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Robert Heatley Stand / Re: How does Crippa rank among the panoply of Carlton greats?
Last post by Gointocarlton -I think this exercise is a bit like a pyramid
We have the top one or two at the top, but as we go down the pyramid the base widens.
Players like Ratten, Bradley, Rhys-Jones are in the pyramid for mine. They definitely crossed my mind.... just a few tiers from the top.
Doull and Johnno left enought of an impression on me to rate them highly. Obviously 80s to now I have seen enough footy to judge.
I'll stand corrected but in the days before my time, players played in their positions for an entire career. Later players came along who could swing to either ends of the ground. At the end of the day, the greats had strengths which is what I base or rank them on.
For me based on what I saw:
Doull was the most consistent (rarely beaten).
Williams was the most highly skilled on both sides of the body.
Kouta was the ideal hybrid in that he was able to play ANYWHERE on the ground and do things that were superhuman.
Sticks was our best forward and leader.
I can't split Hunter and Simpson in the category of pound for pound crazy courage.
Walls was probably the most stylish, elegant and natural footballer I have seen (albeit I saw the end of his)
Buzz was the most freakishly talented who could make the impossible possible.
SOS was the best FB I have ever seen play the game, played on the best FF's to played the game and for the most part had their measure.
Juddy was the most explosive and damaging footballer I have seen.
Crippa is the beast of all beasts when it comes to tough, contested footy.
Fitzy was the best ruckman I have seen.
How the hell anyone could rank the above in any sort of order its above my pay grade.
Apologies to Braddles, Fev, Ratts, Dean, Sexton, Madden, etc etc.
PS If I had to put my life on someone's boot to kick for goal, Fev hands down.