Top 20 Demons 1987-2020

[Demonland 73,136]

1. GARRY LYON

Forget the stretcher jibes, Lyon was a genuine superstar of the competition throughout the early to mid 90s. Smart, agile and powerful, the team-lifting skipper saved games when he was flung into defence under John Northey early in his career. But he reached even greater heights as an inspirational forward, snagging 157 goals combined across 1994 and 1995. A natural leader, Lyon earned three All-Australian guernseys and two club champion trophies. Cruelly, back and hamstring injuries robbed him of two of his prime years and cost him further reverence.

Key stat: 10 – the number of goals he kicked in the 1994 semi-final against Footscray

2. JIM STYNES

What a story. The Irishman was 18 and barely knew Australian rules when he first responded to an ad in a local newspaper and jumped on a plane to Melbourne. Once here, Stynes made a huge impact, helping redefine the role of the ruckman with his extraordinary running power. He took out the Brownlow Medal, for his outstanding 1991 season when he averaged 26 possessions a game. And his durability became legendary. Stynes bravely brushed off significant injuries, including a broken rib and medial ligament tear, throughout his unbroken run of 244 games between 1987 and 1998. A two-time All-Australian and two-time best and fairest winner, Stynes was arguably an even bigger icon post his playing days with his inspired money-raising days as club president and work for youth organisation Reach, followed by his life-ending battle with cancer.

Key stat: 5 – the number of votes he won the Brownlow Medal by.

3. DAVID NEITZ

It was in defence that the Tasmanian excelled early. He shut down a young Wayne Carey and earned All-Australian honours in 1995 for his efforts in the back half. But he was even more suited to attack and once Lyon retired, Neitz went on to lead Melbourne’s goal kicking on seven occasions and took out the Coleman Medal in 2002 for snagging 75 majors. Holds the record for most games played (306) and most games as captain (175) for Melbourne.

Key stat: 631 – goals kicked for Melbourne

4. MAX GAWN

Don’t be surprised if Gawn tops this list by the end of his career. Despite two knee reconstructions and a relaxed approach early on, Gawn has become one of the competition’s most dominant ruckmen. The 208cm giant already has three All-Australian guernseys – the equal most at the Demons with Lyon, and was voted the player of the year by the AFL coaches in 2018. Incredibly popular for his larrikin nature. Only blemish is his set shot goal kicking but can clean that up.

Key stat: 40 – Average hit-outs a game last season

5. TODD VINEY 

Much like his son Jack, Todd Viney was a tough as nails midfielder who gave up a promising junior tennis career to pursue footy. But he made such a big impression on his club from the outset that Viney was made vice-captain of Melbourne in only his second season in 1988. Uncompromising in his attack on the ball, Viney won two best and fairests in 1994 and 1998. Missed the 1996 season when he had a brief stint as Mark Philippoussis’ fitness coach. Team of the century member.

Key stat: 17 – number of finals played.

6. DAVID SCHWARZ

His 1994 season was something special, when the gun forward took league high 173 marks for the season, ahead of champions Wayne Carey, Stephen Kernahan and Chris Grant. That year, he booted nine goals against Sydney to help guide the Dees’ lethal forward line to a preliminary final against West Coast. But Schwarz lost some of that mercurial spring and mobility when he suffered three knee reconstructions in less than 18 months. He relied more on brute strength in his comeback and still won a best and fairest in 1999.

Key stat: 60 – goals kicked in 1994.

7. BRETT LOVETT

Every club has its dour, no-frills type, but Lovett just played the percentages better than anyone and invariably shut down key players including Peter Daicos. He moved into the midfield for the 1990 season and almost won a Brownlow Medal behind Tony Liberatore. Was named in the team of the year three times and was Melbourne’s best player in the 1988 Grand Final loss to Hawthorn.

Key stat: 20 – Number of possessions in the ’88 Grand Final loss.

8. ADEM YZE

The silky skilled left-footer burst on to the scene kicking five goals in only his 19th game. Mostly though, the slick playmaker carved out a supremely consistent career on the back flank and wing. Was regarded as being one of the best kicks in the competition as he helped guide Melbourne to a Grand Final in 2000. Played 226 straight games. Best and fairest winner in 2001 and All-Australian in 2002.

