Hindsight is a beautiful thing, and in the world of football, we as fans tend to get caught up in the events of days gone by.
Every footy fanatic has that one player that they long to see take the field, however long gone their days of handling a Sherrin may be.
Whether it be Daicos or Doull, Ricciuto or Richardson, fans can usually point to a single figure that captured their imagination during their formative years of watching AFL football.
SEE ALSO: If your AFL team could bring back one player - Part 1
Similar to our 'If your club could steal one player...' series, this trio of pieces will go through all 18 teams in the league, pointing at the weak spots in their best 22 and picking one of four past players to slot into their lineup and remedy their club's ailments.
We continue today with the second six teams of the competition based on alphabetical order.
Option 1: Ron Barassi
The great Ron Barassi is one of the most famous names in the game with his work not just as a successful player, but as an equally successful coach making him a legend of AFL football.
As a player, he won a whopping six flags in his twelve seasons with the Demons from 1953-1964, as well as two club best-and-fairest medals in 1961 and '64.
Aside from his on-field achievements, Barassi was seen as a revolutionary across many aspects of the game. His recruitment to the Demons was the first instance of the 'father-son rule' still in existence today.
Under coach and near surrogate father Norm Smith, Barassi pioneered the ruck-rover role even though he only stood at 179cm tall, wowing opponents with his speed, tenacity and leadership.
Although he went on to controversially switch to the Blues in 1964, Barassi is still heralded as a Melbourne club legend for the incredible successes he brought them in his stint at the club.
Option 2: Robert Flower
Robbie Flower is known by many to have watched him as one of the greatest Dees to ever pull on the red and the blue.
Playing 272 games from 1973 until 1987, Flower had it all - speed, footy smarts, technique - and used it in a period where his club was struggling massively.
'Tulip' managed to finish twice as the club's top goalkicker despite playing the majority of his football from the wing, as well as winning the club's best-and-fairest medal in 1977 and making the All-Australian side on two occasions.
Flower tragically passed away in 2014 at age 59 but is fondly remembered by Demons fans and neutrals alike as a truly wonderful footballer.
Option 3: David Neitz
A shining light through some of the club's darkest years, David Neitz was one of the most solid performers throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
Winning the Coleman Medal and Keith Truscott Medal in his career-best year of 2002, Neitz finished with 82 goals from 24 games as he guided his side to a semi-final appearance.
The Tasmanian-born forward finished his career with 306 games and 631 goals, holding the record for most games by any Melbourne player ever and cementing his spot as a certified club great.
Option 4: Jeff Farmer
Jeff Farmer wasn't a player who earned much silverware throughout his career, however, his nickname 'The Wizard' says a lot about the player he was.
Booting 259 goals in 118 games for the Demons, Farmer was a pure excitement machine and delivered on most days he'd step out for the red and the blue.
Arguably his best display ever came against the Pies in Round 14, 2000 when he booted a mind-boggling nine second-half goals after a dead silent first two quarters, showing his magician-like characteristics to bring home the win for his side.
He was traded to the Dockers at the conclusion of season 2001 but is fondly remembered for the astonishing moments he created during his time at the Dees.
Verdict
With the midfield Melbourne possesses at the minute, you'd have to be something truly special to work your way into it. However, their outside mids in Langdon and Brayshaw surely couldn't keep their spot in the side if the great Robbie Flower was knocking on the door for selection.
His poise with and without the footy would be an incredible addition to Simon Goodwin's side, even though it seems like they can't improve based on their astonishing grand final display. Flower's presence would surely guarantee the Dees the next few flags - if some fans hadn't proclaimed they would already.
