Manly's greatest ever team revamped

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MANLY'S greatest ever team will require a major revamp if the Sea Eagles knock over the Roosters in Sunday's grand final.

In 2006 I was part of a panel with the club's 'godfather' Ken Arthurson, author and historian Ian Heads and former chairman Kerry Sibraa that named the best Manly team in 60 years.

Since then, this remarkably successful club has made four grand finals and won two premierships.

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With respect to all those originally chosen, the performances of current champions Jamie Lyon, Brett Stewart, Anthony Watmough and Kieren Foran in recent years almost demands a review.

They are to Manly what Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk are to Melbourne.

If Manly win tomorrow, there are two definite and two possible changes to the all-time greatest side.

Centre and skipper Jamie Lyon will have to be included. It will be his third premiership at the club.

He is a wonderful old style football player, who gets by on natural skill, thrives under pressure and has an obsession to win every time he takes the field.

The problem is you can't drop Bob Fulton or Michael O'Connor. I'd move Fulton to five-eighth for Wally O'Connell, not that I saw him play.

As much as he was a super player, O'Connell played most of his career at the Roosters and only two seasons at Brookvale for 34 appearances without winning a premiership.

I would also suggest Anthony Watmough should become a must selection the team. I'd at least put him on the bench for Ben Kennedy.

Kennedy is a bit like O'Connell – a champion but had only two seasons at the club and didn't win a grand final.

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Watmough has been among the top three back-rowers in the world for so long. He has to be there.

The most debatable position is at fullback.

Who would have thought anyone could ever question the great Graham Eadie's position in any all-time great side.

He was not just the best fullback of his era but in some years the best player in the game.

Wombat played 237 club games, 20 Test matches, scored 71 tries, kicked goals and won four premierships.

He was an absolute superstar.

Then along comes Brett Stewart with an unbelievable 136 tries from 177 games. This will be his third premiership.

I'm not saying he should definitely go in for Eadie but it's certainly worth discussing as a possibility.

Finally, Keiran Foran. He is now New Zealand's Test captain, he's fearless, skilful, and incredibly tough with a competitive streak like no other player in the game.

Surely he deserves to be at least considered for a position on the bench.

1 Graham Eadie ------ Brett Stewart
2 Ken Irvine
3 Bob Fulton (c ) ------ Jamie Lyon
4 Michael O'Connor
5 Ray Branighan
6 Wally O'Connell ----- Bob Fulton (c )
7 Geoff Toovey
13 Mal Reilly
12 Terry Randall
11 Steven Menzies
10 Roy Bull
9 Max Krilich
8 John O'Neill
Reserves:
14 Des Hasler ------ Kieren Foran
15 Cliff Lyons
16 Ben Kennedy ------ Anthony Watmough
17 Paul Vautin  

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Swans close on Buddy, Sylvia to Freo

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SYDNEY'S offer for Lance Franklin is being examined by the AFL after paperwork was lodged during the opening day of free agency.

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"The AFL is currently still examining this offer," league spokesman Patrick Keane said on Twitter.

"The AFL will advise the respective clubs and the wider football public immediately when the examination of Franklin offer has been concluded."

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AFL FREE AGENCY IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS - SCROLL DOWN TO RE-LIVE OUR LIVE COVERAGE

Franklin is one of four players to have offers tabled on the first day of free agency.

Adelaide has submitted an offer for Carlton small forward Eddie Betts worth an estimated $2 million over four years. As a restricted free agent, the Blues have three days to decide if they will match the offer or let Betts go.

Colin Sylvia and Matt White have both joined new clubs as unrestricted free agents.

Fremantle lodged an official offer for former Demon Sylvia while Port Adelaide has offered ex-Tiger White a three-year deal.

As unrestricted free agents they are free to join their new clubs immediately.

No bid has been lodged yet for Collingwood star Dale Thomas, but he is expected to wear navy blue next season, despite Carlton and Collingwood insisting they are yet to be told of a decision.

Thomas is strongly favouring joining the Blues on a lucrative four-year deal worth just under $700,000 a season.

But Carlton is out of the race for Taylor Adams, with the highly-rated GWS youngster telling them he will now either stay with the Giants or cross to Collingwood or Geelong.

The Blues are also courting Victorian-born Fremantle midfielder Viv Michie and Hawthorn's Shane Savage, who could be acquired in a straight swap with ruckman Shaun Hampson.

The Thomas announcement is unlikely to be made this week, paving the way for the 26-year-old to attend tonight's Collingwood best-and-fairest only days before being unveiled as a Carlton player.

