The Challenge of Naming the Top 10 Midfielders of the 21st Century
Isaac Smith, a premiership player for Hawthorn and Geelong, has taken on the daunting task of identifying the top 10 midfielders of the 21st century. His criteria were clear: all players had to start their careers in 2000 or later. This rule excluded some notable names, such as Simon Black, who began his career in 1997.
During a recent broadcast on Triple M, Smith shared his list of 10 standout midfielders, while also revealing his personal top five of all time. Among those named were Sam Mitchell, Marcus Bontempelli, Nat Fyfe, Scott Pendlebury, and Lachie Neale. However, none of these players managed to secure a spot in Smith’s elite group.
Struggles with Inclusion
One of the most challenging decisions for Smith was whether to include Luke Hodge in his list. Despite Hodge’s talent, Smith noted that he primarily played as a defender, which made it difficult to justify his inclusion in the midfield rankings.
Joel Selwood, a premiership captain for Hawthorn, was another name that stood out. Smith described him as one of the toughest players he has ever faced. “Coming up against Joel was very difficult, and you would plan all week,” he said. “He’s as tough as I’ve seen. Him and Sam Mitchell are probably the two toughest players along with Luke Hodge that I’ve played with.”
Selwood’s ability to stay focused on the game was remarkable. “The only way you could get anywhere near stopping him was if someone like Will Langford used to go to him sometimes, and just stand in front of him, so he couldn’t get access to the ball. And that was the only way you could stop him.”
Childhood Heroes and Legendary Performances
Chris Judd, one of Smith’s childhood heroes, was another name that made the list. “He was brilliant. From the moment he stepped on to the scene. I loved him at West Coast when he was playing against the Sydney Swans, bursting from stoppage. He had Cousins and Kerr next to him, they looked absolutely magnificent.”
Patrick Dangerfield was also highlighted by Smith. “It’s the best individual game I’ve ever played against this bloke,” he said. “I think over a period of time, and go and look at Danger’s stats, they will stack up as good as anyone in the competition. And playing against him, he is as good a player as I’ve ever played against. Danger can spray them, but he can bomb a goal from 60 metres.”
Dustin Martin was another standout. “He was just special. The way he could turn a game. And his grand final performances. Just absolutely spectacular.”
The Greatest of All Time
When it came to naming the best player over a period of time, Smith didn’t hesitate. “The best player over a period of time was Gary Ablett Jr, and I think he could go down as the greatest of all time.”
Smith’s list reflects not only the skill and impact of these players but also the challenges of selecting the best of the best. Each name on the list represents a unique blend of talent, resilience, and influence on the game. As the sport continues to evolve, the legacy of these midfielders will undoubtedly remain a topic of discussion among fans and analysts alike.
