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:ย If your AFL team could bring back one player - Part 1
SEE ALSO: If your AFL team could bring back one player - Part 2
Similar to ourย 'If your club could steal one player...'ย 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 conclude today with the last six teams of the competition based on alphabetical order.
Sydney
Option 1: Bob Skilton
Bobby Skilton is arguably the greatest Blood to ever pull on the red and the white, making a mockery of his opponents on many an occasion.
'Chimp' was toughness personified, suffering many injuries as a result of his unwillingness to shirk a contest. Skilton was the third player ever to win three Brownlow Medals and won a stunning nine South Melbourne best-and-fairest medals over the course of his 16-years of VFL football.
His most admirable trait, however, was his ability to kick with either foot, so much so that it was alleged that opponents often were unsure which was his strong foot considering they both offered so much.
Skilton was named at rover in the AFL Team of the Century with the Sydney best-and-fairest medal is named after him, emphasising the profound effect that his footballing career had on the club.
Option 2: Gerard Healyย
Melbourne-born midfielder Gerard Healy only had a short stint in Sydney, however, he cemented himself as a club great in the 81 games he played in the harbour city.
Healy moved to the Swans in 1986, winning three All-Australian blazers and three Bob Skilton Medals in the years that followed, as well as his first and only Brownlow Medal in 1988.
Such was the impact that Healy had in Sydney, he was inducted into the club's Team of the Century lineup in 2003. There is no question that his best footy was played in the Harbour City, often cycling between midfield and attack and getting on the scoreboard whenever needed.
Healy finished his career with 276 goals from 211 appearances and is remembered as one of the all-time great Swans of the 80s.
Option 3: Adam Goodes
One of the champions of the modern game, Adam Goodes was an incredibly successful presence during his career at the Swans.
Goodes' large frame gave him the ability to drift in many positions, often going from the forward-line to defence and even in the ruck. This versatility earned him many plaudits, however, more importantly, won him many awards.
A dual premiership player and Brownlow medallist, Goodes racked up three Bob Skilton Medals and three All-Australian blazers as well as playing in 372 games for the Swans across 17-seasons at AFL level.
Despite the booing controversy late on in his career marring what should have been a celebrated end to his days in boots, Goodes is fondly remembered by most for what he gave to the Swans in his star-studded career.
Option 4: Greg Williams
The ever-controversial Greg 'Diesel' Williams takes out the last place on this list, with the serial ball-winner a staple in the Sydney side for his five years at the club.
Williams' main trait was his distribution by hand, being described on multiple occasions as one of the finest masters of the art the game had ever seen. A dual Brownlow medallist - one with Sydney and one with Carlton - Williams won two All-Australian blazers at the Swans, however, never secured a Bob Skilton Medal during his time in the Harbour City.
Although he was by no means physically gifted, his shortfalls were plastered over by his footballing intelligence, with 'Diesel' now holding a place in the Sydney Team of the Century.
Verdict
The Swans are spoilt for choice in midfield as of current, with the side's youngsters coming into their own during season 2021. However, the tough, two-footed Bob Skilton would elevate their midfield brigade to the next level if he were to enter the doors at Sydney today.
With the departure of George Hewett to the Blues, Skilton could occupy the centre role and use his insane speed to burst out of the centre and hit up the likes of Lance Franklin down in attack. It's no stretch to say that Skilton could be the final piece in the Swans puzzle to put them in premiership contention instantly.