The Pies have also presented Thomas with a four-year contract, but will not challenge the Blues' offer when it lands.

Carlton has put Thomas through a thorough examination of his troublesome ankle, organising as many as three medicals.

Blues recruiting manager Shane Rogers said this week the club was "confident with what the doctors have told us".

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse, a long-time admirer of Thomas, believes the 2010 premiership and All-Australian will help address his side's often-overwhelmed midfield.

Malthouse said after the Blues' recent semi-final loss to Sydney that Carlon's lack of run this year had been "extraordinary".

"Dale is a good age player, he's got many years left in him," Malthouse said last month.

"I know how he plays. I love the way he plays, but that doesn't mean he's anywhere near over the line (in signing for Carlton)."

Collingwood is expected to gain pick No.11 in the national draft as compensation for losing Thomas.

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Foley primed for Wallabies debut

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FIFTEEN months after Berrick Barnes' famous pre-Test baby dash scuttled his first shot at a Wallabies debut, Bernard Foley believes he'll be better equipped to finally pull on the gold jersey.

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Foley will take his place on the Wallabies bench for a probable debut in Rosario on Sunday morning (AEST) after almost filling the same role in the second Test against Wales June last year.

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The NSW utility was the plan B option on standby when Barnes raced back to Sydney from Melbourne on Test eve to be at the birth of his first child Archie.

With Mike Harris set to move into the starting side, Foley studied up on all the plays and prepared as if he was going to play right up until a few hours before the match.

"They said they'd booked him a flight at 4pm," Foley recalled.

"If he is on it, he's on it and if he's not, you're on the bench.

"I was probably the only bloke in Australia praying the labour went on for a bit longer."

Foley was joking, of course, and his good mate ultimately arrived back in Melbourne two hours before kickoff.

"He went out there and played the game of his life, he was man of the match," Foley said.

"It was an awesome effort."

Though now a settled five-eighth, Foley was named in the slightly unfamiliar role of last man on the bench, a spot which traditionally covers outside backs.

"It's a very proud moment. Hopefully I can get on the field," Foley said.

"At that stage (last year) I don't think I had played any games at fly-half, so to have a whole season under my belt and play every (Super Rugby) game gives me a lot of confidence. It has also allowed me to develop as a player, I think."

Coach Ewen McKenzie said Foley - a former Australian sevens skipper - could cover most positions in the backline and had demanded selection with training park form.

"It doesn't matter who you talk to, he has impressed not only coaches but teammates with his footballing ability and just in the way he conducts himself," he said.

"He has energy and brings good talk and a good football brain. You look at this game that's what we're going to need."

McKenzie said Foley would be strategically used in the last quarter of the match to take advantage of his skill at slicing open tired defences.

"We need to create pressure on the opposition, and be able to take moments. If you have a quick look at his stats, you'll find he's the guy who made the most linebreaks for the Tahs and created the most headaches for the opposition," McKenzie said.

"That'll be very handy in the last period of the game."

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Tubby athletes we love to cheer

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GEORGE Rose is set to stomp onto the field as a Sea Eagle for the last time in Saturday's Grand Final.

So as a fitting tribute to the Manly behemoth, we've decided to do a rundown of the over-sized athletes from across the sporting world who are still considered to be at the top of their fields, starting with Rose himself.

George Rose – Rugby League

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Gorgeous George is a throwback to rugby league's golden era, where abs were a rumour and a well-rounded diet consisted of a pie AND a beer. The list of tubby league players from yesteryear is long as they were rotund, but Rose is among the few still flying the flag in defiance of the game's nutritionists. Fast and mobile for a man of his carriage, Rose will provide plenty of impact for the Sea Eagles in Sunday's Grand Final before packing his bags to take up a new contract with Melbourne in 2014.

Mark Cosgrove – Cricket

Cricket fans wouldn't have batted an eyelid at the sight of Cosgrove's midriff during the David Boon era, but not so these days. In an era where homogenous cricketers seem mass produced from the same slimline cookie-cutter, Cosgrove bucks the trend. Although not in the same weight division as Berumda's Dwayne Leverock, once dubbed the "Bermuda Pie Angle", Cosgrove dwarfs most of his contemporaries in the Ryobi Cup. He played three one-day internationals for Australia in 2006 before being de-listed by his native South Australia over an apparent lack of commitment to training. Shane Warne, pre-Liz, would have been proud.

