MEDIA Manager Ben Waterworth announced a list of the top 10 players of the past 15 years on SEN’s “The Local Locker Room” on Sunday afternoon.
It was a tough task, with many unlucky players not making the list.
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1. Ryan Mullett (Vermont) – The most exciting and explosive player of the past 15 years. A thumping right boot that is especially damaging heading inside 50. A classy mover who gets lots of the ball and uses it well. Very graceful and elegant moving around the field. A premiership captain (2009), two-time Chandler Medalist (2010 and 2012), four-time club Best and Fairest winner and six-time SEN Division 1 Team of the Year member (four as captain).
2. Nick Cox (Bayswater/South Belgrave) – Two words: ball magnet. Racked up the possessions, predominantly as an inside player. Hard and tough, he was the engine room of Bayswater’s side in the early 2000’s. Maybe didn’t get the credit he deserved as Bayswater wasn’t a gun side, yet he stood out. Won 2000 Chandler Medal.
3. Denis Knight (Noble Park) – Maybe the most complete footballer we’ve seen in the EFL for the past 10 years. Was just as good an outside player as an inside player. Showed tremendous class uncontested, but you’d want him in your trench fighting for the contested ball. Won the 2003 Chandler Medal.
4. Matt Greig (Vermont) – Undoubtedly the best forward of the past 15 years. Could take a huge mark and was a beautiful, accurate left-foot kick for goal. Explosive on the lead and worked well with partner in crime Ash Froud. A big part of the Vermont juggernaut.
5. Daniel Donati (Noble Park) – The quintessential goal-kicking midfielder. Opposition had to pay respect to him, as he could always push forward and hurt you on the scoreboard. A player who always lifted for the big occasion.
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6. Todd Power (Vermont/The Basin) – Arguably the best defender of the past 15 years. Played in a number of Vermont premierships, captaining the 2005 flag. A wonderful CHB, who was excellent at organising and leading the backline. Vermont’s quarterback. Very organised, had a cool head and very reliable with ball in hand and one-on-one.
7. Craig Anderson (Noble Park) – Absolute workhorse who runs himself into the ground each match. He is an inspirational, explosive player who can turn a game in a matter of minutes. Racks up possessions at will. Dual Chandler Medalist (2007 and 2011) and captained Noble Park to back-to-back flags in 2010/11.
8. Bernie Dinneen (Vermont/Bayswater/East Ringwood) – Probably the smallest player in the top 10, but maybe the biggest heart. One of the most intense footballers ever in the EFL, both on and off the field. Off the field he prepared himself to a tee by using calculated and methodical preparation. On the field, he worked his butt off to rack up the footy, despite not being blessed with great pace. Dual Chandler Medallist (2006/07) and James Medallist (2010).
9. Wade Porter (East Ringwood) – One of the best, pinpoint kicks in the EFL. Could hit a dime from 45 metres away. Would also do the hard and tough stuff at stoppages. A great link player going through the middle.
10. Adam Slater (East Burwood/Forest Hill) – Probably the best ruckman of the past 15 years. An absolute man mountain who used his body to outmanoeuvre opposition players. A really smart ruckman. Very dangerous when he went forward, causing plenty of problems and headaches for a side.
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