NAB League: Oakleigh Chargers’ best 20 of all time ranked
A long list of famous names have enjoyed decorated AFL careers after coming from the Oakleigh Chargers. We’ve had a crack at ranking the best 20. Did we get it right?
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The Oakleigh Chargers have produced several AFL champions since their inception in 1995.
And if you’ve seen their draft class for 2021, that tradition looks set to continue for years to come.
We’ve ranked the best 20 players the NAB League club has produced, meaning current day players in the formative stages of their careers are likely to be placed higher in coming years as they make their mark at the elite level.
20. Toby McLean – Pick 26, 2014 national draft (Western Bulldogs, 2015 – present; 94 games, 62 goals)
Entered the AFL ranks with big promise as a midfielder and small forward after winning the Morrish Medal as the best player in the under-18 comp, also taking the best-on-ground honours in the Chargers’ 2014 premiership side. Possessing an exciting marking ability coupled with a great leap, the Narre Warren product became an AFL premiership player with the Bulldogs in just his second season in the top-flight. Knee injuries haven’t been kind to the rising star of late, suffering ACL injuries in 2020 and ‘21, but the creative small forward’s impact to date can’t be denied.
19. Robbie Nahas – Pick 8, 2009 rookie draft (Richmond, 2009-2013; 83 games, 100 goals/North Melbourne, 2014-16; 34 games, 35 goals)
Before he hit the AFL scene, the speedy mover worked his way through the VFL system with Port Melbourne across three seasons, winning the Fothergill-Round Medal for the most promising young talent in the state league in ‘08. Carved out 117 matches across the Tigers and ‘Roos across eight seasons, where he became known for his ferocious pressure and tackling. Returned to the Borough after his AFL career wrapped up in 2016, where he featured in the club’s 2017 premiership and is the current playing-coach of North Ringwood in the Eastern league.
18. Bret Thornton – Pick 11, 2001 rookie draft (Carlton, 2002-2012; 188 games, 30 goals/Greater Western Sydney; 2013, one game)
Faced one of the most challenging baptisms of fire in AFL football, debuting into a raw Carlton backline in 2002 which had farewelled a host of mainstay champions in the immediate seasons prior. And that’s where the Waverley Blues product would spend the best part of 11 seasons in the navy blue, matching up on the league’s best forwards. Doesn’t have the individual or team accolades others on the list might have, but he wore his heart on his sleeve and a decade holding up the Blues’ back six isn’t to be sneezed at. Finished top 10 in the Carlton best and fairest on five occasions, before finishing his career in 2013 as a Giant. Later featured in a premiership for Western Region league powerhouse, Deer Park.
17. Heath Black – Pick 12, 1996 national draft (Fremantle, 1997-2001, 2005-08; 138 games, 61 goals/St Kilda, 2002-04; 54 games, 19 goals)
The talented wingman played almost 200 games across Fremantle and St Kilda in a 12-year stint at the top level. But he also made an impact at state level, featuring in South Fremantle’s WAFL premiership in 1997 as an 18-year-old. Finished runner-up for the Dockers’ best and fairest in 2001 and top-five in 2005 in between serving as a mainstay in the Saints’ midfield.
16. Jordan De Goey – Pick 5, 2014 national draft (Collingwood, 2015 – present; 116 games, 153 goals)
Has made a name as a hard-nosed forward with X-factor in his seven seasons with the ‘Pies, often drawing comparisons with Richmond’s Dustin Martin. Has been a regular in the line-up since his debut in Round 1, 2015, with his breakout season coming in 2018 when he topped the Collingwood goalkicking to help lift the club to a grand final appearance. Premiership player with the Chargers in 2014, kicking three goals in the grand final.
15. Darcy Moore – Pick 9 (father/son selection) 2014 national draft (Collingwood, 2015 – present; 102 games, 65 goals)
The son of Collingwood great Peter has become one of the AFL’s premier swingmen between attack and defence. Possesses plenty of nous around goal when played forward, but he’s also capable of shutting down big forwards when played down back. Couple his versatility with his strong marking ability, speed and leap, and he’s one of the ‘Pies’ most important players.
