The GOAT of Each Decade in VFL/AFL History

Australian football has produced generations of extraordinary players, but naming one undisputed greatest player of all time is almost impossible. The game has changed dramatically—from low-scoring contests played on muddy suburban grounds to the fast, professional national competition we know today.

Breaking the discussion down by decade gives us a fairer way to compare players with their contemporaries. These selections are based primarily on what each player achieved during the decade in question, including individual performance, premiership influence, consistency and impact on the development of the game.

Before 1990, the competition was officially known as the Victorian Football League. For that reason, this history is more accurately described as VFL/AFL history.

---

1900s: Dick Lee

Collingwood full-forward Dick Lee emerged as the competition’s outstanding goalkicker during the second half of the 1900s.

After debuting in 1906, Lee quickly became the most dangerous forward in the VFL. He led the League’s goalkicking in 1907, 1908 and 1909 and eventually finished his career with 707 goals—an extraordinary total in an era when scores were considerably lower than they are today.

Lee was not simply a stationary full-forward. He was athletic, courageous in the air and renowned for his ability to take spectacular marks. His sustained dominance helped establish the importance of the specialist goalkicker in Australian football.

Notable mentions

• Albert Thurgood (Essendon): One of Australian football’s earliest superstars, Thurgood was named Champion of the Colony in 1901 and starred in Essendon’s 1901 premiership.

• Henry “Tracker” Young (Geelong): An influential ruckman and defender who captained Geelong and was regarded as one of the finest players of the era.

• Fred McGinis (Essendon/Melbourne): A brilliant wingman who was celebrated for his speed, balance and skill.

---

1910s: Dave McNamara

Dave McNamara was one of the most spectacular footballers of the early VFL era. Playing predominantly for St Kilda, he became famous for his powerful marking and exceptional long-distance kicking.

McNamara helped St Kilda reach its first VFL Grand Final in 1913 and won the club’s best-and-fairest award in 1914. His career was interrupted by the First World War, during which he served overseas, but he returned to play for St Kilda in 1919.

His ability to kick accurately from extraordinary distances made him one of the game’s first genuine attractions.

Notable mentions

• Roy Cazaly (St Kilda): A brilliant high-marking player whose name was immortalised by the famous cry “Up there, Cazaly.”

• Vic Cumberland (St Kilda): A champion ruckman whose remarkable senior career extended into his 40s.

• Dick Lee (Collingwood): Continued his goalkicking dominance, led the League multiple times during the decade and played in Collingwood’s 1910 premiership.

• Harry Brereton (Melbourne): One of the decade’s most prolific forwards and the VFL’s leading goalkicker in 1911 and 1912.

---

1920s: Gordon Coventry

Gordon Coventry became the most prolific goalkicker the VFL had seen and was a central figure in Collingwood’s rise to dominance.

He led the League’s goalkicking five times during the 1920s and was an essential member of the Collingwood team that won the 1927, 1928 and 1929 premierships. The Magpies completed their famous four-premiership sequence in 1930.

Coventry eventually became the first VFL player to kick 1,000 career goals. His record of 1,299 stood for more than six decades before it was surpassed by Tony Lockett.

Notable mentions

• Ivor Warne-Smith (Melbourne): Winner of the 1926 and 1928 Brownlow Medals and a member of Melbourne’s 1926 premiership team.

• Syd Coventry (Collingwood): Gordon’s brother and the inspirational captain of Collingwood’s famous “Machine” team.

• Roy Cazaly (St Kilda/South Melbourne): One of the game’s great high marks and an inaugural Legend of the Australian Football Hall of Fame.

• Albert “Leeter” Collier (Collingwood): A brilliant defender and follower who won the 1929 Brownlow Medal.

---

1930s: Haydn Bunton Sr.

Haydn Bunton Sr. produced one of the most remarkable periods of individual dominance in football history.

The Fitzroy rover won Brownlow Medals in 1931, 1932 and 1935, becoming the first player to win the award three times. Known for his exceptional balance, ball-winning ability and sportsmanship, Bunton was a star from the moment he entered the VFL.

After leaving Fitzroy, he continued his career in Western Australia and won three Sandover Medals with Subiaco. He remains the only player to have won three Brownlow Medals and three Sandover Medals.