John Daly – Golf

It couldn't be a "tubby athlete" list without golf's greatest showman. Daly has tried crash diets, bouts of sobriety and lap-band surgery over the course of his colourful career, but that protruding belly just keeps resurfacing. Daly's excesses at the dinner table have been far exceeded by those at the roulette table, however. "The Wild Thing" claims to have lost up to $60 million over the course of his career, including $1.5 million in a $5,000-per-spin poker machine in 2005.

Ricardo Blas Jr – Judo

At 218 kilograms, Blas holds the record as the heaviest competitor in the history of the modern Olympics – a full 20 kilograms clear of his closest rival. The judoka from Guam competed at the Beijing and London Olympics in the 100+ kilogram class (which he juuuuuust barely qualified for), losing in the first and second rounds respectively. In what is quite possibly the most understated nickname in sports' history, Blas is known as "The Little Mountain" in Guam. 

Piri Weepu – Rugby Union

Admittedly, Weepu can't hold a candle to the rugby world's armada of chubby front rowers, but the subject of the All Black halfback's girth still made front page news in New Zealand last year. After spending too much time in the top paddock during the 2012 pre-season, Weepu returned for duty a touch out of shape. Local media outlets reported as much, prompting Weepu's parents and teammates to launch a spirited defence and the player himself to engage in several heated Twitter exchanges with the public.

Pablo Sandoval – Baseball

Baseball may well be the last safe haven for fatties in professional sport. "America's past time" boasts a long list of rotund competitors, most notably George Herman "Babe" Ruth, perhaps the greatest hitter of them all. Venezuelan third baseman Sandoval headlines the modern day list of large-and-in-charge ballplayers. Nicknamed "Kung Fu Panda" by adoring fans in San Francisco, Sandoval has won two World Series and has twice been named an All-Star.

Jeroen Verhoeven – Football

Diego Maradona and "One Tonne" Ronaldo may have grabbed the headlines for their expanding waistlines, but only in the twilight of their playing careers. Jeroen Verhoeven, on the other hand, has packed quite the gut for entirety of his football career. Currently on the books of FC Utrecht, the 33-year-old goalkeeper was once subjected to chants of "Pizza!" by opposing fans every time the ball was in his possession.

Emanuel Yarborough – Sumo Wrestling

At 2.03 metres and 302 kilograms, Emanuel Yarborough is sumo wrestling's perfect weapon. The Guinness Book of Records recognises "Tiny" Yarborough as the world's heaviest athlete amid claims he has weighed in at up to 370 kilograms at various points of his sumo and MMA career. The American's success in the dohyo has translated to notoriety in the wider world, with Yarborough starred in a Bollywood film – presumably an IMAX production - and an advertising campaign for a mobile phone company.

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Mike's Top 50: Swan misses top 5

Dane Swan fires up after kicking a goal. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Wayne Ludbey / HeraldSun

SCRATCH Dane Swan from the list of options for the No.1 spot - he can't get any higher than seven in Mike Sheahan's Top 50.

See 6-10 in the countdown below and come back tomorrow to see who is No.1 in the full Top 50 interactive experience, including video, our other experts' verdict and your chance to vote on every player.

SEE THE PLAYERS MIKE RANKED 11-20

SEE THE PLAYERS MIKE RANKED 21-30

SEE THE PLAYERS MIKE RANKED 31-40

SEE THE PLAYERS MIKE RANKED 41-50

6. KIEREN JACK
Position: Midfield
2013 pre-season rank: 22
2012 post-season rank: 15
Best post-season rank: 2012
SC average: 109

Mike says: He's a jet. Works both ways with equal enthusiasm, wins his own footy, kicks goals (24) and tackles with the energy and intensity you would expect of a kid who grew up in a rugby league environment.

Sydney's Kieren Jack sprints through the middle of the SCG. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: HeraldSun

7. DANE SWAN
Position: Midfield
2013 pre-season rank: 13
2012 post-season rank: 16
Best post-season rank: 2 (2010)
SC average: 117

Mike says: Might have won a second Brownlow this year, but died on his run according to the the umpires. His possessions exceeded 700, he's still a brilliant clearance player and he kicks goals (21).

Dane Swan bursts out of the middle. Picture: Michael Klein Source: HeraldSun

8. RYAN GRIFFEN
Position: Midfield
2013 pre-season rank: 32
2012 post-season rank: 46
Best post-season rank: 39 (2010)
SC average: 116

Mike says: A long-time good player reached elite level this year. Averaged almost 30 possessions a week, coped with close attention week after week, and was a constant source of drive.

