Following months of robust discussion and committee debate, AFLNT this morning unveiled the Top 40 footballers for the Northern Territory Government AFLNT Team of the Century at the historic Gardens Oval.
The list includes NT football identities that established their careers on the national stage and also pays respect to the local men who made their name in the Territory.
Featuring in the Top 40 and present at the announcement this morning is Michael Long, winner of two AFL Premierships with the Essendon Football Club, a Norm Smith medallist and Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee.
Dual-Nichols medallist Jarred Ilett and AFLNT Hall of Fame members, Russell Jeffrey and Bennie LewFatt, joined Long at the announcement.
The Top 40 includes three members of the Rioli family, two familiar LewFatt names, and Ilett brothers Jarred and Cameron.
All Australian representatives Andrew McLeod, Michael McLean, Cadji Dunn, and Central Australian Joel Bowden also feature.
Bowden is not the only Central Australian who made the list; Henry Peckham, who is often considered to be one of Central Australia’s finest footballers, joins him.
AFLNT board member and Team of the Century Selection Committee member, Shaun Hardy, said it was no-easy task getting to a top 40.
“We would like to congratulate each member of the top 40 on such an achievement. Everyone selected has made an impact on our game, not only in the Territory, but also all around the country,” Mr Hardy said.
An earlier announcement in April saw selectors identify the top 100 players from the past 100 years, following months of discussion.
“We initially thought the process of getting to a top 100 was difficult, you can imagine the debate around the table as we reduced the list to 40,” Mr Hardy said.
“The Committee feels those selected truly represent the best-of-the-best, and with the support of the NT Government, we are able to celebrate with Territory football fans a once-in-a-century occasion.”
Minister for Sport and Recreation Gary Higgins MLA said:
“I commend the Northern Territory Government AFLNT Team of the Century Selection Committee on undertaking such an arduous task,” Mr Higgins said.
“AFL plays such a huge role in the lives of Territorians and this team will be a real testament to the long list of champion Northern Territory footballers throughout the years.
“The Northern Territory has produced some of the best footballers to have ever played the game and I look forward to seeing the final team when it is announced in September,” Mr Higgins said.
Five men are vying for the Coach of the Century, including John Taylor, Aldo Rossetto, Richard Taylor, Mark Motlop and George Liveris.
The Team of the Century Selection Committee comprises Shaun Hardy, Lincoln Jenkin, Charlie King, Bennie (Walter) LewFatt, Grey Morris and Jenny Sinclair.
A gala dinner will be held on Friday 2nd September, when a 22-man team and coach is named as the inaugural Northern Territory Government AFLNT Team of the Century.
The Top 40:
First Name Surname Era
Jimmy Anderson 1954 - 1971
Michael Athanasiou 1979 - 2000
Joe Bonson 1953 - 1970
Joel Bowden 1993 - 2009
William 'Ninny' Briston 1979 - 1991
Nathan Buckley 1990 - 2007
Peter Burgoyne 1994 - 2010
Ted Cooper 1953 - 1969
Reuben Cooper Snr. 1917 - 1939
Joe Daby 1969 - 1982
Bill Dempsey 1958 - 1976
Cadji Dunn 1980 - 1995
Dennis Dunn 1981 - 1999
Michael Graham 1971 - 1987
Cameron Ilett 1997 - current
Jarred Ilett 1993 - 2016
Russell Jeffrey 1980 - 2001
Edmund Johnston 1952 - 1969
David Kantilla Snr. 1958 - 1973
Clifford 'Gympie' LewFatt 1960 - 2004
Walter LewFatt Snr. 1930 - 1947
Michael Long 1980 - 2001
Noel Long 1982 - 2000
Kelvin Maher 1990 - 2005
Gilbert McAdam 1985 - 2000
Michael McLean 1978 - 2010
Andrew McLeod 1991 - 2011
Mark Motlop 1975 - 2010
Henry Peckham 1946 - 1958
Mike Poulter 1962 - 1982
Ronald 'Barney' Quall 1970 - 1985
Maurice Rioli 1974 - 1995
Cyril Rioli Jnr. 2005 - current
Cyril Rioli Snr. 1982 - current
Billy Roe 1951 - 1971
Mathew Stokes 1999 - current
John 'Bubba' Tye 1968 - 1980
Iggy Vallejo 1997 - current
Benny Vigona 1975 - 1986
Darryl White 1990 - 2016