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

Since then, the Swans have made two Grand Finals but havent won a flag. The Collingwood great will go down in history as one of the clubs greatest onballers. A leader in defence like few had ever seen in the Premier League, Kompany embraced the club he defined, Mancunian twang and all. Over the past few days, foxfooty.com.au has been counting down the Top 20 of the Past 20. 20-16: Two Crows but which Hawks icon missed the cut? The club's CEO at the time, John Anderson acted as non-voting chairman of the panel. The Magpies selected the best team in their history, comprising 21 players (with three on the interchange bench in accordance with the AFL's interchange rules at the time it was named) and coach Jock McHale. Hawthorn champion Dermott Brereton recently told Fox Footy Live Judds best football was the best midfield football Ive seen. 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. 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. "In his prime; Falcao looked absolutely unstoppable: Chelsea fans still have traumatic memories of his impressive prone-trick in the first half of a 4-1 victory in the UEFA Super Cup for Atleti in 2012, he completed a report that carried some of the best things. Thank you for signing up to Four Four Two. 'Dusty' brings a level of aggression to the game like nobody before him. 22. To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. Wherever El Tigre has gone, goals have followed. 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. A strong, tough-tackling defender, Terrys leadership was behind five league titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, a Europa League crown and a Champions League title. Sun Sign: Cancer. 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. As a 21-year-old, Franklins 2008 season was the stuff of legend. Across his 174-game career, Fyfe has won both All-Australian selections and a Doig Medal on three occasions as well as the Leigh Matthews Trophy twice. Voss played through most of the 90s, but his durability and elite consistency across the first seven years of the 2000s mustnt be forgotten. 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. Last-gasp wins, mouth-watering match-ups, inspirational individual performances; this is the stuff that memorable Grand Final moments are made of. Perhaps somewhat controversially, Voss has usurped Judd here. Modern-day forwards like him arent supposed to average 3.5 goals per game across multiple seasons. 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: FourFourTwo is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Alasdair Mackenzie is a freelance journalist based in Rome, and a FourFourTwo contributor since 2015. 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. 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. Cristiano Ronaldo named best player of the 21st century at Globe Soccer Awards | Marca Globe Soccer Awards Beat out Messi, Ronaldinho and Salah Cristiano Ronaldo named best player of the. Picture: Annette Dew, There are few better sights in footy than Lance Franklin in full flight. Robert Lewandowski netted 344 goals in 375 Bayern Munich games. Hawthorn have won 11 wooden spoons in their history but the last time they ended up on the bottom of the ladder was in 1965. 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). Reserved. THE NUMBERS:12 disposals, 5 marks, 5 goals 10 greatest AFL players of all time. Philip Rivers (QB) San Diego Chargers and Indianapolis Colts - First year: 2004 - Drafted:. 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 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. The technically gifted winger is often less lauded than some of his illustrious team-mates for club and country, but hes been a consistent source of goals and assists throughout his career. Yet the silverware he craved so much, a Collingwood premiership, eluded him until the end. Sam Mitchell talks to the team during the AFL practice match between Hawthorn and Collingwood in Tasmania. THE star forward of the 21st century, nobody has or will ever match the ability of Buddy Franklin. 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. He got awarded the AFLPA best captain four times that just shows what his peers thought about him. After spending a few seasons on Richmond's list Polo. 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. There arent many players that can claim they were the best player on the field in their first AFL game. Patrick Dangerfield (Adelaide/Geelong). These players have all played at some point throughout 21st century, however based on their entire . Dalziell held the disposals record for less than two years before another mature-aged player stole his thunder. New customers only. 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. 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. There were devastating patches of brilliance. The Pole with the goals has gone from strength to strength, with an outrageous late career peak. No one will ever forget the exhaustion and disappointment of the players as the final siren rang and neither team could claim victory. The 100 best players of the 21st Century: 60-41. All players have been selected and ranked based on their 21st century performances only, so any seasons prior to 2000 havent been considered. Champions League and La Liga titles with barcelona are also on his honours list, while he captained the Ivory Coast to long-awaited Africa Cup of Nations glory in 2015 after twice finishing as a runner-up. Or why not treat yourself? He dresses as he played, achieving class in the smart and the casual. Click here to subscribe on iTunes 13-min read. After drawing in the first game, at 68 points each, St. Kilda and Collingwood met again a week later to determine a winner. James Horncastles reflections on Andrea Pirlo remain unmatched: Many thought the regista was a relic consigned to the past. Rounding off the top five are Brazilian icon Ronaldinho and Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta. Lloyd started the 21st century like no other, having two 100+ goal seasons in 2000 and 2001 and added a third Coleman Medal in 2003. 