Notable mentions

• Gordon Coventry (Collingwood): Continued to set unprecedented goalkicking records and became the first player to reach 1,000 VFL goals.

• Bob Pratt (South Melbourne): A spectacular full-forward who kicked 150 goals in 1934—a season record later equalled by Peter Hudson.

• Dick Reynolds (Essendon): Won the Brownlow Medal in 1934, 1937 and 1938.

• Jack Dyer (Richmond): The feared ruckman and forward known as “Captain Blood” became one of Richmond’s defining figures.

---

1940s: Dick Reynolds

Dick Reynolds entered the 1940s as a triple Brownlow medallist and strengthened his legacy through outstanding leadership and premiership success.

As Essendon’s captain-coach, Reynolds helped guide the Bombers through one of the most successful periods in their history. Essendon reached seven consecutive Grand Finals from 1941 to 1947 and won premierships in 1942 and 1946. Reynolds was also part of the club’s 1949 premiership team.

His composure, skill and ability to lead made him one of the most influential football figures of the decade.

Notable mentions

• Jack Dyer (Richmond): Captained Richmond to the 1943 premiership and remained one of the competition’s most intimidating and influential players.

• Bill Hutchison (Essendon): A brilliant rover who won Essendon best-and-fairest awards in 1946 and 1948 and played in the club’s 1942, 1946 and 1949 premierships.

• Bob Chitty (Carlton): A famously tough defender and the captain of Carlton’s dramatic 1945 premiership team.

• Des Fothergill (Collingwood): Shared the 1940 Brownlow Medal and was one of the decade’s most naturally gifted players, although his career was interrupted by war service.

---

1950s: John Coleman

Few players have dominated a position as completely as Essendon full-forward John Coleman.

Coleman kicked 12 goals on debut in 1949 and finished that season with 129 goals and a premiership. During the 1950s, he continued to produce extraordinary scoring numbers, leading Essendon’s goalkicking in every season he played.

A serious knee injury ended his career in 1954 when he was only 25. Despite playing just 98 games, Coleman kicked 537 goals at an average of 5.48 per match.

The AFL’s leading goalkicker award is now named the Coleman Medal in recognition of his remarkable career.

Notable mentions

• Ted Whitten (Footscray): Known as “Mr Football,” Whitten was an exceptionally versatile player who helped Footscray win its first premiership in 1954.

• Ron Barassi (Melbourne): A powerful, inspirational player who appeared in five premierships during the decade.

• Bill Hutchison (Essendon): Won consecutive Brownlow Medals in 1952 and 1953 and finished his career with seven Essendon best-and-fairest awards.

• Bob Rose (Collingwood): An outstanding rover and courageous ball-winner who became one of Collingwood’s most respected figures.

• Graham “Polly” Farmer (East Perth): Although he had not yet entered the VFL, Farmer was already establishing himself as a transformative player in Western Australian football.

---

1960s: Graham “Polly” Farmer

Graham “Polly” Farmer changed how Australian football understood the role of the ruckman.

After a decorated career with East Perth, Farmer joined Geelong in 1962. His precise tap work, athleticism and creative handballing gave his teammates opportunities that few other ruckmen could produce.

Farmer helped Geelong win the 1963 premiership and won the club’s best-and-fairest award twice. His influence extended beyond his own performances: future generations of ruckmen followed the more skilful and attacking model that he helped create.

Notable mentions

• Bob Skilton (South Melbourne): Won three Brownlow Medals—1959, 1963 and 1968—and carried South Melbourne through a difficult period.

• Ian Stewart (St Kilda): Won consecutive Brownlow Medals in 1965 and 1966 and played in St Kilda’s first premiership.

• John Nicholls (Carlton): One of the greatest ruckmen in VFL history and a crucial figure in Carlton’s 1968 premiership.

• Ron Barassi (Melbourne/Carlton): Captained Melbourne to the 1964 premiership before moving to Carlton as captain-coach.

• Kevin Murray (Fitzroy): A tremendously durable and consistent defender who won the 1969 Brownlow Medal.