Ryan Griffen's silky skills were on show for the Bulldogs in 2013. Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: HeraldSun

9. SAM MITCHELL
Position: Midfield
2013 pre-season rank: 11
2012 post-season rank: 3
Best post-season rank: 2012
SC average: 104

Mike says:  He's a Hawthorn great and a great of the game. Amassed almost 700 possessions in 24 games and there's none better with ball in hand.

Sam Mitchell in the thick of the action, as usual. Picture: Mark Dadswell Source: HeraldSun

10. HARRY TAYLOR
Position: Defender
2013 pre-season rank: 33
2012 post-season rank: 49
Best post-season rank: 35 (2010)
SC average: 94

Mike says: Equally at home back or forward. Superb mark, smart and efficient with the ball in hand. His forays forward netted 15 goals. No wonder Freo went so hard at him .

Defender Harry Taylor provided a dangerous target in front of goal when he was moved forward this season. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: HeraldSun

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'JOC can play 150 Tests for Wallabies'

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EWEN McKenzie believes James O'Connor can still play a record 150 Tests for the Wallabies but only if he doesn't run away from his off-field problems.

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Speaking in Argentina where Australia are preparing to play the Pumas on Sunday (AEST), McKenzie said he had spoken with O'Connor yesterday about his choice between taking a massive pay-cut and playing for the Force, or heading offshore for a European or Japanese club.

After being told he would lose a $500,000 ARU contract in 2014 O'Connor faces a test of character, believes McKenzie.

"I've encouraged him (to stay). He can run and go and do something else, or he can stay and fight his way back into the Australian rugby scene," McKenzie said.

"I'm not closing the door on him in that sense but he has to obviously fulfil the criteria in terms of playing Super Rugby but also he has to modify behaviour.

"He'll understand that it's a fairly big moment for him ...but it's also a great opportunity for him if he wants to embrace the behavioural side which is the bit I'm interested in.

"He's a bloody good footballer. I've said to him he's quite capable of playing 150 Tests if he wants to but he isn't going to if he doesn't get his off-field stuff sorted."

Aged 23, O'Connor has already played in 44 Tests since debuting at age 18 in 2008. He could conceivably cruise past George Gregan's world record of 139 Test caps - or whoever holds it in a decade - if he stays in Australia and on the straight and narrow.

McKenzie pointed out O'Connor had made noticeable improvement in his behaviour and efforts to contribute to Wallabies team culture since he took over, but the Perth airport incident left him with no choice but to initially suspend the winger.

"I'm interested in him as a person. He's obviously a very good footballer but I think the football bit is the easy bit. The other bits over time would suggest that's a harder fix but fixable nonetheless," McKenzie said.

"He's playing snakes and ladders and he's tumbled down a ladder and now he's got to climb again."

Asked if he felt the penny had finally dropped with O'Connor this week, McKenzie said: "I think he understands."

"He's been around for five years so there has obviously been a bunch of incidents but he has continued to be involved (in the team)," he said.

"Well, now he's not involved. I think that's a fairly substantial message. It doesn't matter how you end your time  when you're not playing  any player who's injured for a period of time or not picked, they'll al tell you the same thing, that they miss it. They miss it big time. They miss their mates, they miss the camaraderie, they miss the whole environment."

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'Get on Friend for Clive Churchill'

Jake Friend celebrates a try against the Knights. Source: Mark Evans / DailyTelegraph

BRAITH Anasta has watched his old Sydney Roosters teammates closely in 2013 and he believes Jake Friend is "a massive smoky" for the Clive Churchill Medal on Sunday.

Speaking to foxsports.com.au for Wednesday afternoon's Grand Final edition of the NRL 360 blog, Anasta predictably tipped the Roosters to turn around the disappointing result in the 2010 Grand Final and expected Friend to play a big role.

While Mitchell Pearce gets Anasta's nod as the more likely to finish with the medal, he believes Friend is an underrated chance who will be right up there in the voting on Sunday.

"If form's anything to go by I think it will be Jake Friend or Mitchell Pearce," Anasta told foxsports.com.au.

"Against the Knights, Friend got the Roosters going with momentum through the middle and Pearce came home really strong - he ran the ball the best I've seen all year.

"I'd probably lean towards Pearce but I rate Friend a really big smoky."

Re-live the live blog below for more of Anasta's take on Sunday's Grand Final as well as discussion with NRL 360 co-host Paul Kent, Cronulla halfback Jeff Robson and former referees boss Bill Harrigan. 