14. Andrew Carrazzo - Pick 5, 2002 rookie draft (Carlton, 2004-2015; 194 games, 48 goals)
One of the Chargers’ great stories of persistence, Carrazzo’s 12-year career with the Blues came after toiling away in the Geelong reserves as a rookie across 2002-03, where he won the best and fairest in 2003. Offered a lifeline by the Blues in the 2004 rookie draft at pick five, where he went on to win a club best and fairest in 2007, playing as a ball-winning midfielder before becoming the club’s key lockdown tagger. Played junior football for East Burwood.
13. Campbell Brown – Pick 32, 2001 national draft (Hawthorn, 2002-2010; 159 games, 64 goals/Gold Coast Suns, 2011-13; 46 games, 45 goals)
Renowned hard man across more than 200 games and a part of the ‘unsociable’ brand the Alastair Clarkson-led Hawks became known for in the late 2000s. Primarily a defender, Brown earned All Australian selection in 2007 playing at centre half back, later playing a key role in the club’s surprise 2008 premiership win. Finished his career as a Gold Coast Sun, playing 46 games for the club.
12. David Mackay – Pick 48, 2006 national draft (Adelaide, 2008 – present; 246 games, 66 goals)
A stalwart at the Crows. Explosive at his career-best through the midfield, and so reliable as a utility through his later years, the former Beverley Hills junior hasn’t left a stone unturned to get the most out of himself. He's top 10 for the all-time most games played at Adelaide, and he’s a life member of the club.
11. Jack Viney – Pick 26 (father/son selection), 2012 national draft (Melbourne, 2013 – present; 146 games, 39 goals)
The tough, in-and-under midfielder has been central to the Demons’ engine room since his debut in 2013. Touted as a ready-made AFL player in his Chargers days, the son of Demon-great Todd has had no problem living up to the family name. His tenacious, fearless nature saw him take home Melbourne’s best and fairest in 2016 before co-captaining the club from 2017-19. Named best on ground in a losing side in the 2011 NAB League grand final.
10. Jackson Macrae – Pick 6, 2012 national draft (Western Bulldogs, 2013 – present; 179 games, 42 goals)
Recently broke the VFL/AFL record for most 30-plus disposal games in a row (15) – that’s how well the lively Bulldog midfielder is travelling. The prime-mover has delivered two All-Australian honours across the past two seasons, and he’s on track for a third, to go with a premiership in 2016. One of the top midfielders in the AFL at the moment.
9. Toby Greene – Pick 11, 2011 national draft (Greater Western Sydney, 2012 – present; 174 games, 224 goals)
The livewire small forward has entertained since debuting in the Giants’ inaugural squad in 2012, making an impression from his first season where he finished runner-up in the club best and fairest award. He’s since hauled in a host of accolades, taking out the best and fairest in 2016 on his way to All Australian selection that season, before topping the goalkicking in 2017. Played in the Giants’ 2019 grand final side and remains one of the league’s most exciting players to watch, with a hard, competitive edge.
8. Andrew Gaff – Pick 4, 2010 national draft (West Coast Eagles, 2011 – present; 234 games, 78 goals)
Has been a regular feature of the Eagles’ midfield brigade for a decade carving out more than 200 matches as a renowned ball magnet on the outside. The Yarra Junior Football League and Kew Comets product has since taken in two All Australian honours (2015 and 2018) to go with the club best and fairest in 2015. Being selected in the top few often comes with its share of external pressure, but Gaff has certainly delivered.
7. Todd Goldstein – Pick 37, 2006 national draft (North Melbourne, 2008 – present; 271 games, 137 goals)
Has gone on to become one of the AFL’s leading ruckmen since his debut in 2009 and recently became the record-holder for most hit-outs at VFL/AFL level. Enjoyed a breakout season in 2015 where he earned an All Australian honour to go with North’s best and fairest award. Premiership player for the Chargers in 2006. Opposition ruckmen know they’re in for a tough day at the office when pitted against the North man-mountain.
