7. Honorable mention: Speedy Duncan (San Diego Chargers), Dave Grayson (Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders), Abner Haynes (Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets), Teams: San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins, All-Star Games: 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 65. 2000-2020 stats: 336 games, 718 goals, 153 Brownlow votes, averaged 16.7 disposals, 2000-2020 CV: AFLPA MVP, five-time All-Australian (one as captain), six-time best and fairest, four-time club leading goalkicker. Jim Tyrer - Texans/Chiefs Daniels was the AFLs all-time leading rusher as he gained 5,101 yards on 1,134 carries and scored 30 touchdowns. But there was still one factor which made it impossible to look away. He was also named second-team All-AFL twice. And in the case of Martin, rightly so. Statistics/14 games: 56.8 pass completion percentage, 2,472.8 yards, 23.8 touchdowns, All-Star Games: 1962, 1964, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, League championships: 1962, 1966, 1969 (Super Bowl IV). But in todays edition of the Top 20 of the Past 20, the tall men shine. Lowe spent his entire career in the AFL with the Chargers (1960-68) and Chiefs (1968-69) and finished with the highest per carry average in league history. Hird finished on a high, too, winning the 2007 Essendon best and fairest just weeks after playing his final game. Here are the top 10 all-time NFL players who played at Michigan State, . Nick Riewoldt revolutionised the role of the centre half-forward. Hester returned 14 punts and five kickoffs for touchdowns in his career, as he helped the Chicago Bears reach a Super Bowl with his dangerous returning prowess. Here are the 25 of the greatest players to ever play the great Australian game ranked from one to 25: 1. Located in UK. They're not limited to AFL players, and different observers may have subjective, conflicting opinions about their worthiness. Charlton also held the record for being United and England's all-time record scorers, but Wayne Rooney would break both of those records. The site navigation utilizes arrow, enter, escape, and space bar key commands. He did them with a combination of explosive power, strength and incredible football guile. We're not the only one who considers the Jackson State flash to be the best punt returner ever. Only 10 players in history have gone at a higher rate for 250 games or more. Like another fellow former Cat, the late great Graham Polly Farmer, achieved in the ruck in the 1960s, Scarlett revolutionised and redefined the role he dominated for so many years. 2000-2020 stats: 225 games, 251 goals, 176 Brownlow votes, averaged 25.4 disposals, 2000-2020 CV: Two-time premiership Tiger, two-time Norm Smith Medallist, Brownlow Medallist, AFLPA MVP, three-time All-Australian, two-time best and fairest, Lets debunk a myth here: Martin has not just had two outstanding years. Whether it is high flying marks, bone jarring tackles or freakish goals, Australian Rules has it all. He forced full-forwards to chase and defend previously, an unheard of task for goalkickers. Namaths flair off the field was as important as his strong arm on it during his career that spanned from 1965-1976 with the Jets and one last year with the Los Angeles Rams in 1977. Any man who kicks 537 goals in 98 games must be included on this list. Barrie Robran 6. "A unique person and wonderful leader," team owner Lamar Hunt called him. While Weeb Ewbank and the New York Jets put their league on the map in Super Bowl III, many critics considered the outcome to be a fluke or even fixed to legitimize the AFL-NFL merger. Daniels spent eight of his nine pro seasons in the AFL with the Dallas Texans (1960) and Oakland Raiders (1961-67) before playing one final year in the NFL with the 1968 San Francisco 49ers. Become a member to join in Australia's biggest sporting debate, submit articles, receive updates straight to your inbox and keep up with your favourite teams and authors. Bottom line: When team owner Lamar Hunt hired Hank Stram as the first coach in franchise history, the average fan didnt know him from Henry Wilszek, even if they were one and the same. He amassed 1,000 or more yards in seven consecutive seasons and 10 or more touchdowns in four in a row. Official AFL Sites Eleven years later, in 1999, Shaw became the first player to spend his entire career in the AFL to earn election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Sydney Swans full forward has the most career goals of any current AFL player, with a staggering 944 under his belt. The Top Ten 1 Leigh Matthews Leigh Mathew's is definitely a top 5 player and arguably the greatest. Named All-AFL in each of the eight seasons he played in the league, Tyrer also was selected to seven AFL All-Star Games and two AFC-NFC Pro Bowls. compare their qualifications to players from the same era in the same positions who are 1 overall in 2020. inducted when others whom they believe deserving have not been. Wilson was named All-AFL in 1968 and also earned second-team All-AFL recognition in 1966. (We've also collated a 12-man list of snubbed players, which you can check out here.) Three of todays five players were regular All-Australian members from 2003 to 2011, while the others are two of the great modern-day goalkicking midfielders. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. I refuse to compare key position players to him. your comments (Mind you, those 2017 and 2019 campaigns that netted him two flags, two Norm Smiths and a Brownlow were darn handy.). MY FIVE MOST-WATCHABLE PLAYERS OF ALL TIME. "Season length and structure continue to be discussed as . Andrew McLeod (Adelaide) 18. 12. Reynolds captain coached Essendon to two premierships and, at the time, was called the greatest player of all time. What struck me most about Martin, though, as I watched him again last Sunday, was the audible buzz that emerged from the MCG crowd every single time the ball was in his vicinity. The Lockett we saw play for the Swans over the last third of his career was a goalkicking guru. More young talent followed him. Chances are youre about to lose. Josh Dunkley's 'rock bottom': 'Was told to jump off a bridge'. deserve to be in the Hall of Neil Kerley Of last year's top 10 players, six fell out of the group in 2021. LISTEN TO THE LATEST EPISODE OF THE DEBATE DAVID KING, DERMOTT BRERETON AND TOM MORRIS ON WHETHER CUTTING LIST SIZES WILL BE GOOD OR BAD FOR FOOTY, IF YOURE ON A MOBILE, TAP HERE TO LISTEN, 15. 20. The 100 best football players of all time By Mark White Contributions from Alex Hess, Marcus Alves, Alex Reid, Declan Warrington, Thore Haugstad, Michael Yokhin, Andrew Murray, Seb. 6. Buzz: Marshall is firmly in the discussion of UCF's best NFL alumni of all-time; he's made more Pro Bowls (six . Maynard started his pro career with the New York Giants in 1958. For that reason, I simply had to include him among my best AFL players in history. Sure enough, they struggled to tread water in the early years, mostly with veteran has-beens, younger no-names and a few hidden gems out of small colleges. Impressively, Jones missed just six games over the course . History said it had no chance. ", Honorable mention: Dan Conners (Oakland Raiders), Sherrill Headrick (Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals), Archie Matsos (Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, San Diego Chargers). Time limits and T&Cs apply. 10. Three Brownlow Medals and two premierships, including St Kildas only one in 1966, Stewart set the standard in the 1960s and 70s. 11. He was named by the AFL as the greatest player of the 20th century and few would argue. Wayne Johnston. Bottom line: George Saimes was a converted star fullback who hit with the same force at the strong safety position. Get live scores, news and videos ANYWHERE, ANYTIME. Enter and space open menus and escape closes them as well. You can find out which footballers finished outside of the top 50 over at Ranker. Duplicate in any form you Pavlich had ample opportunities to leave the Dockers and return to his home state of South Australia. "He was a franchise player before they talked about franchise players," his coach Hank Stram once said. So one and so on. Blanda spent 10 of his 26 seasons of pro football in the AFL with the Houston Oilers and Oakland Raiders. Us neutral observers have seen hundreds more games more compelling. Martin is in there. | Mixs HOF Bio>>> Bob Skilton You must provide an email address to create a Roar account, When using Facebook to create or log in to an account, you need to grant The Roar permission to see your email address, By joining The Roar you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions. Comparing different eras in football is a thankless task, but somebody has got to be willing to put their neck out to begin the discussion, so without further procrastination I present our 10 greatest AFL players of all time. 56 Comments. Bottom line: Coach Hank Stram liked monstrous linemen and miniature running backs. Russell Wilson dropped 10 spots from No. His career totals read 198 catches for 3,101 yards for a healthy 15.7 yards per catch average, and 34 touchdowns. 29. Honorable mention: Stenerud (Kansas City Chiefs); George Blanda (Houston Oilers, Oakland Raiders), Gino Cappelletti (Boston Patriots), Statistics/14 games: 27.3 returns, 26.5 yards/attempt, 0.0 touchdowns. As Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson once said, "If you are lucky enough to knock [Buoniconti] down, you have to lay on him, or hell get right back into the play. Was forced to move to Adelaide following the turmoil at North Melbourne. Min deposit requirement. Remember the AFL There are many AFL Commission Chairman Richard Goyder AO congratulated Mr Dillon, the AFL's Executive General Manager of Football Operations, Legal, Integrity and General Counsel and said he was the best . Yet he wasnt. The closest vote came at running back where Cookie