Key stat: 271 – Games played, the fourth-most at Melbourne.

9. JEFF FARMER

‘The Wizard’ excited Melbourne fans like few others. Only played 118 games for the Dees, but was mega-popular from the day he handballed to an unsuspecting Garry Lyon in the goalsquare in his first year. An All-Australian in 2000 when he booted 76 goals to help spark the Dees to the Grand Final. The spectacular campaign included a nine-goal haul in the second half against Collingwood and eight snags against North Melbourne in the preliminary final. Took a huge hanger on Lyon’s back.

Key stat: 17 – the draft pick Melbourne received when it traded Farmer to Fremantle

10. NATHAN JONES 

Hard nut midfielder has played his heart out for Melbourne through some of its darkest days. Bashed and crashed onball and then moved out on to a wing in recent years to allow Clayton Oliver and co. to take over. The three-time best and fairest winner has remained incredibly loyal to stay at the Dees. COVID-19 may deny him the chance to become only the second Demon to crack 300 games.

Key stat: 11 – Number of seasons in between finals appearances

11. SEAN WIGHT

Melbourne’s other gun Irishman was a key member of John Northey’s sides with his dash from defence, high-flying spoils and big grabs pivotal. Fast and strong, Wight always posed a tough challenge for one of the game’s greatest forwards, Gary Ablett Sr. Injuries cost him major honours before lung cancer took his life way too early.

Key stat: 7 – Number of goals he kicked in his first four games.

12. AARON DAVEY

His chase-down tackling was one of the most exciting elements in the game when he lit up the Dees’ forward line in his debut 2004 season. The former rookie posed a huge threat in attack with his blinding speed, repeat tackling efforts and nous around goals. Represented Australia twice, won the best-and-fairest moving into the midfield in 2009 and was second in the Rising Star in 2004.

Key stat: 7 – Times he topped 30 possessions in his career-best 2009 season

13. STEPHEN TINGAY

The game-breaking wingman was a weapon on the wing until injuries curtailed career. “Stinga” helped guide Melbourne to the night grand final win in 1989 but fell through a plate-glass window the following year which caused some permanent problems. Tingay peaked in 1994 when he was All-Australian and second in the best-and-fairest.

Key stat: 1 – How many possessions it took to kick his first goal

14. RUSSELL ROBERTSON 

Jack-in-the-box full forward ranks third for goals at Melbourne after slotting 428 majors across 228 matches. He was first spotted taking a screamer for Burnie on the Footy Show’s Almost Footy Legends segment and made a regular habit of reeling in spectacular high marks. While he was often pitted against bigger and stronger key defenders, his spring and deadly set shot made him one of the AFL’s most exciting talents, winning the best-and-fairest in 2003.

Key stat: 75 – Number of goals he kicked in 2005.

15. JEFF WHITE 

Almost gets lost in the reckoning behind Stynes and Gawn, but White was the glue in the middle for a decade after transferring home from Fremantle. The athletic 195cm big man led the competition for hit-outs in 2000 and 2002 and was judged Melbourne’s best player in their 60-point thumping from Essendon in the 2000 Grand Final. All-Australian and best-and-fairest in 2004.

Key stat: 561 – His tally of hitouts in 2002.

16. BRAD GREEN 

Talented sportsman from Tasmania chose footy over soccer and cricket and played at least 20 games in eight of his first nine AFL seasons. It included a five-goal performance in the qualifying final against Carlton in his first season, but Green’s exquisite kicking skills were an asset all over the ground throughout his 254-game career. Booted 350 goals and was captain at one of the club’s toughest times in 2011. Best-and-fairest and leading goal kicker in 2010.

Key stat: 55 – Number of goals he booted in 2010

17. CAMERON BRUCE 

A Mr fix-it midfielder always looked to have more time than most players with his nonchalant sidesteps. He had a huge 2006 when the Dees were Victoria’s top-placed team and won the best-and-fairest in 2008. Started out as a tagger but became a ball magnet.