• Ted Whitten (Footscray): Continued to demonstrate his remarkable versatility and leadership throughout the decade.

---

1970s: Leigh Matthews

Leigh Matthews combined the ball-winning ability of an elite rover with the strength and goalkicking instincts of a powerful forward.

During the 1970s, Matthews became the central figure in Hawthorn’s rise. He played in the club’s 1971, 1976 and 1978 premierships, won multiple Hawthorn best-and-fairest awards and regularly produced exceptional goalkicking totals for a player who spent significant time in the midfield.

His aggression was a major part of his football identity, but his greatness rested on much more than physicality. Matthews could win the ball, break tackles, create goals and change the direction of a match within minutes.

He was later named the AFL’s Player of the 20th Century.

Notable mentions

• Peter Hudson (Hawthorn): One of the game’s most efficient full-forwards, including a record-equalling 150-goal season in 1971.

• Barry Cable (North Melbourne): An extraordinarily skilful rover who starred in both Western Australia and Victoria.

• Keith Greig (North Melbourne): An elegant wingman who won consecutive Brownlow Medals in 1973 and 1974.

• Malcolm Blight (North Melbourne): Won the 1978 Brownlow Medal and could dominate as a midfielder or forward.

• Alex Jesaulenko (Carlton): A spectacular and versatile player who became one of the most recognisable footballers of the era.

---

1980s: Gary Ablett Sr.

Gary Ablett Sr. debuted with Hawthorn in 1982, but it was after joining Geelong in 1984 that his extraordinary talent became fully apparent.

Ablett possessed an almost unmatched combination of speed, strength, aerial ability and goalkicking power. He could dominate on a wing, across half-forward or close to goal.

His performance during the 1989 finals series was one of the greatest individual campaigns in VFL/AFL history. Ablett kicked 27 goals across four finals, including nine in Geelong’s narrow Grand Final loss to Hawthorn, and won the Norm Smith Medal despite playing for the losing team.

Although some of his greatest goalkicking seasons came in the 1990s, the 1980s established Ablett as one of football’s most naturally gifted players.

Notable mentions

• Leigh Matthews (Hawthorn): Remained an elite player into the decade, captained Hawthorn to the 1983 premiership and retired in 1985.

• Simon Madden (Essendon): A dominant ruckman and key member of Essendon’s 1984 and 1985 premiership teams.

• Michael Tuck (Hawthorn): The enduring heart of Hawthorn’s dynasty and a participant in six premierships during the decade.

• Dermott Brereton (Hawthorn): A brilliant and physically imposing centre half-forward who repeatedly performed in major finals.

• Peter Daicos (Collingwood): A uniquely skilled forward and midfielder whose remarkable goal sense earned him the nickname “The Macedonian Marvel.”

• Tony Lockett (St Kilda): Won the 1987 Brownlow Medal after kicking 117 goals and emerged as the game’s most feared young full-forward.

---

1990s: Wayne Carey

Wayne Carey was the defining player of the 1990s.

As North Melbourne’s captain and dominant centre half-forward, Carey combined strength, contested marking, mobility and football intelligence. He could control the most important area of the ground while bringing teammates into the contest or taking over a match himself.

Carey led North Melbourne to premierships in 1996 and 1999 and was named All-Australian captain four times during the decade. His ability to perform against the strongest opposition made him one of the most influential key-position players in football history.

Notable mentions

• Gary Ablett Sr. (Geelong): Won three consecutive Coleman Medals from 1993 to 1995 and kicked more than 100 goals in each of those seasons.

• Tony Lockett (St Kilda/Sydney): Became the VFL/AFL’s all-time leading goalkicker and took Sydney to the 1996 Grand Final.

• Robert Harvey (St Kilda): Won consecutive Brownlow Medals in 1997 and 1998 through his extraordinary endurance and consistency.

• James Hird (Essendon): Shared the 1996 Brownlow Medal and emerged as one of the competition’s most versatile match-winners.

• Nathan Buckley (Brisbane Bears/Collingwood): Established himself as an elite midfielder with exceptional kicking and ball-winning ability.

• Greg Williams (Sydney/Carlton): A brilliant inside midfielder who won the 1994 Brownlow Medal and the 1995 Norm Smith Medal.

