With our picks for the best defensive groups that never overlapped in the AFL era in the books, it is now time to shift our focus to the opposite end of the field.
When we think about the game's greatest highlights, it is usually the men in the goal square that acted as architects.
When we as fans cast our minds back to the first numbers we ever had stitched onto our replica jumpers, it was usually the full forward's digits that we selected.
They are the men that keep both the scoreboard and the turnstiles ticking.
With the AFL era now 32 years old (1990 to the present day), we here at Zero Hanger have decided to select a group of club greats on each line whose careers never overlapped.
As with our group of defenders, here are the ground rules for selection:
1. Three players must be selected from each club.
2. Even if they have played for multiple clubs, no player can be selected on the list of two teams.
3. All players must have played at least a portion of their careers from 1990 onwards.
4. As mentioned, no player can have played an in-season match with any of their colleagues during their time at their selected club.
For example, should Jason Dunstall be selected for Hawthorn, then all of his forward line friends from 1985 to 1998 will fail our criteria.
With that in mind, here is our best stab.
Let us know how we have gone and which clubs you feel have fared best.
Essendon
Paul Vander Haar – 1977-1990 (201 games and 278 goals)
Although synonymous with a previous era, Paul Vander Haar did in fact end his days in boots during the AFL era.
For those unfamiliar with the ‘Flying Dutchman's' work, it is best evidenced here with his high marking capabilities.
Vander Haar also won back-to-back flags with the Dons in 1984 and '85 and represented Victoria on three occasions.
However, with only 17 of his 201 games and 18 of his 278 goals coming in the 90s, a strong case could be made against his selection.
Still, it is worth remembering that due to the longevity of other listed champions, names like Vander Haar become necessary.
Matthew Lloyd – 1995-2009 (270 games and 926 goals)
Should you be tasked with compiling a list of great Essendon forwards, there are two standout names that spring to mind. When this list is confined to just the AFL era, only one remains – Matthew Lloyd.
With an average of 3.42 goals a game, 12 club leading goalkicker titles, five All-Australian selections, three Coleman medals, a flag and the most goals in Essendon's history, it is not hard to see why he is in a league of his own.
Aside from these honours, Lloyd's finest hours came when he twice surpassed the 100-goal mark in 2000 and 2001 respectively.
Heartbreakingly, Lloyd also finished with season totals in the 90s on another pair of occasions.
Joe Daniher – 2013-2020 (108 games and 191 goals)
Of the Essendon's forwards that debuted following Lloyd's retirement, Joe Daniher is without doubt the finest.
In his time as a Bomber, Daniher lead all other Dons' goal scorers for four consecutive years between 2014 and 2017.
The lanky key forward also managed a Crichton medal and All-Australian honours in the latter year.
Although his family is intrinsically linked with the Essendon Football Club, there is no telling what kind of reception Daniher can expect to receive when he and his Lions face off against the Bombers in Round 5.