Key stat: 8 – Number of Brownlow Medal votes he polled in the first three games of 2005

18. SHANE WOEWODIN

An inspired choice as pre-season draft pick from WA,‘Woey’ blossomed from a dour defender to become a midfield running machine who surprised many winning the Brownlow Medal in 2000. Extraordinarily disciplined in his off-field approach. Traded to Collingwood.

Key stat: 22 – Number of possessions he averaged in 2000.

19. CLAYTON OLIVER 

This natural ball-hunter is going to be well inside the top-10 by career’s end. Oliver’s hands and vision in traffic are superb, even if he is still learning to balance his game. Was All-Australian in his third year and has two club champion trophies already. Averaged 28 disposals across his first 83 games and led the league in contested possessions last year.

Key stat: 44 – Number of disposals in Round 2 against Geelong last year

20. ALLEN JAKOVICH 

Flamboyant full-forward had one of the most remarkable careers in AFL history, bagging 208 goals in just 54 games. Dominated leading out of the goalsquare and was a cult figure, but his professionalism, fitness and team play drew criticism. Kicked eight goals in his last game for Melbourne before a back problem halted his career.

Key stat: 9 – Number of games it took him to kick his first 50 career goals

[Vineytime 854]

Don’t agree with Lyon at 1., Neitz for mine. 
sean wight to low, green to high. 
Everything else ?

[whatwhat say what 22,909]

yeah, neitz for me too

top 3 would defo be him, stynes, and lyon

Edited April 7, 2020 by whatwhatsaywhat

[The Swimming Dee 1,904]

Neitz, Stynes, then Lyon

[bragswoewodin 17]

Can’t see Brett Lovett in the top 10 and would struggle to have him in the top 20. A pure stats pick for mine. Glenn Lovett would be top 10 if he had played more.

Neitz definitely 1 on talent and durability, but in saying that Lyon and Stynes right behind him.

[darkhorse72 1,925]

It has to be Lyon as he is the only player on the list that to lift himself above others and impose himself on a game  through talent and sheer will and win it.  Lots of talent on the list but that is what separates Lyon from the others and the type of player we have missed, as the others often only have cameo's.  

[MyFavouriteMartian 572]

1 hour ago, Demonland said:

1. GARRY LYON

Forget the stretcher jibes, Lyon was a genuine superstar of the competition throughout the early to mid 90s. Smart, agile and powerful, the team-lifting skipper saved games when he was flung into defence under John Northey early in his career. But he reached even greater heights as an inspirational forward, snagging 157 goals combined across 1994 and 1995. A natural leader, Lyon earned three All-Australian guernseys and two club champion trophies. Cruelly, back and hamstring injuries robbed him of two of his prime years and cost him further reverence.

Key stat: 10 – the number of goals he kicked in the 1994 semi-final against Footscray

2. JIM STYNES

What a story. The Irishman was 18 and barely knew Australian rules when he first responded to an ad in a local newspaper and jumped on a plane to Melbourne. Once here, Stynes made a huge impact, helping redefine the role of the ruckman with his extraordinary running power. He took out the Brownlow Medal, for his outstanding 1991 season when he averaged 26 possessions a game. And his durability became legendary. Stynes bravely brushed off significant injuries, including a broken rib and medial ligament tear, throughout his unbroken run of 244 games between 1987 and 1998. A two-time All-Australian and two-time best and fairest winner, Stynes was arguably an even bigger icon post his playing days with his inspired money-raising days as club president and work for youth organisation Reach, followed by his life-ending battle with cancer.

Key stat: 5 – the number of votes he won the Brownlow Medal by.

3. DAVID NEITZ

It was in defence that the Tasmanian excelled early. He shut down a young Wayne Carey and earned All-Australian honours in 1995 for his efforts in the back half. But he was even more suited to attack and once Lyon retired, Neitz went on to lead Melbourne’s goal kicking on seven occasions and took out the Coleman Medal in 2002 for snagging 75 majors. Holds the record for most games played (306) and most games as captain (175) for Melbourne.