Gilchrist and Abner Haynes received strong support and gained second-team recognition. Because you know every time he gets his hands on the football -- and that's been the case on 59 occasions already thus far in 2021 -- that something truly exciting, and for the opposition damaging, will follow. The 82-year-old football icon captured major silverware during a legendary playing career for both club and country. For excellence over an extended period, Jim Turner was the surest foot around. He also kicked the longest field goal in league history when he connected on a 55-yarder against the San Diego Chargers in 1961. All-Star Games: 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968. join now and Get on ! | Arbanas player page on NFL.com>>>. The product improved noticeably. They may not all Well, Jim Tyrer was so large, zoo animals could have fed him. So supremely skilled and talented, what made Matthews great was the fear he instilled in opposition players. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. The new AFL chief executive says "there's no boys' club" in the league despite Gillon McLachlan being replaced by his number two after a year-long search. Won a third Brownlow Medal with Fitzroy, before heading to Subiaco as playing coach and winning two more league medals. AFL@aol.com, 2003 Russell Ebert 8. Instead of worrying solely about his opponent with a see-ball-punch-ball attitude, Scarlett left his man to neutralise contests, intercepted the footy and launched attacking forays from the backline with beautiful ball use. | Lowes player page on NFL.com>>>. In 1980 became the first long-time member of the Raiders to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Jim Ottos jersey number 00 was a familiar site in the AFL. d. Two years later, the Raiders drafted guard Gene Upshaw in an attempt to neutralize the massive Grambling product, who was clocked at 4.9 seconds in the 40-yard dash while in college. After revealing spots 20 to 16 on Sunday then players ranked 15 to 11 on Monday, today were revealing 10 to six. Matthews legacy to the game has continued post-coaching with the living legend a fixture on the television coverage of the AFL. AFL fan and advocate Todd Ladainian Tomlinson had over 18,000 all-purpose yards in his career, and finished with over 150 all-purpose touchdowns. The linebacker trucked San Diego Chargers star Keith Lincoln early in the 1964 AFL championship, a perfectly timed pancake tackle that busted three of his ribs and turned the game around. New UK & Ireland customers only. They are all goalkickers. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985. Alworth ranked second all-time in AFL history with 8,976 receiving yards and also posted the second highest single-season receiving yardage total in league annals (1,602 yards in 1965). Quarterback Joe Namath came one vote away from receiving unanimous selection to the team. Leigh Matthews: 8 (Hawthorn) 3. Whether it is high flying marks, bone jarring tackles or freakish goals, Australian Rules has it all. At 6-foot-5, 270 pounds, "The Tree" was a member of the original "Fearsome Foursome" and the first dominant edge rusher in the league. Website design & development by americaneagle.com copyright 2021 Pro Football hall of fame all rights reserved, Enshrinement Week Powered by Johnson Controls, Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic. 12. Was a brilliant mark and could kick with distance and accuracy with both feet, Stewart had no peer during his playing career. statistics and playoff appearances, their leadership qualities, their number of MVP and Ask those in the know to name the most talented physical specimen in AFL history, and chances are, Bell's name will be mentioned more often than any. But Matthews wouldve faced a stern challenge from Wayne Carey and Gary Ablett for the top spot. He was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978, his first year of eligibility. Comparing different eras in football is a thankless task . Known for his ruggedness and toughness, he overcame numerous injuries to play 15 seasons for the Raiders, 1960-1974. The honorary offensive team, that included a kicker and a punter, was determined by a vote of the AFL members of the Hall of Fames Board of Selectors. New customers only. Carey, now 51, was caught having an . It led to his coach, Damien Hardwick, declaring after the 2019 flag that Martin will go down now as one of the all-time greats. But that's the other thing about Martin. http://www.remembertheafl.com Then AFLW 2023: ESPN's way-too-early predictions - North's time to shine? 2121 George Halas Drive NW The fend-off. players whose fans may believe they belong in the Hall, but who are not. Sir Stanley Matthews is the godfather of English football and, in Pele's words, the man who 'taught us the way football should be played'. He entered the AFL scene when the stay-at-home goalkicker was still in vogue. A multi million dollar move to the fledgling Gold Coast left a sour taste in some mouths, but a second Brownlow in 2013 only enhanced his legend. 