Robert Walls and David Parkin reveal how they locked in the best 22 of the last 50 years

THE talent pool over the last 50 years is immense, every pick is sure to spark debate. David Parkin and Robert Walls reveal how they came up with their best 22.

DAVID Parkin and Robert Walls have seen it all.

The pair played in and coached multiple premierships, have seen the dark side of footy and come back better than ever.

WHO WAS UNLUCKY TO MISS OUT? HAVE YOUR SAY IN THE COMMENTS

The talent pool over the last 50 years is immense, every pick is sure to spark debate.

Here’s what Parkin and Walls had to say on the legends that made the cut.

EASY DECISION: ‘THE ONLY PLAYER I’VE REGULARLY PAID TO WATCH’

MATTHEW LLOYD: IT’S TIME FOR ABLETT TO RETURN TO CATS

JON RALPH: DOGS PLAYING LIKE A SECOND-RATE TEAM

BACKS

GAVIN WANGANEEN (Essendon, Port Adelaide)

“He had so much talent he could have played in any position and obviously went forward in 2001 for Port Adelaide (41 goals). His combination of courage and skill would earn him selection in that position in any era.” - David Parkin

STEPHEN SILVAGNI (Carlton)

“I saw enough of him when coaching at Carlton to fully endorse his selection as fullback in the Team of the Century.” - Robert Walls

MATTHEW SCARLETT (Geelong)

“I call him economical in that he did what he was supposed to do all the time. He made so few mistakes in his decision making and had exceptional balance.” - DP

Wayne Carey in action for Essendon in 1996.

Bruce Doull in action for Carlton in 1980.

HALF-BACKS

BRUCE DOULL (Carlton)

“I don’t think anyone who understands football could possibly argue with his selection. A footballer’s footballer who played well in finals.” - RW

PETER KNIGHTS (Hawthorn)

“I played on him regularly and it was a nightmare. At times it was embarrassing because not only would he keep you quiet, he would win the ball as well.” - RW

COREY ENRIGHT (Geelong)

“His longevity and consistency are what you first think of. Plus he could play on smalls and talls, slows and quicks. The difference between his best and worst was negligible.” - DP

CENTRES

JASON AKERMANIS (Brisbane Bears/Lions, Western Bulldogs)

“He could kick either foot 60m while running at breakneck speed. He seemed to thrive under pressure and was perfectly suited to a wing.” - RW

SAM MITCHELL (Hawthorn, West Coast)

“Ian Stewart won two of his Brownlows before 1967. Mitchell has played 317 games at an amazingly high and consistent level.” - RW

CHRIS JUDD (West Coast, Carlton)

“Juddy’s acceleration was rare, as was his decision making. He could make his own space, like (Patrick) Dangerfield today.” - RW

HALF-FORWARDS

GARY ABLETT Jr (Geelong, Gold Coast)

“As consistent as the very best midfielders. He just keeps winning contested ball and creating opportunities.” - DP

WAYNE CAREY (North Melbourne, Adelaide)

“I loved Royce Hart as a player but Wayne Carey could do the same things despite standing 5cm taller and weighing 10kg more. And he played well when it mattered.” - RW

GARY ABLETT Sr (Hawthorn, Geelong)

“He is the best player I’ve ever seen, the only player I’ve regularly paid to watch, which I used to do when he would appear at the MCG. No player gets near his level of talent.” - RW

FORWARDS

LEIGH MATTHEWS (Hawthorn)

“In the 50 years we are talking about, no player influenced the result as often as Leigh. He had a unique capacity to do the right thing at the right time.” - DP

TONY LOCKETT (St Kilda, Sydney)

“I have huge respect for the Jason Dunstall and Peter Hudson, but when it comes to the crunch I keep coming back to Lockett. Maybe it was his sheer presence.” - RW

BERNIE QUINLAN (Footscray, Fitzroy)

“I was lucky enough to coach him for five years at Fitzroy when he kicked 100 goals twice and won a Brownlow. He had the ideal build and was just so versatile.” - RW

Tony Lockett in action for Sydney in 1999.

Michael Voss in action for Brisbane in 2001.

FOLLOWERS

SIMON MADDEN (Essendon)

“I don’t underestimate Dean Cox, but for tap work Madden is the best of his era and did it for 19 years. And to think he also kicked 575 goals.” - RW

MICHAEL VOSS (Brisbane Bears/Lions)

“In the best two or three leaders and could take over a game via his physical and mental strength, like Leigh Matthews. Total team player.” - DP

KEVIN BARTLETT (Richmond)

“Had lightning acceleration which was so hard to control. Like Brent Harvey, he never lost that speed. Plus he read the play so well.” - DP

INTERCHANGE

ALEX JESAULENKO (Carlton, St Kilda)

“Probably in my time he was one of half a dozen very rare players. His strength through his hips meant he rarely went to ground. So he never lost his poise. He was so difficult to play against.” - DP

ROYCE HART (Richmond)

“He was correctly named centre half-forward in the Team of the Century but that was prior to Carey fully emerging. Hart, like so many of these players, found a way when it mattered.” - RW

MALCOLM BLIGHT (North Melbourne)

“A freakish entertainer who seemed to thrive when the moment arrived. Like Jezza and Ablett Sr, he was a player that took you to the game.” - RW

DOUG HAWKINS (Footscray, Fitzroy)

“A creative genius. Could win the ball in the air or ground, and then kept his body in line with the ball, with his nose over it. When most others couldn’t see the wood from the trees, Dougie would make the right call. A gem of a player.” - DP

Originally published as Robert Walls and David Parkin reveal how they locked in the best 22 of the last 50 years