Key stat: 631 – goals kicked for Melbourne

4. MAX GAWN.

Don’t be surprised if Gawn tops this list by the end of his career. Despite two knee reconstructions and a relaxed approach early on, Gawn has become one of the competition’s most dominant ruckmen. The 208cm giant already has three All-Australian guernseys – the equal most at the Demons with Lyon, and was voted the player of the year by the AFL coaches in 2018. Incredibly popular for his larrikin nature. Only blemish is his set shot goal kicking but can clean that up.

Key stat: 40 – Average hit-outs a game last season

5. TODD VINEY 

Much like his son Jack, Todd Viney was a tough as nails midfielder who gave up a promising junior tennis career to pursue footy. But he made such a big impression on his club from the outset that Viney was made vice-captain of Melbourne in only his second season in 1988. Uncompromising in his attack on the ball, Viney won two best and fairests in 1994 and 1998. Missed the 1996 season when he had a brief stint as Mark Philippoussis’ fitness coach. Team of the century member.

Key stat: 17 – number of finals played.

6. DAVID SCHWARZ

His 1994 season was something special, when the gun forward took league high 173 marks for the season, ahead of champions Wayne Carey, Stephen Kernahan and Chris Grant. That year, he booted nine goals against Sydney to help guide the Dees’ lethal forward line to a preliminary final against West Coast. But Schwarz lost some of that mercurial spring and mobility when he suffered three knee reconstructions in less than 18 months. He relied more on brute strength in his comeback and still won a best and fairest in 1999.

Key stat: 60 – goals kicked in 1994.

7. BRETT LOVETT

Every club has its dour, no-frills type, but Lovett just played the percentages better than anyone and invariably shut down key players including Peter Daicos. He moved into the midfield for the 1990 season and almost won a Brownlow Medal behind Tony Liberatore. Was named in the team of the year three times and was Melbourne’s best player in the 1988 Grand Final loss to Hawthorn.

Key stat: 20 – Number of possessions in the ’88 Grand Final loss.

8. ADEM YZE

The silky skilled left-footer burst on to the scene kicking five goals in only his 19th game. Mostly though, the slick playmaker carved out a supremely consistent career on the back flank and wing. Was regarded as being one of the best kicks in the competition as he helped guide Melbourne to a Grand Final in 2000. Played 226 straight games. Best and fairest winner in 2001 and All-Australian in 2002.

Key stat: 271 – Games played, the fourth-most at Melbourne.

9. JEFF FARMER

‘The Wizard’ excited Melbourne fans like few others. Only played 118 games for the Dees, but was mega-popular from the day he handballed to an unsuspecting Garry Lyon in the goalsquare in his first year. An All-Australian in 2000 when he booted 76 goals to help spark the Dees to the Grand Final. The spectacular campaign included a nine-goal haul in the second half against Collingwood and eight snags against North Melbourne in the preliminary final. Took a huge hanger on Lyon’s back.

Key stat: 17 – the draft pick Melbourne received when it traded Farmer to Fremantle

10. NATHAN JONES 

Hard nut midfielder has played his heart out for Melbourne through some of its darkest days. Bashed and crashed onball and then moved out on to a wing in recent years to allow Clayton Oliver and co. to take over. The three-time best and fairest winner has remained incredibly loyal to stay at the Dees. COVID-19 may deny him the chance to become only the second Demon to crack 300 games.

Key stat: 11 – Number of seasons in between finals appearances

11. SEAN WIGHT

Melbourne’s other gun Irishman was a key member of John Northey’s sides with his dash from defence, high-flying spoils and big grabs pivotal. Fast and strong, Wight always posed a tough challenge for one of the game’s greatest forwards, Gary Ablett Sr. Injuries cost him major honours before lung cancer took his life way too early.

Key stat: 7 – Number of goals he kicked in his first four games.

12. AARON DAVEY

His chase-down tackling was one of the most exciting elements in the game when he lit up the Dees’ forward line in his debut 2004 season. The former rookie posed a huge threat in attack with his blinding speed, repeat tackling efforts and nous around goals. Represented Australia twice, won the best-and-fairest moving into the midfield in 2009 and was second in the Rising Star in 2004.

