Australian rules football has produced plenty of skilled, influential, and iconic athletes. Like with any sport, fans often debate who is the best AFL player of all time, and the answer will frequently depend on which club you support, the era you grew up watching, and the type of football you admire the most. From explosive forwards to inspirational captains who led their team to multiple premierships, there's a long list of contenders. When evaluating the best AFL players of all time, it's essential to consider achievements such as Brownlow Medals, career milestones, leadership, and game-changing performances. Here, we'll look at some of them.
The 15 Best AFL Players of All Time
When it comes to the best AFL players of all time, some have had an undeniable impact on the game. Their skills, leadership, and ability to deliver in the biggest games earned them a place in football history. Here's our list of greats who shaped the sport across different clubs, eras, and positions. Don't expect to see any of the best-paid AFL players here since earlier salaries weren't anywhere near what they are today.
Leigh Matthews (Hawthorn)
Often ranked as the greatest, Matthews was named the AFL’s Player of the Century. A prolific goal-kicking forward and inspirational leader, he won four premierships with Hawthorn. He later coached Collingwood to a famous 1990 flag.
Born: 1 March 1952
Years Played: 1969–1985
Position: Forward / Midfielder
Club: Hawthorn
Games: 332
Goals: 915
Premierships: 4 (1971, 1976, 1978, 1983)
Other Honours: 8× Hawthorn Best and Fairest, AFL Hall of Fame Legend
Wayne Carey (North Melbourne / Adelaide)
The dominant key forward of the 1990s, Carey’s contested marking and leadership made him the cornerstone of two North Melbourne premierships. He’s frequently in the debate for the best footy player of all time.
Born: 27 May 1971
Years Played: 1989–2004
Position: Key Forward
Clubs: North Melbourne, Adelaide
Games: 272
Goals: 727
Premierships: 2 (1996, 1999)
Other Honours: 7× All-Australian, AFL Hall of Fame
Gary Ablett Sr. (Geelong)
Known as “God” by Geelong fans, Ablett Sr. was one of the most electrifying players in the history of the AFL. He kicked 1,030 career goals and was a match-winner in any game he played.
Born: 1 October 1961
Years Played: 1982–1996
Position: Forward
Club: Geelong
Games: 248
Goals: 1,030
Other Honours: 3× Coleman Medal, AFL Hall of Fame Legend
Tony Lockett (St Kilda / Sydney Swans)
The AFL’s all-time leading goal scorer with 1,360 goals, “Plugger” is a Hall of Fame Legend. His mix of power and accuracy made him unstoppable in front of the goal.
Born: 9 March 1966
Years Played: 1983–2002
Position: Full Forward
Clubs: St Kilda, Sydney Swans
Games: 281
Goals: 1,360
Brownlow Medals: 1 (1987)
Other Honours: 4× Coleman Medal, AFL Hall of Fame Legend
Gary Ablett Jr. (Geelong / Gold Coast Suns)
A modern icon, Ablett Jr. won two Brownlow Medals, six club Best and Fairest awards, and helped Geelong claim two premierships. His consistency made him the standout player of his era.
Born: 14 May 1984
Years Played: 2002–2020
Position: Midfielder
Clubs: Geelong, Gold Coast Suns
Games: 357
Goals: 445
Premierships: 2 (2007, 2009)
Brownlow Medals: 2 (2009, 2013)
Other Honours: 8× All-Australian, 6× Geelong Best and Fairest
Jason Dunstall (Hawthorn)
With 1,254 goals and four premierships, Dunstall was one of the most reliable forwards of the 1980s and 1990s. Elevated to Hall of Fame Legend in 2024, he remains a benchmark for goal-kicking.
Born: 14 August 1964
Years Played: 1985–1998
Position: Full Forward
Club: Hawthorn
Games: 269
Goals: 1,254
Premierships: 4 (1986, 1988, 1989, 1991)
Other Honours: 3× Coleman Medal, AFL Hall of Fame Legend
Ted Whitten (Western Bulldogs)
“Mr Football” embodied the spirit of the game. A champion player for Footscray, Whitten was a multiple-time Best and Fairest winner, captain of Victoria, and one of the AFL’s most respected leaders.
Born: 27 July 1933
Died: 17 August 1995
Years Played: 1951–1970
Position: Utility (Defender / Forward)
Club: Footscray (Western Bulldogs)
Games: 321
Goals: 360
Premierships: 1 (1954)
Other Honours: 5× Footscray Best and Fairest, AFL Hall of Fame Legend
Dustin Martin (Richmond)
A superstar of the modern game, Martin is the only player to win three Norm Smith Medals, all in winning grand finals. He also holds a Brownlow Medal and has won three premierships.
Born: 26 June 1991
Years Played: 2010–present
Position: Midfielder / Forward
Club: Richmond
Games: 300+ (ongoing)
Goals: 300+
Premierships: 3 (2017, 2019, 2020)
Brownlow Medals: 1 (2017)
Other Honours: 3× Norm Smith Medal, Richmond Best and Fairest
Chris Judd (West Coast Eagles / Carlton)
Explosive in the midfield, Judd won two Brownlow Medals and led West Coast to the 2006 flag. His speed and ball-winning ability made him a nightmare for opposition teams.
