TOP-FIVE RUCKMEN IN VFL/AFL HISTORY SINCE THE 1950s:

* 1. Graham ‘Polly’ Farmer

Widely regarded as the greatest AFL ruckman of all time, Farmer starred for Geelong in the VFL and for East Perth and West Perth in the WAFL. Although he stood at just 191cm, Farmer’s outstanding leap, exquisite tap work and silky skills make him the ultimate all-round player.

* 2. Simon Madden

Madden won virtually every accolade on offer during his 378-game career for Essendon. Only the Brownlow medal eluded him, but his North Smith medal effort during the 1985 grand final win over Hawthorn made up for that.

* 3. Dean Cox

Cox’s elite running ability meant West Coast went into games with an “extra” midfielder. Equally adept off both feet, Cox’s brilliant skill set and uncanny footy smarts saw him awarded All-Australian honours on six occasions.

* 4. Jim Stynes

Will be remembered as the greatest Irishman to ever play the game. Holds the record for most consecutive games (244), and cemented himself as a legend with the 1991 Brownlow medal.

* 5. John Nicholls

Only stood at 189cm, but earned the nickname “Big Nick” due to his tree-trunk legs and ability to outmanoeuvre bigger rivals. Played in three premierships for Carlton during a career that spanned 328 games from 1957-74.