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Hindmarsh does the red carpet

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HE'S hardly a style icon but there was plenty of fun to be had when Nathan Hindmarsh took to the red carpet at Tuesday night's Dally M awards.

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Fighting illness, the Parramatta legend, like he did in his playing days, left his sick bed to ensure he'd be part of the action for Fox Sports.

While he managed to interview many of the star, including the big names playing in this weekend's grand final, eventual winner Cooper Cronk gave Hindy the swerve.

Johnathan Thurston let a few secrets out of the bag about his playing days alongside Hindmarsh in the Kangaroos while Jarryd Hayne let his former teammate know just how much they were missing Hindmarsh at Parramatta Stadium.

To catch all the fun watch the videos on this page.

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Mike's Top 50: Giant tick for Cameron

Jeremy Cameron finished third in the Coleman Medal in just his second season in the AFL. Source: Wayne Ludbey / HeraldSun

JEREMY Cameron leaps into the top 30 alongside Cloke, Hodge and Stevie J in the latest installment of Mike Sheahan's Top 50.

See the next 10 players in the countdown at 7pm tonight and watch video of Mike defending his exclusive choices so far.

SEE THE PLAYERS MIKE RANKED 41-50

SEE THE PLAYERS MIKE RANKED 31-40

The rest of the Top 50 will be unveiled over the next two days - come back on Friday to see the full list including the coveted No.1 spot, and a full interactive experience including your vote on every player.

21. STEVE JOHNSON
Position: Forward-midfield
2013 preseason rank: 23
2012 post-season rank: 36
Best post-season rank: 10 (2007)

Mike says: What a star. Thrived in the midfield, thrilled supporters (of all teams) and scored a lot of love from umpires. Even when he mucks up, it's entertaining.

Steve Johnson snaps at goal in the preliminary final. Picture: Michael Klein Source: HeraldSun

22. TRAVIS CLOKE
Position: Forward
2013 preseason rank: 12
2012 post-season rank: 45
Best post-season rank: 3 (2011)
SC average: 95

Mike says: Big year from the big man. Booted 68.51 to narrowly miss Coleman and, as always, was outstanding overhead. Averaged nine marks a game.

Travis Cloke kicks a big goal. Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: HeraldSun

23. RORY SLOANE
Position: Midfield
2013 preseason rank: 26
First season-end selection
SC average: 107

Mike says: He's a beauty. He looks like an altar boy and plays like a demon. Talented, brave and resilient.

Rory Sloane pounces on a loose ball. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: HeraldSun

24. MICHAEL JOHNSON
Position: Defender
First season-end selection
SC average: 87

Mike says: Freo's solitary rep in the team of the year. Finally acknowledged for his smooth skills and consistency. An average 20 disposals at 81 per cent tells the tale.

Fremantle's Michael Johnson celebrates a goal. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: HeraldSun

25. NICK RIEWOLDT
Position: Forward
2013 preseason rank: 47
Best post-season rank: 1 (2004)

Mike says: Under-appreciated this year because of his team's lack of success. Averaged better than nine marks a game and kicked 50 goals ... and delivery was shoddy.

Nick Riewoldt marks in front of Richmond's Troy Chaplin. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: HeraldSun

26. JOSH KENNEDY
Position: Midfield
2013 preseason rank: 5
2012 post-season rank: 2
Best post-season rank: 2012

Mike says: Not quite as good this year, yet still a solid, reliable performer. Averaged 27 possessions and dominated at the clearances with his strength and quick hands.

Josh Kennedy fends off Magpie Jarryd Blair to win another contested possession. Picture: Michael Klein Source: HeraldSun

27. JEREMY CAMERON
Position: Forward
First season-end selection
SC average: 73

Mike says: Was in contention for the Coleman until the last round. Kicked 28 per cent of his team's goals. Great mark, reliable kick, outstanding prospect.

Jeremy Cameron almost hangs on to a screamer. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: HeraldSun

28. CHRIS MAYNE
Position: Forward
First season-end selection
SC average: 92

Mike says: Super season. Hampered by a back injury in last two finals, but still managed 37 goals for the year (37.12) and 34 score assists. Brilliant tackler.

Chris Mayne celebrates a big goal in the Grand Final. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: HeraldSun

29. LUKE HODGE
Position: Midfield
Best post-season rank: 4 (2008)
SC average: 97

Mike says: Probably deserves to be higher given his leadership and all-round aura. Good numbers and at his best in big games. A true champion.

Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge celebrates with the 2013 premiership cup. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: HeraldSun

30. ANDREW MACKIE
Position: Defender
Best post-season rank: 30 (2009)
SC average: 87

Mike says: Enjoyed the best year of his excellent career. Remains a shrewd, cool, reliable defender who wins plenty of the ball and uses it wisely.

Andrew Mackie celebrates after kicking a goal. Picture: Michael Klein Source: HeraldSun

 

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Mike's Top 50: Where's Buddy?

Robert Murphy returns to Mike's Top 50 after a superb season for the Western Bulldogs. Source: HeraldSun

A VETERAN Dog and a reborn Cat make the cut, but there's no sign of Lance Franklin as Mike reveals the players ranked 41-50.

See the next 10 players in the countdown at mignight and watch video of Mike defending his exclusive choices so far.

The rest of the Top 50 will be unveiled over the next two days - come back on Friday to see the full list including the coveted No.1 spot, and a full interactive experience including your vote on every player.

41. MATHEW STOKES
Position: Forward
First season-end selection
SuperCoach average: 97

Mike says: Blitzed in the first half of the season, racked up 630 possessions for the year and led Geelong for score-assists. Second to Joel Selwood for contested ball.

Mathew Stokes swoops on a loose ball. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: HeraldSun

42. BRENDON GODDARD
Position: Midfield
2013 pre-season rank: 45
Best post-season ranking: 3 (2010)
SC average: 106

Mike says: Pays a heavy price for being less than so many of us have expected. Pretty handy first season in red and black. Nearly 600 possessions plus 18 goals.

A pumped up Brendon Goddard. Picture: Michael Klein Source: HeraldSun

43. DANIEL WELLS
Position: Midfield
2013 pre-season rank: 48
2012 post-season rank: 41
Best post-season rank: 34 (2011)
SC average: 96

Mike says: Probably his best year. Starting to realise just how good he can be. Carried the ball with dash and kicked 25 goals, more than handy from a midfielder.

Daniel Wells on the move. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: HeraldSun

44. GRANT BIRCHALL
Position: Defender
2012 post-season rank: 30
Best post-season rank: 2012
SC average: 92

Mike says: One of the Hawks' genuine stars. Averaged 24 possessions with a disposal efficiency in the 80s. Super link player.

Grant Birchall flattens Fremantle's Danyle Pearce during the Grand Final. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: HeraldSun

45. ROBERT MURPHY
Position: Defender
Best post-season rank: 37 (2005)
SC average: 99

Mike says: One of my favorites of the modern game. Love his dash, daring and composure, and his exquisite disposal skills. Comfortable at either end of the ground.

Robert Murphy gets the Bulldogs out of trouble. Picture: Michael Klein Source: HeraldSun

46. RICHARD DOUGLAS
Position: Midfield
Best post-season rank: 37 (2010)
SC average: 102

Mike says: Adelaide's best for much of the season. Won a heap of footy, booted 20 goals, big on score-assists and tackled hard and often.

Richard Douglas gives Sydney's Craig Bird the slip. Picture: Reed Sarah Source: The Advertiser

47. ANDREW WALKER
Position: Forward/Midfield
First season-end selection
SC average: 106

Mike says: One of the most dashing, damaging defenders of the year. Averaged 23 disposals and was adventurous with the ball.

Andrew Walker in full flight off half-back. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: HeraldSun

48. JOSH GIBSON
Position: Defender
2012 post-season rank: 32
Best post-season rank: 2012
SC average: 79

Mike says: One of the major planks in the Hawthorn defence. Defensive in the air, smart at ground level, creative with ball in hand. Led the table for rebound-50s.

Josh Gibson enjoys Hawthorn's premiership with fans at the MCG. Picture: Michael Klein Source: HeraldSun

49. BRAD EBERT
Position: Midfield
First season-end selection
SC average: 97

Mike says: One of the keys to Port Adelaide's improvement. Had heaps of the ball with a high efficiency rating (68.5 per cent). Played every game and led the tackle count at his club .

Brad Ebert celebrates a goal with Angus Monfries. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

50. TODD GOLDSTEIN
Position: Ruck
Best post-season rank: 23 (2011)
SC average: 114

Mike says: Not far behind Will Minson as the premier ruckman of the season. Not a vintage year for the gladiators, but he was consistent, resilient and effective.

Todd Goldstein jumps over Chris Dawes to win the tap. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

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