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. You will receive a verification email shortly. Dennis Comettis call of cometh the moment, cometh the man the son of the man was so apt, as it was a goal when his team needed him most in its most important win of the season. Franklin 3. When the game was on the line, he won two Norm Smith Medals (in Grand Finals) he was a captain in. It had become too high in velocity, too intense. The fact most started to quickly drop the Jnr from his name and even started to refer to his dad as Gary Sr proved hed arrived. THE NUMBERS: 7 disposals, 4 marks, 3 goals 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 Colombians football odyssey has taken him to seven different countries, with his most successful spells coming at Porto, Atletico Madrid and Monaco. All rights reserved. Judd's record stands by itself, and this year first player i believe to poll more then 20 brownlow votes in 5 seasons. 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. Alastair Clarkson told a female reporter "your . While most AFL fans will remember Ben Truck Rutten for his All-Australian defensive days his debut match in 2003 was something quite the opposite. The rock within the Lions dynamic and star-studded midfield. Greatest player of the 21st Century (so far)" thread, where we could all share some of our favourite stories of the great man. Individual awards: 2 x Brownlow Medal, 3 x Doig Medallist. Selwood 5. THE NUMBERS: 30 disposals, 7 clearances, 1 goal 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 . Source: FOX SPORTS David Zita from Fox Sports @DavidZita1 May 10th, 2020 6:57 pm The four selectors picked their separate teams, from which the final team was named. Sidney Crosby (ice hockey) Credit: PA 20. 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: The midfielder is quiet, understated and perhaps the ultimate German footballer. 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. Rahul Dravid (Ind) Key numbers (from Jan 1, 2000): 130 matches, 10,590 runs at 52.95 The dual Brownlow medalist has been the star of the Dockers for some time, transforming into the league's best contested possession player of the past decade. 1. The level of talent in this tournament -- especially among the top few teams -- is unprecedented. A combination of icy cold finishing and red-hot drive through the centre of the pitch made him utterly unstoppable at his best. 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 . Of course, the criteria for eligibility is totally arbitrary. 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? Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. 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. CHRIS JUDD (WEST COAST EAGLES/CARLTON), 2000-2020 stats: 279 games, 228 goals, 210 Brownlow votes, averaged 22.9 disposals, 2000-2020 CV: Eagles premiership captain, Norm Smith Medallist, two-time Brownlow Medallist, two-time AFLPA MVP, six-time All-All Australian (one as captain), five-time best and fairest. Slow succeeded in a fast environment thanks to the genius flashing behind his eyes. But the major honours soon flowed in after he joined Bayern Munich, winning the league and cup double three times, while he claimed the Premier League crown with Chelsea in 2010. But from that effervescent starlet grew a dependable leader: Spain's reliable backbone through three consecutive international trophies. 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. 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. He shows real poise and is able to scan and find targets, Hawthorn assistant coach Chris Newman said. Haselby himself could hold his head high though with the former No. Buffon broke the world record for a goalkeeper back in 2001, and as of 2022, he is still playing, in a career that has seen him make over 1,000 appearances for clubs and country. He is the very embodiment of the football club. A subscription makes a thoughtful gift for both family and friends. Hawthorn 400-game champion Michael Tuck recently made a bold call, telling Channel 7 he thinks the Hawks can play finals despite having one of the youngest playing lists in the competition. 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. 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. 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. Ablett 2. Since that year it has been a freefall down the ladder. 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. Pictures: Getty Images Defining the greats of any sporting era is a tough ask - but with the AFL on hiatus for. The 8 Best AFL Debut's of the 21st Century TONIGHT AFL and Carlton fans alike will get their first look at prized No. 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. Players whose careers began prior to the year 2000 . Today, we're able to reveal the players you considered to be the greatest bassists of the 21st century (so far). Watch Foxtel in an instant. A complete striker, Aguero put beauty in ball-striking, making an art of finding space around the penalty area. (We've also collated a 12-man list of snubbed players, which you can check out here.) 2010 - Collingwood vs St. Kilda. 12 votes, 77 comments. This list was composed by taking the players with the best careers in the 21st Century (2000-2019). Available now! Can use the ball really well. Itd be a superhuman yet thoroughly well-deserved milestone. He was the Adelaide captain between 2001-2007, he won the AFLPAs best captain in 2005 and 2006. 10 goals, 10 finals, 10 trophies at club level. Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated. Heres how it works. Not only was he playing the first game of his career, but his debut coincided with the first game in GWS Giants history. He was a fast skilful, accurate, hungry and strong onballer for both the Cats and Suns, proving he can lead a team of stars and one with next-to none. And while the no.10 broke through in the 90s, the 21st Century was paved in gold for him. 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. Years active: 2010 - current. Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappe, Salah: The top 100 players of the 21st century ranked Football Football Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappe, Salah: The top 100 players of the 21st century ranked By. Records have fallen, horizons have expanded, and fans have been treated to the best basketball yet. In fact he probably became a wiser and more-rounded player at the Blues. The eight-time All-Australian and six-time Best and Fairest is deep into the twilight of his career, meaning he is a further step closer to being crowned an AFL legend and perhaps the greatest ever. Luke Hodge (Hawthorn) 19. But the trait that defined Voss career was his ferocity at the contest. Its remarkable to reflect on what Mbappe has already achieved in his short career so far - and consider what might still be to come. Posted below are The Independent's 100 best players of the 21st century. 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. But when Brisbane was in the midst of its premiership dynasty, Voss was at the peak of his powers both as a player and, subsequently, as a leader. Makeleles deep-midfield role helped both provide defensive cover for and unlock the attacking talents of his team-mates further up the field. 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. Personally, the late, long-range snap goal from a stoppage in the 2007 preliminary final against Collingwood stands out. 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. Pictures: AFL Photos DOMINANT tap specialist or athletic around-the-ground option? A modern-day Liverpool great, Salahs arrival from Roma in 2017 acted as a catalyst to the Reds outstanding period of success under Jurgen Klopp. 5. That rangy, young Frenchman would soon blossom into one of Europe's most complete midfielders. It shouldnt take away from his outstanding Blues stint, which netted him a second Brownlow Medal and three best and fairests. 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 . With the NRL season shut down and no footy to . Lionel Messi. 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. 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. Three hundred and ninety-one career goals cant be wrong. Please refresh the page and try again. Franklins sensational switch to Sydney, after two flags with the Hawks, was bold on many fronts. It's ironic that Kroos running riot against the Selecao has become the defining image of his career: he's far more restrained, usually. Heres how it works. 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. 'Saint Nick' was everything a coach could ask for in a player. BA1 1UA. I thought it was timely to pick a team of future champions who over the next decade will become the face of the AFL. He may well be the Ballon d'Or's greatest miss, too. Playing Career: 1982, 1984-96 (Haw 1982, Geel 1984-96) Games: 248. Picture: Ian Cugley, Michael Voss led his Lions to three straight premierships. Share, or vent, your thoughts on Facebook or tweet us @FOXFOOTY. AFL: Best 22 of the Brisbane, Geelong, Hawthorn and Richmond dynasties, Mark Robinson | Herald Sun afl tigers - blues - 17/03 Fri 1:40AM cats - magpies - 17/03 Fri 7:45PM kangaroos - Eagles - 17/03 Fri 10:35PM power - lions - 18/03 Sat 1:25AM demons - bulldogs - 18/03 Sat 2:00AM suns - swans - 18/03 Sat 7:10PM giants - crows - 18/03 Sat 9:20PM 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. He is electric. The Victorian Football League-Australian Football League (VFL/AFL) Italian Team of the Century was announced in June 2007. 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. See who made it into Hawthorn's team of the 20th century. 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. Judd 4. Commentators also will have fun with pronouncing or making fun of Mosquito, Tsapatolis, Lukosius, Oea, Bosenavulagi and Uosis. The 21st century has provided a stage for new evolutions in the game of basketball. Powerful yet graceful, explosive yet incredibly footy smart, Buckley at his best was the perfect midfielder. Or why not treat yourself? Espaol. It just seemed he wasnt as dynamic at Carlton compared to his West Coast days, while his ability to hit the scoreboard declined. His move to Carlton raised questions surrounding his ability to perform without a number of stars around him, but his critics were soon silenced. These are guys you want to go out to battle with. A 58-year drought is on track to be broken, according to those close to the club. The 100 best players of the 21st Century: 40-26. Top 20 AFL players of 21st Century. 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. He was also a dangerous goalkicker, punctuated by his 36-goal season in 2002 and a seven-goal haul against Adelaide in early 2004. You must provide an email address to create a Roar account, When using Facebook to create or log in to an account, you need to grant The Roar permission to see your email address, By joining The Roar you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions. This devalues names like Robert Harvey, Scott West and Stephen Silvagni. 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. A player that worked harder than any other, Adam Goodes rise to stardom is a thing of beauty. 21st century accolades: One NBA title, one-time Finals MVP, one-time MVP, 14-time All-Star, four-time 1st Team All-NBA, five-time 2nd Team All-NBA, three-time 3rd Team All-NBA, three-point. 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'. 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. Get the best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. 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! 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. Dirk Nowitzki (basketball) 19. 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. 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). 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. 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. (Weve also collated a 12-man list of snubbed players, which you can check out here.). The players have been selected and ranked based on their 21st century performances only, so any seasons prior to 2000 haven't been considered. THE NUMBERS:27 disposals, 5 clearances, 5 tackles (One of the Greatest Football Players of All Time) 1096. 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.