6. Dan Hannebery – Pick 30, 2008 national draft (Sydney, 2009-2018; 208 games, 95 goals/St Kilda, 2019 – present; 13 games, four goals)
Enjoyed a blistering start to his career with the Swans, taking out the AFL’s coveted Rising Star award in 2010 before a top 10 finish in the club’s best and fairest in 2011. Achieved the ultimate as a 21-year-old as Sydney claimed the 2012 premiership, featuring among a star-studded midfield. Later collected the AFL Coaches’ Association’s Champion Player award in 2015 and has earned three All Australian gongs (2013, 2015, 2016). Has been hampered with injury in the past couple of seasons, but his best cannot be denied. Was named among the TAC Cup’s all-time top 25 players in 2016, and it’s not hard to see why.
5. Luke Shuey – Pick 18, 2008 national draft (West Coast Eagles, 2009 – present; 219 games, 137 goals)
One of the big finds for the Eagles over the past 15 years. The Marcellin College and Bulleen Templestowe product is the current skipper of the AFL powerhouse after making his name as one of the comp’s premier midfielders in the 2010s. He’s a two-time Eagles best and fairest winner (2016 and 2019) to go with a Norm Smith Medal for his starring role in the 2018 premiership win over Collingwood. In fact, he sits in rare air as the only Norm Smith medallist to come out of the Oakleigh Chargers.
4. Marc Murphy – Pick 1, 2005 national draft (Carlton, 2006-2021; 300 games, 197 goals)
The former Beverley Hills junior burst onto the scene with the Blues following his No. 1 selection at the 2005 national draft. He since collected a swag of honours, including two club best and fairests (2011 and 2017), All Australian (2011), and an AFL Coaches’ Association Player of the Year gong (2011). Was hampered by injuries in the twilight of his career, but his peak best shouldn’t be forgotten when he ran around as one of the league’s elite midfielders. Captained the Blues from 2013-18 and is just the sixth player in the club’s history to reach 300 games.
3. Robbie Gray – Pick 55, 2006 national draft (Port Adelaide, 2007 – present; 251 games, 348 goals)
Think ‘clutch’ players of the AFL, and Gray springs to mind. The East Burwood product was a steal for Port Adelaide in the 2006 national draft at pick 55, where he’s since played more than 250 matches and won three club champion awards (2014, 2015, 2016). The forward/midfielder has earned a reputation as a big-game player taking in five Showdown medals, while he’s topped the Power goalkicking on three occasions. Awarded the AFL Coaches’ Association’s Player of the Year in 2014 and has won four All-Australian selections in 2014, ’15, ’17 and ’18.
2. Luke Power – Pick 5, 1997 national draft (Brisbane Lions, 1998-2011; 282 games, 226 goals/Greater Western Sydney, 2012; 20 games)
Part of the all-conquering Brisbane Lions powerhouse of the early 2000s which contested four grand finals for three consecutive flags across 2001-03. Debuted as an 18-year-old in 1998 and didn’t look back, forging a career in the midfield, holding his own on the way to 282 games for the Lions in a side bursting with stars on every line. May get overlooked given the names running through the side – including the ‘Fab Four’ midfield – but never had a problem hunting the pill or racking up the possessions. Co-captained the club in 2006-07 before finding a home at the Giants where he carved out a further 20 games in season 2012 where he also shared the captaincy. All Australian in 2004.
1. Josh Gibson – Pick 7, 2005 rookie draft (North Melbourne, 2006-2009; 65 games, two goals/Hawthorn, 2010-2017; 160 games, three goals)
Remembered as one of the best defenders of the past decade with a golden fist to boot. The former Surrey Park and East Burwood spent four seasons at North Melbourne after making the step from Port Melbourne in the VFL in 2005. But the Hawks came calling with a trade at the end of 2009 – and what a call it turned out to be. A critical part of the Hawthorn back six in a golden era for the club, where Gibson helped lift it to a threepeat of flags from 2013-15. But to win a club best and fairest in a premiership year is up there with one of the highest individual accolades – and Gibson did it twice, taking the honours in ’13 and ’15 to go with an All Australian gong in the latter.
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