1963 AFL Draft, first round, Kansas City Chiefs -- Budde played 14 seasons for the Chiefs (1963-1976). The Richmond champion's ascent over the past five years truly has been stunning. Additionally, he earned All-NFL recognition twice after Oakland joined the merged AFL-NFL in 1970. The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. Bobby Jancik's five returns for 139 yards were a factor in the 1962 league championship game. And in pretty good company. named on this page. Is the ruckman in the AFL and the Geelong team of the century, any midfielder will tell you that they simply loved playing under the ruckman who gave them silver service at the stoppages. Mr Football was a larger than life icon of the game who was one of the first great key position players. The champion Tiger is first and foremost a ball-winning midfielder. You can read more of Rohan Connolly's work at footyology.com.au, The five most-watchable AFL players of all time. Hird lifted for the big moments and games, epitomised by his three Anzac Day medals in five years. Brownlow medallist Patrick Dangerfield, the man left sprawling on the turf as Martin executed that latter move in last year's grand final to underscore Richmond's win over Geelong, on his way to a third Norm Smith Medal, knows it all too well. Mahomes rocket arm and undeniable leadership will one day have his name atop lists of the All Time greats. It's all wrapped up in one magical package, one which is just as lethal around the ground as it is close to goal. 3 days ago. The hip swivel. Not only is that a testament to his almost sickening work ethic, but also to his contested marking ability and courage to back into packs. "I can remember a passage of play [in the Grand Final] where I just chuckled to myself because it was just too good," Dangerfield said of Martin in a recent interview. Bottom line: Tight ends were primarily blockers in the AFL era, with the league-wide emphasis on the vertical pass game. And the former Red Devils star also played his part in England's 1966 World Cup triumph. Remember the He finished his career with the New England Patriots in 1978. T&Cs Apply. "Sometimes, you've just got to take your hat off and say: 'too good'.". GETON is not a bonus code and does not grant access to additional offers. Namath was named to four AFL All-Star Games and one AFC-NFC Pro Bowl; and selected as a first- or second-team four straight seasons. 2 to No. And the fact a player as good and as seasoned as Dangerfield, about to lose a grand final, can even in that moment find not only the grace but sense of fan-like awe at watching Martin at his best, says it all, really. Barrie Robran of Fame?" AFL Debate Club: How could Gather Round best be improved in coming years? Kevin Murray: 9 (Fitzroy) 2. Patrick Dangerfield (Adelaide/Geelong). Your cooked! Bottom line: Johnny Robinson scored 15 touchdowns as a halfback/flanker in his first two seasons, but with All-Star Abner Haynes also in the crowded backfield, Hank Stram believed the future Hall of Famer would be of more value as a ballhawk in the secondary. When a local milk company implored Chiefs fans to send him welcome messages on the side of cartons, he was overwhelmed by the response. He also was named to five AFL All-Star Games. After 50 full seasons of NFL play, most New Englanders know Patriots legends like John Hannah, Tom Brady, Andre Tippett and so on. In 1965, the AFL made its first big break. Gilchrist left the Bills in a contract dispute after three dominant seasons. Theres no doubt that Leigh Matthews deserve to be number one. Canton, Ohio 44708 Bottom line: Forget the position. Even the more NFL-inclined voters became convinced of his greatness eventually. 18. Became one of footballs most lived figures after football, before his death in 1995. Warning: the following article will annoy you. Joe Namath - Jets The Get On Club is your direct line to latest greyhound and horse racing news, betting tips, odds& bookmajer promotions. Budde was named to the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame in 1984. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Like Matthews, Ablett was as tough and uncompromising as he was skilled. Reggie White can truly be considered as one of the best of his category in the profound and well-polished history of the NFL. John Nicholls Whos in your ultimate team? . You can click on any name above to see the player's credentials. Junior is still the premier midfielder in the game and has shown no signs of slowing down. Chris Judd 90 | Franck Ribery. Then came another four nominations: One at full-forward, one at centre half-forward and two on the bench. Yet hes still only 28 and has ample room to improve. ", All-Star Games: 1962, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968. Honorable mention: Brown (Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders), Tony Banfield (Houston Oilers), Miller Farr (Denver