Throughout the final years of the 1990s,ย AFLย clubs across the land looked backward rather than forward, with selectors, historians and superstars converging to name their Teams of the 20th Century.
So, as we near the quarter-time mark of the 21st century, what better time to run the rule on which players are likely to feature when the selectors of tomorrow get together in several decades' time?
While every club has an array of deadset legends that can be called on, we here at Zero Hanger have employed the following rules of selection:
- Only statistics recorded and achievements accrued since the start of the 2000ย AFLย season will be acknowledged.
- All statistics and awards must have been accrued while playing for the club in question.
- Any player selected must have played at least 100 senior games for their respective club since the start of the 2000ย AFLย season.
Next up, we head to Punt Road to run a rule over the top ten Tigers of the century.
PREVIOUS TOP TENS: CROWS,ย LIONS,ย BLUES,ย PIES,ย BOMBERS,ย DOCKERS,ย CATS,ย SUNS,ย GIANTS,ย HAWKS,DEES,ย ROOS, POWER
9. Shane Edwards (2007-2022)
1 x All-Australian (2018)
3 x premiership player (2017, 2019 and 2020)
303 games, 17 disposals per game, 2.6 clearances per game, 2.6 inside 50s per game
While rarely gilded himself, Edwards' cog proved integral in the Tigers' recent golden run, with the South Australian directing traffic effortlessly from his post ahead of the ball.
Keen on a goal, setting them up, extracting the ball or a tackle or two, 'Shedda' earned his place in the heart of every Richmond fan for never once giving up, nor giving in.
With his place in the Tigers' coveted 300 Club cemented for forever and a day, Edwards' legacy is set to live on for generations.
