The Top 10 Carlton Players of All Time: A Reflection on Historical Oversights

The Carlton Football Club, founded in 1864, is one of the most successful and storied teams in Australian Rules football. It has thrived across multiple eras, cementing its place as a powerhouse of the sport:

• Challenge Cup Era (1862–1876): Carlton claimed the title four times and finished as runner-up three times.
• VFA Era (1877–1896): The Blues won two premierships and finished second five times.
• Early VFL Era (1897–1944): Carlton secured six premierships, including an impressive hat-trick from 1906 to 1908, and finished runner-up another six times.

In its first 81 seasons, Carlton was a top-two team in 26 of those years, a remarkable 32% success rate that underscores its early dominance. Yet, despite this success, none of the players from these formative periods were included in the club’s list of top 12 players revealed during its 150th-anniversary celebrations.

Carlton’s Top 10 Players of All Time:

1. John Nicholls – 328 games, 307 goals (1957–1974): A legendary ruckman and five-time best-and-fairest winner.
2. Stephen Kernahan – 251 games, 738 goals (1986–1997): Carlton’s longest-serving captain and a prolific key forward.
3. Bruce Doull – 356 games, 22 goals (1969–1986): The “Flying Doormat,” renowned for his consistency and calmness under pressure.
4. Stephen Silvagni – 312 games, 202 goals (1985–2001): The ultimate defender, nicknamed “SOS” for his match-saving skills.
5. Alex Jesaulenko – 256 games, 424 goals (1967–1979): An iconic high-flyer immortalized in Carlton’s history.
6. Craig Bradley – 375 games, 247 goals (1986–2002): A versatile midfielder with unmatched endurance.
7. Robert Walls – 218 games, 367 goals (1967–1978): A strong marking forward and later a respected coach.
8. Wayne Johnston – 209 games, 283 goals (1979–1990): The “Dominator” for his dynamic and fearless playing style.
9. Geoff Southby – 268 games, 31 goals (1971–1984): A reliable full-back known for his precision and courage.
10. Greg Williams – 109 games, 89 goals (1992–1997): A dual Brownlow Medalist, known for his sublime handballing and football IQ.

Oversights in Carlton’s History

While these players are undoubtedly legends, the exclusion of pioneers from the club’s early eras raises questions about how we evaluate greatness. Carlton’s dominance in the 19th and early 20th centuries was driven by players who laid the foundation for its later success. These players, though perhaps less visible in modern media, contributed significantly to the club’s identity and success.

Why Historical Recognition Matters

Modern footballers benefit from comprehensive statistics, media coverage, and awards that make their contributions more tangible. Players from Carlton’s early years, however, competed in vastly different conditions with limited documentation, making it harder to quantify their achievements. Nonetheless, their impact is evident in the club’s long-standing dominance.

By overlooking early greats, we risk losing a fuller understanding of Carlton’s history. Recognizing players from all eras ensures that the legacy of the club is honored in its entirety, celebrating not just modern legends but also the pioneers who built the foundation of success.