Key stat: 7 – Times he topped 30 possessions in his career-best 2009 season

13. STEPHEN TINGAY

The game-breaking wingman was a weapon on the wing until injuries curtailed career. “Stinga” helped guide Melbourne to the night grand final win in 1989 but fell through a plate-glass window the following year which caused some permanent problems. Tingay peaked in 1994 when he was All-Australian and second in the best-and-fairest.

Key stat: 1 – How many possessions it took to kick his first goal

14. RUSSELL ROBERTSON 

Jack-in-the-box full forward ranks third for goals at Melbourne after slotting 428 majors across 228 matches. He was first spotted taking a screamer for Burnie on the Footy Show’s Almost Footy Legends segment and made a regular habit of reeling in spectacular high marks. While he was often pitted against bigger and stronger key defenders, his spring and deadly set shot made him one of the AFL’s most exciting talents, winning the best-and-fairest in 2003.

Key stat: 75 – Number of goals he kicked in 2005.

15. JEFF WHITE 

Almost gets lost in the reckoning behind Stynes and Gawn, but White was the glue in the middle for a decade after transferring home from Fremantle. The athletic 195cm big man led the competition for hit-outs in 2000 and 2002 and was judged Melbourne’s best player in their 60-point thumping from Essendon in the 2000 Grand Final. All-Australian and best-and-fairest in 2004.

Key stat: 561 – His tally of hitouts in 2002.

16. BRAD GREEN 

Talented sportsman from Tasmania chose footy over soccer and cricket and played at least 20 games in eight of his first nine AFL seasons. It included a five-goal performance in the qualifying final against Carlton in his first season, but Green’s exquisite kicking skills were an asset all over the ground throughout his 254-game career. Booted 350 goals and was captain at one of the club’s toughest times in 2011. Best-and-fairest and leading goal kicker in 2010.

Key stat: 55 – Number of goals he booted in 2010

17. CAMERON BRUCE 

A Mr fix-it midfielder always looked to have more time than most players with his nonchalant sidesteps. He had a huge 2006 when the Dees were Victoria’s top-placed team and won the best-and-fairest in 2008. Started out as a tagger but became a ball magnet.

Key stat: 8 – Number of Brownlow Medal votes he polled in the first three games of 2005

18. SHANE WOEWODIN

An inspired choice as pre-season draft pick from WA,‘Woey’ blossomed from a dour defender to become a midfield running machine who surprised many winning the Brownlow Medal in 2000. Extraordinarily disciplined in his off-field approach. Traded to Collingwood.

Key stat: 22 – Number of possessions he averaged in 2000.

19. CLAYTON OLIVER 

This natural ball-hunter is going to be well inside the top-10 by career’s end. Oliver’s hands and vision in traffic are superb, even if he is still learning to balance his game. Was All-Australian in his third year and has two club champion trophies already. Averaged 28 disposals across his first 83 games and led the league in contested possessions last year.

Key stat: 44 – Number of disposals in Round 2 against Geelong last year

20. ALLEN JAKOVICH 

Flamboyant full-forward had one of the most remarkable careers in AFL history, bagging 208 goals in just 54 games. Dominated leading out of the goalsquare and was a cult figure, but his professionalism, fitness and team play drew criticism. Kicked eight goals in his last game for Melbourne before a back problem halted his career.

Key stat: 9 – Number of games it took him to kick his first 50 career goals

1. GARRY LYON.

Key stat: 10 – the number of goals he kicked in the 1994 semi-final against Footscray

5. TODD VINEY.

Viney was made vice-captain of Melbourne in only his second season in 1988.

Key stat: 17 – number of finals played.

10. NATHAN JONES.

Key stat: 11 – Number of seasons in between finals appearances

6. DAVID SCHWARZ.

His 1994 season was something special, when the gun forward took league high 173 marks for the season, ahead of champions Wayne Carey, Stephen Kernahan and Chris Grant. That year, he booted nine goals against Sydney to help guide the Dees’ lethal forward line to a preliminary final against West Coast.