Broncos, San Diego Chargers, Houston Oilers), Statistics/14 games: 4.4 interceptions, 54.9 yards, 0.1 touchdowns. His 546 catches ranked second all-time in AFL history. The snap around the body. "I just thought I was the best. New UK & Ireland customers only. But it could also be the one-on-one marking duel with a hapless opponent who knows his demise is imminent well before the ball arrives. Call or write: Hall "I was big, but Buck was bigger and stronger and turned me every which way but loose," Upshaw would say later. Its a felony that the Hall of Fame hasnt called his name yet. James Hird The 6-foot-6, 280-pound road grater helped pave the way for three league championship teams. He carted back five of his AFL-record 47 interceptions for touchdowns. That list includes four Brownlow medallists in Robert Harvey, Greg Williams, Sam Mitchell and Dane Swan, and a couple of other current-day players in Scott Pendlebury and Josh Kennedy. 14. Joe Montana. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. 17. He spent all of his AFL years with the Chargers and also played with San Diego in 1970, its first year in the merged NFL. Budde deserves to be in Canton with them. Ive always taken pride in being the hardest trainer and the habits I formed at training naturally transferred to games.. Bottom line: The Bills' mini-dynasty revolved around a robust defense and ground-and-pound attack. Suffering a fatal Cardiac arrest, Defender Reggie had been called to rest but his name still falls under NFL's Best of all time. Ed Budde - Chiefs Arbanas lost sight in one eye in a 1964 accident but the injury never slowed him. Catch up and settle in with no installation & no lock-in contract. 3. Fred Arbanas - Texans/Chiefs He was named to the Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame in 1988. to their contemporaries, the Hall of For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Jonathan Brown (Brisbane Lions) 20. Stephen Michael Yet there was more to his game than just kick returns. Didnt matter. Has any player won this much of the football as dynamically and entertainingly? He was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978, his first year of eligibility. more could reasonably be added. 1 x wagering at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. At the time I formed the AFL Hall of Fame, NONE of them Tobias has made a masterful analysis of the number of AFL players in the The one-time track star could outrun, outleap and outmaneuver one or more defenders all on the same play often times. 26. revolutionised the game. Mark Ricciuto (Adelaide) 17. Martins CV is complete, winning nearly every award in the game. Love the AFL? | Shaws HOF Bio>>>. Dual Norm Smith Smith Medallist Dustin Martin. So here are players ranked 10th to sixth in foxfooty.com.aus Top 20 of the Past 20. |Budde's player page on NFL.com>>>. Nicknamed Bambi because of his graceful style on the football field, Alworth began his career in 1962. It could be that burst away from centre square traffic. The prototype of the modern tap ruckman, Farmer only played 101 games for the Cats, but his game is the stuff of legend, forging a remarkable career that spanned 356 games in Melbourne and Perth. The offense ranked either first or second in yards per rush in seven of his nine seasons. Not in my opinion. American Football League (AFL) All-Time Second Team Q: What do Fred Arbanas, Ed Budde, Clem Daniels, Paul Lowe, Jerry Mays, Gerry Philbin, Houston Antwine, Tom Sestak, Jim Tyrer, George Webster, Dave Grayson, George Saimes, and Jerrell Wilson have in common? His consistent ability to win is why the Swans are currently the hot favourites in the world . "The first weekend of September is the best time for the 2023 season to start, with all eyes on the AFLW due to the bye in the AFL. Reynolds was the antithesis of Matthews in that he was unshakeably fair on the football ground. After decades of dominance from the magical men in the goalsquare, midfielders have emerged as the best players of the modern era. Namath was also the only member of the team that did not play in the AFL for seven or more seasons. Charlton, who spent 17 years at Manchester United, won three league titles, an FA Cup, a European Cup and the Ballon d'Or during his illustrious time at Old Trafford. Football Hall of The 100 best football players of all time: 80-71 The 100 best football players of all time: 70-61 The 100 best football players of all time: 60-51 The 100 best football players of all time: 50-41 . There are so many great footballers. AFL Debate Club: What is Gillon McLachlan's defining achievement as AFL CEO? ", Honorable mention: Goose Gonsoulin (Denver Broncos), Kenny Graham (San Diego Chargers), Ken Houston (Houston Oilers), Jim Norton (Houston Oilers), Statistics/14 games: 65.8 punts, 43.9 yards/attempts, 0.6 blocked, League championships: 1969 (Super Bowl IV). Perhaps the greatest indication of Scarletts legacy is how the best key defenders of today go about their business on the field. . HE IS FIRST ON ALMOST EVERY LIST AND YOU DONT HAVE HIM IN THE TOP TEN? Plus, he had more quality seasons as a core member of two championship teams. Tyrer passed away on September 15, 1980. But take nothing away from Scarletts one-on-one strength and his ability to beat opponents. NSW pokies profits soaring in line with Bennett continues to build on NRL legacy Pointsbet to stop North American operations. 