Ranking The top ten Essendon players of the 21st century

As the 21st century progressed, many AFL clubs looked back to honor their legendary players from the 20th century. Teams of the 20th Century were formed, involving selectors, historians, and past superstars. Now, nearing the 25-year mark of the 21st century, it’s time to reflect on the modern-era players who are likely to be remembered for decades to come.

The selection criteria are clear: only statistics and achievements from the year 2000 onward will be considered. This means that players who have contributed significantly to their clubs in the modern AFL era are the ones that should be honored. Moreover, the players selected must have appeared in at least 100 senior games since the turn of the century. This ensures that only those with substantial careers and lasting impact are included in the conversation, thus avoiding any early career players who may not have had the opportunity to cement themselves as club legends.

The top ten Essendon players of the 21st century

This evolving framework is designed to provide future selectors with a more accurate and relevant assessment of talent. While AFL clubs of the past had players that are still revered today, it’s vital to look at the players who have shaped the game in the current century, as they represent the evolution of the sport and the talent of today’s AFL landscape. Many teams have multiple stars who could be worthy of such recognition, but the clear distinction of selecting players based on their contributions since 2000 narrows the field to those whose achievements are recent and directly reflect the modern AFL game. It serves as a benchmark for greatness and helps honor the players who’ve truly earned the title of club legends.