Best Full Back in the AFL

[Ysaye]

I'd like Fletcher for added drive out of defense or Michael for purely defensive measures in my side (Experience counts for a lot in a backman). Scarlett slightly after them.

also, Brian Harris will be better then Glass and Rutten IMO.

 

[mightysainters]

Michael, Harris, Rutten and Hudghton

 

[thepowerwithin_30]

Rutten followed by D.Wakelin (i know i am bias)

 

[HighReeve]

Heres How i rank em, based on last year form

4. Darren Glass (most improved player of 2005, conceeded 2nd fewest goals)

I've seen you say some blatantly stupid things, but the second part of that sentence "Conceeded 2nd fewest goals". Can you provide where this is measured?

If true could it have something to do with Glass having the best midfield stopping the ball coming through to him? Anything like that?

 

[Underdog]

even though I agree with you, since when did twisting facts bother you? You seem to quite happily do it for your own side

 

[F/D]

Glass aint top 5.



Thornton is a much better player.

 

[Embers]

My dads mate is a statistician employed by Carlton, he gets all these pointless stats, dont remember exact figures, Rutten was first by a mile. Glass 2nd, Barry 3rd Gaspar 4th thats all I remember

Glass was also 3rd for spoils and had 3rd less marks taken on him. Thornton had nearly triple the amount of marks taken on him then Glass.

Dont care bout midfield stats, this is defense, Glass cant be devalued cos he plays in a good team.

 

[HighReeve]

even though I agree with you, since when did twisting facts bother you? You seem to quite happily do it for your own side

Me? Where?

 

[Underdog]

Me? Where?

pfft! like im going to wade through your garbage posts to point out where

 

[HighReeve]

pfft! like im going to wade through your garbage posts to point out where

Why make a claim if you can't back it up?

 

[Underdog]

Why make a claim if you can't back it up?

because im not pathetic and bookmark posts, nor do I really care

 

[F/D]

because im not pathetic and bookmark posts, nor do I really care

If you dont care, why make a statement.



This is fun

 

[Underdog]

If you dont care, why make a statement.



This is fun

why not? as I said...I really dont care if you agree or not

 

[Cerpin Taxt]

I've seen you say some blatantly stupid things, but the second part of that sentence "Conceeded 2nd fewest goals". Can you provide where this is measured?

If true could it have something to do with Glass having the best midfield stopping the ball coming through to him? Anything like that?

A lot of the time Glass is caught one-out with his opponent with a massive amount of room for the forward to lead into. The good midfield may reduce the frequency of the ball, but the nature in which we play is that we push numbers forward. When the opposition do get it to their full-forward, Glass has as much work as any other FB in the comp.

 

[skip]

A lot of the time Glass is caught one-out with his opponent with a massive amount of room for the forward to lead into. The good midfield may reduce the frequency of the ball, but the nature in which we play is that we push numbers forward. When the opposition do get it to their full-forward, Glass has as much work as any other FB in the comp.

True.

 

[Mego Red]

no offence - because he is a gun. But to call Rutten the best full back in the league after one good year is ridiculous.

Well - he WAS All-Australian. It becomes a question of whether you decide someone is the best based on today's form, or what they've achieved over the last three years.

 

[Partridge]

Mal Michael is the lynchpin of a triple-premiership back six.

come back to me when Matthew Scarlett's done that

So one player's skill in an individual position is measured by team success? Right. So last year when St.Kilda beat us easily, and had the ball in their forward line the whole game keeping Gehrig to one kick doesn't count? Even better - last year at the Gabba when we got killed by over 10 goals, who kept both Bradshaw and Merrett goalless. Scarlett. But I guess those efforts don't count.

I presume based on that rationale Lockett was no good because he never played in a premiership right?

And even though I enjoy watching Brisbane play (especially when Brown destroyed Fletcher last year) the correct term would be "Mal Michael was the lynchpin...", because he isn't the player of 3 years ago, and it isn't a triple premiership back six anymore. That's not criticism, just reality.

 

[skywalk750]

Scarlett is the best player in the whole world.

 

[Johnson#26]

Please note - the rankings from 1-10 are based on my own opinion. The facts and figures are also based on opinion - so the order is different.

Rutten certainly was in 2005, but overall:

1: Dustin Fletcher - A calm presence in the back half, has strong hands, a long reach and is a solid rebounder. Has been a consistent force over the past ten years.

Ratings Out of Ten:

Strength: 7.5/10
Accountability: 7/10
Speed: 5.5/10
Physical presence: 7.5/10
Skills: 8.5/10
Versatility: 8/10
Attacking ability: 7.5/10
Durability: 9/10
One Per centers: 7/10
Importance in team: 9/10

Overall: 84/100

2: Matthew Scarlett - Selected ahead of Mal Michael, Scarlett is more versatile and has an ability to find the ball out in the open, running off his man. Has been used as a springboard out of defense by the Cats, and, although starting off 2005 slowly, has enjoyed an excellent couple of seasons. Very consistent, and players know they are in for a tough day at the office when they line-up on Scarlett.

Ratings Out of Ten:

Strength: 8/10
Accountability: 8/10
Speed: 7/10
Physical presence: 7/10
Skills: 8.5/10
Versatility: 7/10
Attacking ability: 8.5/10
Durability: 8/10
One Per centers: 7/10
Importance in team: 7.5/10

Overall: 76.5/100

3: Mal Michael - The man from PNG has enjoy a meteoric rise to stardom, culminating with three flags in succession in his first three years with the all conquering Lions. Promoted off the Rookie List for Collingwood's round seven clash with North Melbourne in 1997, Michael has never looked back. Requesting a trade further north to be closer to his family, Michael has enjoyed plenty of success with Brisbane, with his massive body and strong hands key features of his game. One of the more consistent players going around.