Born: 8 September 1983
Years Played: 2002–2015
Position: Midfielder
Clubs: West Coast Eagles, Carlton
Games: 279
Goals: 228
Premierships: 1 (2006)
Brownlow Medals: 2 (2004, 2010)
Other Honours: 6× All-Australian, 5× Club Best and Fairest
Lance Franklin (Hawthorn / Sydney Swans)
One of the most famous forwards of the 21st century, “Buddy” kicked over 1,000 goals across his career. A four-time Coleman Medalist and dual premiership winner, he was box office every season.
Born: 30 January 1987
Years Played: 2005–2023
Position: Key Forward
Clubs: Hawthorn, Sydney Swans
Games: 354
Goals: 1,066
Premierships: 2 (2008, 2013)
Other Honours: 4× Coleman Medal, 8× All-Australian
Michael Voss (Brisbane Lions)
As captain, Voss led Brisbane to three consecutive premierships from 2001 to 2003. Renowned for toughness and leadership, he was a dual Best and Fairest winner and Brownlow Medalist.
Born: 7 July 1975
Years Played: 1992–2006
Position: Midfielder
Club: Brisbane Bears / Brisbane Lions
Games: 289
Goals: 245
Premierships: 3 (2001, 2002, 2003)
Brownlow Medals: 1 (1996)
Other Honours: 5× All-Australian, AFL Hall of Fame
James Hird (Essendon)
A brilliant and versatile player, Hird won a Brownlow Medal, captained Essendon, and helped his club win the 2000 premiership. His ability to influence games from multiple positions made him a fan favourite.
Born: 4 February 1973
Years Played: 1992–2007
Position: Midfielder / Forward
Club: Essendon
Games: 253
Goals: 343
Premierships: 2 (1993, 2000)
Brownlow Medals: 1 (1996)
Other Honours: 5× All-Australian, Norm Smith Medal (2000)
Simon Black (Brisbane Lions)
One of the most consistent midfielders in history, Black is a Brownlow, Norm Smith, and triple-premiership winner. His endurance and skills at stoppages kept him among the league’s elite for over a decade.
Born: 3 April 1979
Years Played: 1998–2013
Position: Midfielder
Club: Brisbane Lions
Games: 322
Goals: 146
Premierships: 3 (2001, 2002, 2003)
Brownlow Medals: 1 (2002)
Other Honours: Norm Smith Medal (2003), AFL Hall of Fame
John Coleman (Essendon)
A legend whose career was cut short by injury, Coleman kicked 537 goals in just 98 games. The AFL’s leading goalkicker award is named in his honour, cementing his legacy.
Born: 23 November 1928
Died: 5 April 1973
Years Played: 1949–1954
Position: Full Forward
Club: Essendon
Games: 98
Goals: 537
Premierships: 2 (1949, 1950)
Other Honours: 2× VFL Leading Goalkicker, AFL Hall of Fame Legend
Graham “Polly” Farmer (Geelong / East Perth / West Perth)
Revolutionary in the ruck, Farmer introduced the handball as an attacking weapon. A Hall of Fame Legend, his influence changed how the game was played and shaped generations of players. He's also one of the great Aboriginal footy players!
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aenean diam dolor, accumsan sed rutrum vel, Born: 10 March 1935
Died: 14 August 2019
Years Played: 1953–1971
Position: Ruckman
Clubs: East Perth, Geelong, West Perth
Games: 356 (combined)
Goals: 156
Premierships: 3 (1956, 1969, 1971 WAFL)
Other Honours: AFL Hall of Fame Legend, Simpson Medal (1956, 1969)
What Makes a Player the Best Footy Player of All Time?
When debating the best footy player of all time, fans and experts will rarely agree. An AFL player's greatness depends on skill, achievements, and the influence they have. We purposefully avoided the current best players (as they can enjoy their inclusion once they finish playing).
In the end, it depends on how much weight you give to each factor. When selecting the best footy player of all time, some might give more weight to numerical statistics. Some may prefer players who shine in the most important matches, while others might prefer consistent players who contribute to their clubs throughout the season.
The Most Famous Footy Player in AFL History
There's also something to be said for the players who transcend the sport. Some players are well-known to many, and while this is partly due to their ability, these are the names that have become household names. These are the most famous footy players, not necessarily the best. If you're new to football, you may have heard of some of these.
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Gary Ablett Snr is by far the best player of all time and that’s from a die hard Carlton supporter.
Great points in history of AFL to note, brings about people talking constructively about football in social settings. The great memories of the day both past and present and future. Stimulates and warms people’s hearts thinking, watching and liaising with others especially during the AFL season. Well done, keep going with this. I love it, it makes my day.
Hello Joan, what a wonderful comment! Thank you so much for sharing how AFL brings people together and creates those special moments of connection! 🏉