3. DAVID NEITZ.

Key stat: 631 – goals kicked for Melbourne

4. MAX GAWN.

Key stat: 40 – Average hit-outs a game last season

11. SEAN WIGHT.

Key stat: 7 – Number of goals he kicked in his first four games.

2. JIM STYNES.

Key stat: 5 – the number of votes he won the Brownlow Medal by.

7. BRETT LOVETT.

Key stat: 20 – Number of possessions in the ’88 Grand Final loss.

*Steven Febey.

*Matty Whelan.

*Ricky Jackson.

9. JEFF FARMER.

Key stat: 17 – the draft pick Melbourne received when it traded Farmer to Fremantle
8. ADEM YZE.

Key stat: 271 – Games played, the fourth-most at Melbourne.

16. BRAD GREEN.

Key stat: 55 – Number of goals he booted in 2010

13. STEPHEN TINGAY.

Key stat: 1 – How many possessions it took to kick his first goal

20. ALLEN JAKOVICH.
Key stat: 9 – Number of games it took him to kick his first 50 career goals

15. JEFF WHITE.

Key stat: 561 – His tally of hitouts in 2002.

18. SHANE WOEWODIN.

Key stat: 22 – Number of possessions he averaged in 2000.

17. CAMERON BRUCE.

Key stat: 8 – Number of Brownlow Medal votes he polled in the first three games of 2005

12. AARON DAVEY.

Key stat: 7 – Times he topped 30 possessions in his career-best 2009 season
14. RUSSELL ROBERTSON.

Key stat: 75 – Number of goals he kicked in 2005.

19. CLAYTON OLIVER. TBCtnd.

Key stat: 44 – Number of disposals in Round 2 against Geelong last year

 

fb: Matty Whelan, Sean Wight, Cameron Bruce

hb: Shane Woewodin, David Neitz, Steven Febey

cl: Brad Green, Brett Lovett, Stephen Tingay

hf: Adem Yze, David Schwartz, Ricky Jackson

ff: Jeff Farmer, Garry Lyon, Jim Stynes

 

foll: Max Gawn, Clayton Oliver, Todd Viney

 

Int from: Nathan Jones,  Aaron Davey,  Russell Robertson,  Jeff White,  Allen Jakovich

[Swooper1987 3,322]

Cannot believe James McDonald is not on this list.  He'd surely be top 10.  Inspirational skipper,  AA midfielder and probably the most courageous player I've seen in red and blue.  A definite for this list if ever there was one.  And also happy to see Lyon at 1.  He was a sensational player.

[MyFavouriteMartian 572]

1 hour ago, Swooper1987 said:

Cannot believe James McDonald is not on this list.  He'd surely be top 10.  Inspirational skipper,  AA midfielder and probably the most courageous player I've seen in red and blue.  A definite for this list if ever there was one.  And also happy to see Lyon at 1.  He was a sensational player.

Yes,  absolutely swoop. Clean forgot him.  He was always such an unpretentious player.  Going about his business quietly.

[rjay 25,063]

Flower did play in '87 so that automatically makes him number one.

..but he does say since '87, not including.

There's a reason for this and it's not an arbitrary date.

The real question is who is our best player since Robbie retired?

Edited April 7, 2020 by rjay

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,906]

Memory plays tricks, but I would have the same top four in the same order. All players have off days, but I seem to recall more disappointing games from Neitz than the other two. 

[Laughing Goat 308]

13 hours ago, bragswoewodin said:

Can’t see Brett Lovett in the top 10 and would struggle to have him in the top 20. A pure stats pick for mine. Glenn Lovett would be top 10 if he had played more.

Neitz definitely 1 on talent and durability, but in saying that Lyon and Stynes right behind him.

Brett Lovett is easily in the top 10 in my opinion & whilst I liked watching G Lovett, Brett was a much more reliable & durable player. He also played in a much more demanding position (HB) on high mobile half forwards.

Stynes easily number 1. 

[Deemania since 56 6,715]

9 hours ago, rjay said:

Flower did play in '87 so that automatically makes him number one.

..but he does say since '87, not including.