16. 9. Terry Daniher His 1994 finals series performances were truly exquisite stuff. Head to ESPN's Home of AFL Lance Franklin. Was Matthews better than Cable? 19. He was named first-team All-AFL in 1963 and 1966 and picked as a second-team all-league choice following the 1964 and 1965 seasons. The first big domino had been tipped over. He was the prototype of the ruck rover, as hard as nails, with a brilliant overhead marking ability, and he has three Brownlow Medals to show for it. Todd has made a case that as many as thirty-four Bottom line: As the AFL's all-time leader in completion (56.8) and interception (4.7) percentages, Len Dawson was easily the most efficient quarerback in league history. I can't think of another player who was as capable as often of turning a game on his own when required. Seven of his eight career touchdowns were from 60-plus yards out. But as a player, no Bomber has been greater than him this century to date. Baugh led the Redskins to five NFL championship games, winning two (1937 and 1942). Beckham is the first English player to win league titles in four different countries - Spain, England, France, and the United States.. Honorable mention: Art Powell (New York Titans, Buffalo Bills, Oakland Raiders), George Sauer (New York Jets), Lionel Taylor (Denver Broncos, Houston Oilers), Otis Taylor (Kansas City Chiefs), Statistics/14-games: 66.1 pass receptions, 1,295.5 yards, 11.1 touchdowns, All-Star Games: 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969. Mark Ricciuto (Adelaide) 17. Maynard topped all AFL players in career receiving yardage as he accumulated 10,289 yards during the 10 seasons that the league existed. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Of those who did, how many have done it with as much immediately distinctive swagger in their signature move. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Hard to believe the cornerback never took a kickoff to the house, but that only made his consistency more impressive. A humble, team-orientated defender that let his footy do the talking, in many ways Scarlett was the traditional AFL full-back. Holub (Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs), George Webster (Houston Oilers), Statistics/14 games: 6.0 interceptions, 100.5.0 yards, 0.7 touchdowns, All-Star Games: 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969. Malcolm Blight He was a versatile back, and we look back to 2006 when he had 30 total touchdowns and 2,000 yards. He was the all-time AFL leader in average for a season (45.4, 1965) and a career (43.9). The best small forward/midfielder of all time, and arguably the games greatest player, the Hawk legend, who went on to coach Collingwood and Brisbane, spent 16 years with the Hawks. Honorable mention: Houston Antwine (Boston Patriots), Jim Dunaway (Buffalo Bills), Ed Husmann (Houston Oilers), Ernie Ladd (San Diego Chargers, Houston Oilers, Kansas City Chiefs), Bud McFadin (Denver Broncos), All-Star Games: 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1969. It wasnt until decades later that the organization finally afforded him Wall of Fame status. Would you believe it didnt allow a rushing touchdown in 17 consecutive games, a pro football record? His 74-yard punt return was the dagger against the San Diego Chargers in the 1965 title game. the 60th Anniversary Season of the American Football League? Tomlinson was one of the best to do it. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. Honorable mention: Walt Sweeney (San Diego Chargers), Bob Talamini (Houston Oilers, New York Jets), All-Star Games: 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968. Naming the 10 best AFL players of all-time is a thankless task when you consider the talent the competition has had in its long history. revision: When the former Oregon halfback-track star turned runner, well, thats when the fun really started. Min Deposit: 10. | Wilsons player page on NFL.com>>>, AFL All-Time Team OFFENSE (Second Team). Budde spent his entire 14-season career (1963-1976) with the Chiefs, half in the AFL and half in the NFL. LANCE FRANKLIN (Hawthorn/Sydney) Lance Franklin of the Swans is closing in on 1,000 AFL goals. The key is this: were (any of) the players listed below as good as or He scored 936 points on four touchdowns, 456 extra points and 152 field goals in the AFL. 99. As a coach, he left the Bombers in disgrace. Ron Mix - Chargers He starred with the Titans, later renamed the Jets, through the 72 season before playing his final year with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1973.