What's your all time best 18 (all clubs)?

[jeemak]

Big call how many of them have you seen? I would have E.J at CHB no problem if I had seen him play - he was easily the best CHB of all time and probably top 5 best players of all time too. I saw Peter Knights a fair bit and have him above Jakovich so I chose him.

I guess the qualifier is "whole career", which probably can't be said for too many players other than Jakovich.

Unfortunately someone of my age has only highlights and anecdotal evidence with which to compare players, and we have to do the best we can with that if we are to participate in this type of discussion.

[Twodogs]

I guess the qualifier is "whole career", which probably can't be said for too many players other than Jakovich.

Unfortunately someone of my age has only highlights and anecdotal evidence with which to compare players, and we have to do the best we can with that if we are to participate in this type of discussion.

You will just have to take my word that Foster was the best.

[jeemak]

You will just have to take my word that Foster was the best.

Duly noted.

[Jeanette54]

My grandfather always said that Alan Hopkins was the best footballer he ever saw (EJ included). So (in appreciation of the 300 odd games he took me to see over the years) my vote for the centre spot goes to Alan Hopkins.

Just some personal preferences now. Carey was a much better footballer than Hart, Dunstall over Lockett, Leigh Matthews and Bobby Skilton have to get a mention; and EJ anywhere and everywhere. I was lucky enough to see about 200 of his games, and I think I saw him play in every position except back pocket. And he was certainly the best backline player I ever saw, not that we could afford the luxury of leaving him there.

Finally, I can't remember another another ruckman who dominated his era like Garry Dempsey, so he definitely gets my vote too.

[Twodogs]

My grandfather always said that Alan Hopkins was the best footballer he ever saw (EJ included). So (in appreciation of the 300 odd games he took me to see over the years) my vote for the centre spot goes to Alan Hopkins.

Just some personal preferences now. Carey was a much better footballer than Hart, Dunstall over Lockett, Leigh Matthews and Bobby Skilton have to get a mention; and EJ anywhere and everywhere. I was lucky enough to see about 200 of his games, and I think I saw him play in every position except back pocket. And he was certainly the best backline player I ever saw, not that we could afford the luxury of leaving him there.

Finally, I can't remember another another ruckman who dominated his era like Garry Dempsey, so he definitely gets my vote too.

Any reasons Jeanette54?

For mine Hart was by far the best player in a superstar team that was also a team of superstars. He could dominate games (and did) on one leg given he he only had one working knee for the last half of his career. "Kick it to Royce" was a gameplan that carried Richmond to four premierships.

Carey was a superstar and he had it all. But I reckon Royce Hart had a little bit more.

[Jeanette54]

Any reasons Jeanette54?

I always thought that Carey monstered defenders, as he rampaged around the forward line and had the capacity to grab a game by the scruff of the neck and shake the life out of it. He also never had the quality of delivery that Royce had and so I thought Carey was better at winning his own ball and had better on field leadership qualities. (one indiscretion excepted).

And truthfully, I have never forgiven Hart for his appalling coaching and the time when we all almost lost the faith.

[1eyedog]

I always thought that Carey monstered defenders, as he rampaged around the forward line and had the capacity to grab a game by the scruff of the neck and shake the life out of it. He also never had the quality of delivery that Royce had and so I thought Carey was better at winning his own ball and had better on field leadership qualities. (one indiscretion excepted).

And truthfully, I have never forgiven Hart for his appalling coaching and the time when we all almost lost the faith.

Not sure about the Tiges re. Hart but gee Carey had some great players delivering the ball to him through the 90s.

[Twodogs]

I always thought that Carey monstered defenders, as he rampaged around the forward line and had the capacity to grab a game by the scruff of the neck and shake the life out of it. He also never had the quality of delivery that Royce had and so I thought Carey was better at winning his own ball and had better on field leadership qualities. (one indiscretion excepted).

And truthfully, I have never forgiven Hart for his appalling coaching and the time when we all almost lost the faith.

Heh! I was wondering how much this had to do with it.

All fair points re Carey I reckon but Hart captained just as many premierships as the Duck. He was a God awful coach though.


Years ago when Carey mania was at its peak I posted my view that Hart was a better player than Carey and the next day on morning glory Tim Watson called me a moron.

[Jeanette54]

Years ago when Carey mania was at its peak I posted my view that Hart was a better player than Carey and the next day on morning glory Tim Watson called me a moron.

I can't believe that little timmy grew up to be so rude :-)

[Twodogs]

I can't believe that little timmy grew up to be so rude :-)

Little Timmy had very naughty elbows. I remember one of them breaking Tony Liberatore's nose as the teams were walking off at halftime once.