AFL Players of the Modern Era

The year 1987, with the inclusion of interstate sides and the induction of the AFL proper shortly after, is as good as any to earmark as the start of the modern era. Of the past champions of this great game over the past 25 years and those who currently take to the field every weekend, it is near impossible to choose the best. But, here it is: in no particular order, Sportsbet.com.au Top 5 Greatest Players of the modern era.

Wayne Carey

Considered one of the game’s greats, Wayne Carey’s AFL career spanned 15 years and two clubs. Dubbed ‘King Carey’, he played 272 games, following his debut in 1989. The centre-half forward was renowned for his strong marking ability and unwavering attack at the ball. Elected captain of North Melbourne in 1993, he was the second youngest captain in AFL history, at not yet 22 years of age. Carey was a two-time premiership captain at the Kangaroos (1997, 1999) and his 11 goal haul, 15 marks and 31 possessions against Melbourne in 1999 is regarded as one of the best individual performances by any VFL/AFL player.

A match winner, the media’s catch cry was ‘no Carey, no North.’ Carey’s resume is impressive: seven-time All-Australian (three as captain), Michael Tuck Medallist (1998), five-time club best and fairest, total career goals of 727 and North’s leading goal kicker (1995-96, 1998). Wayne Carey finished his career at Adelaide in 2004 and was inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame in 2010.

Gary Ablett Snr

For 12 years Gary Ablett delighted with his courageous marking and goal sneak abilities. The Geelong stalwart was powerful; regularly evading tackles and booting 60 plus metre goals. Wearing the now famous number five guernsey at Geelong, Ablett debuted in 1984 and played 242 games. Equally brilliant on both sides of his body, he kicked 1021 career goals. Producing 100 goals in three consecutive seasons, no other player in AFL history has achieved such a feat. One of Ablett’s most memorable performances was during the 1989 grand final. He kicked nine goals and one minor. This effort earns him the honour of most goals in a grand final.

For 12 years Gary Ablett delighted with his courageous marking and goal sneak abilities. The Geelong stalwart was powerful; regularly evading tackles and booting 60 plus metre goals. Wearing the now famous number five guernsey at Geelong, Ablett debuted in 1984 and played 242 games. Equally brilliant on both sides of his body, he kicked 1021 career goals. Producing 100 goals in three consecutive seasons, no other player in AFL history has achieved such a feat. One of Ablett’s most memorable performances was during the 1989 grand final. He kicked nine goals and one minor. This effort earns him the honour of most goals in a grand final.

Gary Ablett Jnr

Perhaps Gary Ablett senior’s greatest legacy is his eldest son, Gary Ablett junior. The Gold Coast Suns captain was drafted to Geelong, under the father-son rule at pick number 40 in 2001, Ablett made his debut the following year. Starting out as a small forward, It was not until 2005 that the now midfielder started to show signs of greatness. His standout year was 2007, he averaged 26 possessions a game and 20 Brownlow votes before helping Geelong secure their first flag in 44 years.

Ablett has since gone on to be named Geelong’s best and fairest (2007, 2009), an All Australian Player the past five years (2007-2011), the AFL Player Association’s MVP from 2007-2009 and was awarded the coveted Brownlow Medal in 2009. So consistently good is Ablett, he has featured in the Brownlow Medal top three since 2008.

Ablett is the AFL’s highest paid player, his current contract worth a rumoured $10million over five years. The dual premiership star at Geelong has averaged over 30 possessions a game at his new club, including a record-equalling 53 in his side’s 97-point loss to Collingwood in round 10 this year.

Chris Judd

Former Carlton captain Chris Judd is a true champion of the modern game. Twice bestowed the honour of the AFL’s best and fairest player, wining the Brownlow medal in 2004 and 2010, he placed second in 2009 and third in 2006. Judd started his career with the Eagles in 2002 before moving to current club Carlton as captain in 2008.

There is not much this midfielder hasn’t achieved in his 236 game career to date. A hat-trick of Carlton best and fairest gongs (2008-2010), Norm Smith medallist 2005, five-time All-Australian (2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010 and captain in 2008, AFL Player’s Association MVP 2006, premiership captain when the Eagles won the flag in 2006. His round 19 indiscretion is the only black mark against this gentleman of the game.

Adam Goodes

Drafted at number 43 in the 1997 National Draft, not many could predict the player Adam Goodes was to become. A member of the prestigious 300 game club, Goodes has played some 313 AFL games and this 32 year-old keeps going.

A one club player, Goodes was a member of the historic Swans 2005 premiership team; the clubs first since 1933 and counts the flag among a long list of accolades. A dual Brownlow medallist (2003 and 2006, four-time All Australian, Rising Star (1999), Indigenous Team of the Century and three-time club best and fairest (2003, 2006 and 2011). Despite being one of the oldest players in the league, Goodes, who can play up forward or through the midfield, played all 24 matches in 2011.

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