---

2000s: Chris Judd

At his peak with West Coast, Chris Judd produced some of the most explosive midfield football the competition had seen.

His acceleration from stoppages, clean ball handling and ability to escape congestion made him extraordinarily difficult to contain. Judd won the 2004 Brownlow Medal, claimed the 2005 Norm Smith Medal in a losing Grand Final and captained West Coast to the 2006 premiership.

He moved to Carlton after the 2007 season and continued to perform at an elite level. His second Brownlow Medal came in 2010, immediately after the decade covered here.

Notable mentions

• Adam Goodes (Sydney): Won Brownlow Medals in 2003 and 2006 and demonstrated exceptional versatility as a ruckman, midfielder and forward.

• Michael Voss (Brisbane): Captained Brisbane to three consecutive premierships from 2001 to 2003 and set an exceptional standard for leadership.

• Simon Black (Brisbane): Won the 2002 Brownlow Medal, the 2003 Norm Smith Medal and played in all three of Brisbane’s premierships.

• Gary Ablett Jr. (Geelong): Became the competition’s premier midfielder and won the 2009 Brownlow Medal during Geelong’s dominant period.

• Matthew Scarlett (Geelong): Redefined attacking full-back play and was instrumental in Geelong’s 2007 and 2009 premierships.

• Lance Franklin (Hawthorn): Kicked 113 goals in 2008 and helped Hawthorn defeat Geelong in the Grand Final.

• Matthew Lloyd (Essendon): Won three Coleman Medals during the decade and was the competition’s dominant full-forward during its early years.

---

2010s: Gary Ablett Jr.

Gary Ablett Jr. entered the 2010s as the reigning Brownlow medallist and continued to set an extraordinary standard of individual excellence.

After helping build Geelong’s premiership team, Ablett joined the newly established Gold Coast Suns in 2011. Despite playing in a developing side, he remained one of the competition’s most dominant midfielders.

Ablett won the 2013 Brownlow Medal, earned four All-Australian selections during the decade and won Gold Coast’s best-and-fairest award four times. His combination of contested ball-winning, acceleration, balance, disposal and goalkicking made him one of the most complete midfielders in AFL history.

Dustin Martin produced the decade’s greatest individual season in 2017 and its most memorable finals performances, but Ablett’s sustained excellence across a larger portion of the 2010s gives him a narrow overall advantage.

Notable mentions

• Dustin Martin (Richmond): Completed an extraordinary collection of honours in 2017, winning the Brownlow Medal, AFLPA MVP, AFLCA Player of the Year, premiership and Norm Smith Medal. He added another premiership and Norm Smith Medal in 2019 before winning his historic third in 2020.

• Lance Franklin (Hawthorn/Sydney): Combined athleticism and elite goalkicking to become the outstanding forward of his generation.

• Nat Fyfe (Fremantle): Won the 2015 and 2019 Brownlow Medals and dominated through his contested marking and ball-winning ability.

• Patrick Dangerfield (Adelaide/Geelong): Won the 2016 Brownlow Medal and established himself as one of the game’s most explosive midfielders.

• Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood): Maintained an exceptional level of consistency and composure while captaining Collingwood for much of the decade.

• Joel Selwood (Geelong): Combined elite performance with inspirational leadership and captained Geelong throughout most of the decade.

• Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn): The midfield organiser behind Hawthorn’s premiership dynasty and the retrospective winner of the 2012 Brownlow Medal.

---

Greatness Across Different Eras

Comparing footballers from different generations will never be an exact science. Early champions played on heavier grounds, with different rules, limited medical treatment and little financial security. Modern players compete in a national, fully professional competition supported by advanced coaching, sports science and detailed opposition analysis.

The purpose of a decade-by-decade list is therefore not to declare that one era was superior to another. It is to recognise the players who set the standard during their own time.

From Dick Lee’s pioneering goalkicking to Wayne Carey’s command of centre half-forward and Gary Ablett Jr.’s modern midfield brilliance, each champion changed expectations of what an Australian footballer could achieve.

Debate is inevitable—and that is part of what makes the history of Australian football so compelling.

Who would you select as the greatest VFL/AFL player of each decade?