Named and famed: The best VFL players of the 21st century

Mindful that it’s 25 years since the revamp of the VFL, the Seven Network commentator and former Casey and Collingwood player suggested an article highlighting the best players in the competition this century.

And he was happy to lend his considerable expertise to the task of naming the best 25, one for each year.

Deal, Nigel.

The calibre of the players selected is perhaps best judged by who was left off the list, rather than who made it.

The great Sandringham wingman David Gallagher, five-time Northern Bullants best and fairest Tommy Wilson, Port Melbourne mainstay “Shooter’’ McMahon, Box Hill Hawks dasher Sam Gibson and Williamstown captain Brett Johnson were among those who had to be marked as “honourable mentions’’.

The selectors – Carmody and a CODE Sports reporter – considered players who were on a VFL list for at least three years.

AND A FEW HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Sam Gibson, Box Hill Hawks

Gibson stayed on at Box Hill Hawks after being bumped off Hawthorn rookie’s list, developed elite endurance, was drafted to North Melbourne and ended up with 135 AFL games.

David Gallagher, Sandringham/Frankston

The speedy and spirited wingman was an essential element of Sandy’s 2004-05-06 premierships, won the best and fairest in 2004 and ’09, and captained the club in 2011.

Brett Johnson, Williamstown

The former Hawthorn and Carlton left-footer was captain of Willy in five of his six seasons at Point Gellibrand and had three top-three finishes in the JJ Liston Trophy.

Kane Lambert, Northern Blues/Williamstown:

Went on to a superb AFL career at Richmond after winning the 2013 Fothergill-Round Medal at the Northern Blues and starring in the 2014 finals for Williamstown.

Tom Wilson, Northern Blues/Northern Bullants/Collingwood

The tenacious Wilson is closing in on his 175th senior game, which will bring VFL life membership and an accolade to go with the five best and fairests he won at Cramer St.

Ben Atkin, Tasmania

Gun running player who was part of the Devils team that competed in the VFL from 2001-08. The image endures of Atkin flying along a wing, not a hair on his head, not an opponent capable of keeping up with him.