There's a reason for this and it's not an arbitrary date.

The real question is who is our best player since Robbie retired?

Yep, Robbie was the best player in my lifetime - with L Mattews and M Blight following up in sequence. For the MFC since Robbie, it would be more than difficult to rank those mentioned above in any agreed sequence. Heart and soul says to me, the following first three: Lyon, Stynes, The Ox.

[picket fence 17,479]

10 hours ago, rjay said:

Flower did play in '87 so that automatically makes him number one.

..but he does say since '87, not including.

There's a reason for this and it's not an arbitrary date.

The real question is who is our best player since Robbie retired?

The fact that the National Competetition began in 1987 should therefore include that season

Rob Flower 's last year and so he should be NO1

Schwarz was a better player than Gary Lyon.

James Mc Donald a better player than Brad Green and or Cameron Bruce

Clarry Choo Choo too low

Brett Lovett always one of first picked for the big V

Not sure Todd Viney gets a gig I reckon Glenn Lovett was a better player when not injured!

Steve Tingay to low

Shaun Wight should be lower

Edited April 8, 2020 by picket fence

[poita 3,902]

I was sure that Neitz or Stynes would be number 1, but I fully agree with having Lyon at the top. He is clearly the best MFC player I have seen, and played better in the big games than either Neitz or Stynes.

Stynes is a tough one for me - he did a lot of things really well and it is a great story, but did he actually win games of football for the team?

I'd have Viney, Yze, White and Schwarz ahead of Gawn at this point - Max has still only played three full seasons of football and a few that have been interrupted by injury. 

For sheer talent Schwarz would be number 1 and his 1994 season was the best I have seen by a MFC player. Neitz and Stynes only get him for longevity and consistency.

S.Febey and J.McDonald should both clearly be on that list. Febey for sustained excellence over a long period as the only player on the list that was part of the Northey, Balme and Daniher eras. McDonald for two B&F victories and for being one of our two All Australian midfielders in the past 20 years.

 

[loges 6,767]

55 minutes ago, Laughing Goat said:

Brett Lovett is easily in the top 10 in my opinion & whilst I liked watching G Lovett, Brett was a much more reliable & durable player. He also played in a much more demanding position (HB) on high mobile half forwards.

Stynes easily number 1. 

Brett Lovett absolutely top 10

[roy11 3,893]

This is what Scott Pendlebury had to say

 

"1. Neitz 2.stynes 3 Lyon 4 N. Jones 5 . Gawn 6 Schwarz 7 Yze 8 farmer 9 Bruce 10 white 11 green 12 junior Mcdonald 13 woewodin 14 robbo 15 Oliver 16 tingay 17 T Viney 18 Lovett 19 Febey 20 Nicholson. Prob missed a few but there ya go old mate"

 

Always find player opinions interesting. 

[Demon3 2,541]

Im a big Lyon fan,, its no secret. You could easily mount a case for Neita to be Number 1. I would have had Lyon -1 Neitz 2 for what its worth, purely on Lyon's big game ability. He was a ferocious competitor and a great captain, had sublime skills, could play almost every position on teh ground... The exact player we need today, and that is not taking anything away from Neitz, only player to play 300, a coleman medal, a great backmen, a great forward, strong, well liked. Its close. 

 

Ox would have been teh best player in the competition let alone Dees had it not been for his knees. 

[Swooper1987 3,322]

13 minutes ago, roy11 said:

This is what Scott Pendlebury had to say

 

"1. Neitz 2.stynes 3 Lyon 4 N. Jones 5 . Gawn 6 Schwarz 7 Yze 8 farmer 9 Bruce 10 white 11 green 12 junior Mcdonald 13 woewodin 14 robbo 15 Oliver 16 tingay 17 T Viney 18 Lovett 19 Febey 20 Nicholson. Prob missed a few but there ya go old mate"

 

Always find player opinions interesting. 

A Demon fan as a young bloke was Pendles.  He'd have a fair idea.

[Docs Demons 1,792]

2 hours ago, poita said:

I was sure that Neitz or Stynes would be number 1, but I fully agree with having Lyon at the top. He is clearly the best MFC player I have seen, and played better in the big games than either Neitz or Stynes.

