Michael O’Loughlin names the best indigenous team of the AFL era

WHEN Swans champ Michael O’Loughlin was asked to pick the best indigenous team of the AFL era, we gave him a head start — he was a lock at full-forward. INTERACTIVE

MICHAEL O’Loughlin is ready for the critics. “I can’t wait for the backlash,” he says.

Picking any football team is fraught with danger, but when you’re picking the best of the best it’s a minefield.

At least when the Daily Telegraph asked the Swans great to select his best indigenous team of the AFL era (1990-today), we gave him a headstart by naming Michael at full-forward.

“There’s always controversy about people and teams but I think the players I’ve named have proven themselves,” O’Loughlin says.

“There are players who are unlucky to miss out but I’m very happy with the final outcome.

“Imagine that team running out today.”

SEE THE TEAM BELOW, SCROLL DOWN TO READ O’LOUGHLIN’S EXPLANATION FOR EVERY PICK, AND HAVE YOUR SAY

BACKS: CHRIS JOHNSON, DARYL WHITE, GAVIN WANGANEEN

“This line almost picks itself,” O’Loughlin said.

“Daryl White and Chris Johnson are both triple-premiership players at Brisbane and Gavin Wanganeen was the first Aboriginal Brownlow medallist and a dual premiership player at Essendon and Port Adelaide.

“Gav and I both played as Salisbury North and he was a hero of mine growing up.”

HALF-BACKS: BYRON PICKETT, MICHAEL JOHNSON, DAVID WIRRPANDA

“Byron Pickett won a Norm Smith medal for Port Adelaide, he could go forward but started down back and had that hardness.

“Michael Johnson has proven himself over a long time and I wanted to pick players who had played the position they’re named in. David Wirrpanda is another premiership player (West Coast) who could turn defence into attack.”

Essendon teammates Michael Long and Gavin Wanganeen after the 1993 Grand Final.

CENTRES: PETER MATERA, ANDREW McLEOD, MICHAEL LONG

“This could be the best line on the ground, they all won Norm Smith medals. Peter Matera is in the best three players I’ve seen. Andrew McLeod is an absolute champ and dual Norm Smith medallist. Michael Long is a legend, say no more. They are all tough, reliable and brilliant.”

HALF-FORWARDS: NICKY WINMAR, LANCE FRANKLIN, CHRIS LEWIS

“Tony Lockett said Nicky Winmar was one of the best players he played with and hit him lace-out every time. Buddy will probably go down as one of the best players to play the game, he could kick 1000 goals. And Chris Lewis was tough and confrontational and I loved him as a player.”

FORWARDS: EDDIE BETTS, MICHAEL O’LOUGHLIN, CYRIL RIOLI

“The way Eddie has evolved from a rookie list player at Carlton to the close to the best small forward ever is a great story in itself. His pressure is as good as his goalscoring. Cyril is a superstar and now his body is holding up he is getting better and better.”

Cyril Rioli kisses the 2015 premiership cup. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

FOLLOWERS: ADAM GOODES, SHAUN BURGOYNE, PETER BURGOYNE

“Adam Goodes won a Brownlow playing in the ruck and sits along with Wanganeen, McLeod and Buddy as the best ever. Adam was tough and durable as well which doesn’t get widely recognised.

“Shaun has been an unbelievable player for a long time, winning four premierships, and is still going strong. Peter played almost 250 games for Port and was a vital part of their 2004 premiership.”

INTERCHANGE: MICHAEL McLEAN, DANIEL WELLS, LEON DAVIS, JEFF FARMER

“Magic McLean was one of the great role models for me when he played at the Bulldogs and at Brisbane and was as tough as nails. Daniel Wells is still one of the best players to watch going around, Leon Davis could kick a goal from anywhere then the moved down back and made All-Australian. Jeff Farmer, what a player he was for a long time.”

EMERGENCIES

“If I could pick two more, one would be Matthew Stokes, who deserves a spot with his two premierships at Geelong and his durability, and Troy Cook is my captain’s pick. He was a best-and-fairest winner at Fremantle and shouldn’t have left Sydney.”

Troy Cook in action. Picture: Jackson Flindell

Originally published as Michael O’Loughlin names the best indigenous team of the AFL era