-time best and fairest, three-time club leading goalkicker. Bath Alastair Clarkson has defended his temper after a clash with a reporter earlier this month, saying he cannot guarantee it will not flare up again. There was a problem. 12 - Nat Fyfe (Fremantle) Games: 181+. Official Western Bulldogs App. When not pulling on the FFT shirt, he can be found at Reuters, The Times and the i. At the very start of the 21st Century, Luis Figo committed the most controversial transfer that football had ever seen. The Belgian was the youngest Ligue 1 Player of the Year winner ever in 2011, aged 20, after helping Lille win a league and cup double. He only won the AFLPAs best captain award once which is surprising, back in 2013. He captained Geelong to the one premiership, played in four but only captained one which is probably what held him back from giving him the number one or two title.. 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. Nobody could play football as if sat in a directors chair and Pasolini their way through a game. HIGHLIGHTS Watch the best of Team of the 21st Century back pocket, Dylan Grimes AFL career averages Kicks: 6.2 Handballs: 5.3 Disposals: 11.5 Marks: 3.8 Rebound-50s: 1.7 Contested possessions: 4.6 Uncontested possessions: 6.8 Intercepts: 4.2 Score involvements: 1.4 Tackles: 2.5 One-percenters: 4.9 Metres gained: 88.8 When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Dean Polo is one such player. Top 20 AFL players of 21st Century. AFL's biggest question 'everyone's talking . Itd be a superhuman yet thoroughly well-deserved milestone. Anyone can contribute to The Roar and have their work Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated. Years active: 2010 - current. Not only was he playing the first game of his career, but his debut coincided with the first game in GWS Giants history. Week by week Scarlett would claim a new scalp from the oppositions best forward, using his high-level footballing IQ and unrivalled consistently to do so. That's why the likes of Wayne Carey and Robert .

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