Stynes is a tough one for me - he did a lot of things really well and it is a great story, but did he actually win games of football for the team?

I'd have Viney, Yze, White and Schwarz ahead of Gawn at this point - Max has still only played three full seasons of football and a few that have been interrupted by injury. 

For sheer talent Schwarz would be number 1 and his 1994 season was the best I have seen by a MFC player. Neitz and Stynes only get him for longevity and consistency.

S.Febey and J.McDonald should both clearly be on that list. Febey for sustained excellence over a long period as the only player on the list that was part of the Northey, Balme and Daniher eras. McDonald for two B&F victories and for being one of our two All Australian midfielders in the past 20 years.

 

Have to agree Poita on Schwarz. I am convinced if he had stayed healthy all the footy public would be speaking of him in terms of G Ablett senior. He could have/would have been an absolute champion of the game if those knees didn't buckle on him.

[Grimes Times 1,278]

16 hours ago, bragswoewodin said:

Can’t see Brett Lovett in the top 10 and would struggle to have him in the top 20. A pure stats pick for mine. Glenn Lovett would be top 10 if he had played more.

Neitz definitely 1 on talent and durability, but in saying that Lyon and Stynes right behind him.

How much did you see Brett play. Easily in the best 20.

[Diamond_Jim 12,624]

Aaron Davey redefined football with his defensive tackling in the forward line. He probably had more influence on the modern game than any other.

While this does not make him the best he was probably the most influential.

Cannot see how Nathan Jones gets a mention and while I love Gawn he is playing in a time where his style is less than crucial. Maybe Jeff White was better in his own way but the game was so different.

[drdrake 3,185]

If only we could have kept guys fit.  Ox would be number 1 by a mile if his body stayed sound.

That 1998 forward line is the best we have ever had Farmer, Lyon, Neitz, Schwarz, Robertson, Smith.  In fact I still rate that the best side in that era

[Laughing Goat 308]

1. Jimmy by a country mile. His courage, endurance & longevity in the game was almost unmatched & changed the landscape for ruckmen in the late 80's. Not to mention the impact he had on many many games. One of the best football stories.

2. Neita.....Leadership, brut strength & his loyalty to the red & blue was amazing. His ability to grab a game by the scruff of the neck & change the outcome was a little like the Ox at his best.

3. Brett Lovett. Unheralded & undervalued by many. Tough player in a tough period that continued to get the job done. Check his numbers.....235 games MFC, Hall of Fame & state player.

4. Alan Johnson Mr Reliable & one of the best kicks in the game. Went from being a quality wingman to an attacking back pocket. Won the  83 & 89 Bluey Truscott, state player with WA Y MFC Hall of Fame

5. S Febey Amazing durability & attacking HB. 5th highest games record holder for the Demons. 15 years at the Demons & 258 games......should be Hall of Fame.

[dieter 3,325]

36 minutes ago, Laughing Goat said:

1. Jimmy by a country mile. His courage, endurance & longevity in the game was almost unmatched & changed the landscape for ruckmen in the late 80's. Not to mention the impact he had on many many games. One of the best football stories.

2. Neita.....Leadership, brut strength & his loyalty to the red & blue was amazing. His ability to grab a game by the scruff of the neck & change the outcome was a little like the Ox at his best.

3. Brett Lovett. Unheralded & undervalued by many. Tough player in a tough period that continued to get the job done. Check his numbers.....235 games MFC, Hall of Fame & state player.

4. Alan Johnson Mr Reliable & one of the best kicks in the game. Went from being a quality wingman to an attacking back pocket. Won the  83 & 89 Bluey Truscott, state player with WA Y MFC Hall of Fame

5. S Febey Amazing durability & attacking HB. 5th highest games record holder for the Demons. 15 years at the Demons & 258 games......should be Hall of Fame.

That anyone would  leave Alan Johnson out of the top 20 List is beyond my comprehension.

Ditto anyone who doesn't rate Brett Lovett. Now there were two very great players.