Playing in the Australian Football League (AFL) for over 16 seasons, participating in 325 games, four Grand Finals, and nine preliminary finals, has allowed me to be part of some incredible teams. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of playing alongside some of the most talented players in the league. Many of these teammates are now enshrined in the AFL Hall of Fame.
Selecting the best 10 players I’ve played with across the Brisbane Lions and Western Bulldogs was a challenging task. The final spot on the list was particularly tough, with several outstanding names vying for inclusion—Scotty West, Brad Johnson, Barry Hall, Darryl White, Gilbert McAdam, Craig McRae, Jonathan Brown, and Dale Morris. The competition was intense, and it became clear that the selection process would be far more difficult than I initially anticipated.
My closest friends during my time at the Bears/Lions were Craig “Fly” McRae and, at the Bulldogs, Dale Morris and Mitch Hahn. These days, I see Mitch most weeks, whether he’s helping out at the Lions L3 Development program or attending our daughters’ football training and games. Outside of Mitch, the teammates I see most often are Simon Black and Clark “Mr September” or “Crackers” Keating. We have a long-standing friendship, having played together in the Queensland under 12s team in Darwin back in 1988. We’ve remained close ever since, both having three daughters and being deeply involved in football work and other ventures. Football has always been a big part of our lives, even after all these years.
My Top 10 Players
Here is my list of the top 10 players I’ve played with, starting from the 10th position:
10. Dale Morris (Western Bulldogs)
Dale Morris was one of my closest mates at the Bulldogs, along with Mitch Hahn. His leg speed and body strength made him a formidable opponent, capable of stopping smaller agile players as well as taller forwards like Nick Riewoldt and Buddy Franklin. He was not only a great teammate but also a constant learning partner during training. Our friendly rivalry during match practice added a lot of fun and intensity to our sessions.
9. Justin Leppitsch (Brisbane Lions)
“The Great Austrian” and “Frank the Tank” were two of the most iconic players I played with. Leppa and I had a strong bond, often competing fiercely on the field while maintaining a deep friendship. We both won the Merrett/Murray Medal in 1999 and represented Australia against the Irish. His quickness and strength made him a key player, and his presence in the team brought a light-hearted energy to the squad.
8. Daniel Bradshaw (Brisbane Lions)
“Big Guns” was known for his versatility and strength overhead. Off the field, he was quiet and humble, often choosing to listen rather than speak. His ability to support teammates and make them look good was a testament to his talent. Even in moments of celebration, such as handstand push-ups after a win, he stood out for his strength and balance.
7. Michael McLean (Brisbane Lions)
“Magic” possessed rare abilities that made him almost impossible to tackle. His body strength and agility were exceptional, and his vision on the field helped bring teammates into the game. Even after retiring, he continued to contribute as an assistant coach, and his friendship and guidance remained invaluable.
6. Mal Michael (Brisbane Lions)
Mal was a multi-talented athlete who excelled in various sports. His kicking and power down back made him a valuable asset. His dry sense of humour and pranks on teammates added a unique dynamic to the team. One of his most memorable moments was when he kicked a goal from 20 metres out, prompting a rule change in the AFL.
5. Nigel Lappin (Brisbane Lions)
“Nige” was a relentless competitor who showed immense courage on the field. Despite initial challenges with allergies, he became a dominant force once he found the right diet. His running power and determination were unmatched, and his leadership helped keep the team united. Even in moments of anger, his intensity was intimidating, as seen in his interactions with Chris Scott.
4. Simon Black (Brisbane Lions)
“Blacky” is one of the most decorated and humble players I’ve ever met. His running engine was second only to Shaun Hart, and his hands were quicker than anyone I’ve played with. He consistently supported his teammates and was always willing to engage in conversation. His entertaining personality made him a fan favorite.
3. Alastair Lynch (Brisbane Lions)
Lynchy’s speed and athleticism were hard to appreciate unless you faced him in training. After recovering from chronic fatigue, he became a more versatile player, capable of playing in multiple positions. His ability to create opportunities for teammates and his physical presence on the field made him a crucial part of the team.
2. Craig Lambert (Brisbane Lions)
“Lambo” was a fearless and ruthless player, known for his competitive spirit both on and off the field. His vision and handballing skills were exceptional, and he played a significant role in shaping the team’s strategy. His influence extended beyond the field, as he later became a coach and helped develop younger players.
1. Michael Voss (Brisbane Lions)
“Micky V” was the player who transformed the team when he was fit. His physicality and overhead skills made him a dangerous opponent, and his leadership on the field was unmatched. Despite the professional strain that came with the end of our playing time together, our friendship remained strong, and we continue to share light-hearted conversations.