Ratings Out of Ten:

Strength: 9.5/10
Accountability: 8/10
Speed: 7/10
Physical presence: 9.5/10
Skills: 7.5/10
Versatility: 5.5/10
Attacking ability: 6.5/10
Durability: 8/10
One Per centers: 7/10
Importance in team: 8.5/10

Overall: 77/100

4: Ben Rutten - The strongly built Crow is another to rise from nowhere, coming off the Rookie List in 2003 to score two goals with his first two kicks in League Football before becoming a mainstay in the backline, named as the fullback of the 2005 All-Australian team. Still young, and is set to be one of the first picked by Neil Craig for the next decade.

Ratings Out of Ten:

Strength: 9/10
Accountability: 8.5/10
Speed: 7/10
Physical presence: 8/10
Skills: 7.5/10
Versatility: 4/10
Attacking ability: 5.5/10
Durability: 5/10*
One Per centers: 8/10
Importance in team: 7.5/10

Overall: 70/100

5: Leo Barry - Leaping Leo Barry has been a revelation for Sydney over past seasons, with his high marking and rebounding prowess providing the Swans with many a long-run out of the back half. The man whose mark saved the Grand Final, Barry is now a co-skipper of the Swans, and is a vital cog in the Sydney engine

Ratings Out of Ten:

Strength: 7.5/10
Accountability: 7/10
Speed: 8/10
Physical presence: 7/10
Skills: 8.5/10
Versatility: 7/10
Attacking ability: 9/10
Durability: 8/10
One Per centers: 8/10
Importance in team: 8/10

Overall: 78/100

6: Simon Prestigiacomo - An unassuming fullback, the man affectionately dubbed as 'Presti' is one of the most resolute fullbacks in the game. A centre half forward for the Northern Knights in 1995, Prestigiacomo was rated highly by Collingwood, and was nabbed at pick ten in the draft. Prestigiacomo hit his straps in 2000, coming third in the club Best and Fairest, and has been a consistent performer ever since. Despite being a low possession earner, Presti rarely allows his opponent much of leather, either. A very dependable backman, he is one of the more unsung heroes of the Magpie line-up.

Ratings Out of Ten:

Strength: 7/10
Accountability: 9.5/10
Speed: 7/10
Physical presence: 6.5/10
Skills: 5/10
Versatility: 3/10
Attacking ability: 3/10
Durability: 8/10
One Per centers: 7.5/10
Importance in team: 7/10

Overall: 63.5/100

7: Darren Gaspar - A former Swan, Darren Gaspar has been one of the more dependable performers for Richmond over the past eight to ten years. Although it may have been a barren time as far as team success goes, Gaspar has established himself as one of the most consistent and dour defenders in the competition. Another player who rarely wins much of the ball, Gaspar makes sure his opponent - usually the best the opposition can offer - has a tough day at the office.

Ratings Out of Ten:

Strength: 7/10
Accountability: 8.5/10
Speed: 6/10
Physical presence: 6.5/10
Skills: 5/10
Versatility: 3.5/10
Attacking ability: 4/10
Durability: 7/10
One Per centers: 7/10
Importance in team: 8/10

Overall: 62.5/100

8: Jonathon Hay - A reliable defender for a number of years in the Brown and Gold, Hay now makes the switch to the Blue and White of North Melbourne, looking to shore up what was once considered a shaky defense. Hay is strong built and has a strong fist, and is sure to be looking to hit the heights of his All-Australian season of 2001.

Ratings Out of Ten:

Strength: 8/10
Accountability: 7/10
Speed: 7.5/10
Physical presence: 7.5/10
Skills: 6.5/10
Versatility: 4.5/10
Attacking ability: 6/10
Durability: 5/10
One Per centers: 6.5/10
Importance in team: 8/10

Overall: 66.5/100

9: Darren Glass - An underrated performer, Glass took a big step up in 2005, becoming the West Coast's first choice fullback, holding down the spot for all 25 matches including the Grand Final, where he stood Sydney captain and powerhouse Barry Hall. Still a young player, Glass' no fuss style of play looks set to become the hallmark of his game for a number of years.

Ratings Out of Ten:

Strength: 7/10
Accountability: 8.5/10
Speed: 6/10
Physical presence: 7/10
Skills: 5.5/10
Versatility: 4/10
Attacking ability: 4.5/10
Durability: 6.5/10
One Per centers: 7/10
Importance in team: 8/10

Overall: 64/100

10: Brian Harris - Another underrated defender, the thickly set Harris has become a major player in the Bulldogs rise to prominence over the course of 2005. Harris never allows his opponent an easy touch, and is still finding his way in AFL circles. Looks set to become the Dogs number one fullback for a number of seasons.

Ratings Out of Ten:

Strength: 8.5/10
Accountability: 7/10
Speed: 6.5/10
Physical presence: 8/10
Skills: 6/10
Versatility: 4.5/10
Attacking ability: 5/10
Durability: 6.5/10
One Per centers: 6.5/10
Importance in team: 9/10

Overall: 67.5/100

 

[Johnson#26]

Glass aint top 5.



Thornton is a much better player.

Both aren't top five - I'd rate Thornton at 11, or maybe slightly lower, with the Wakelin's above him. But he is very underrated.

 

[Johnson#26]

And even though I enjoy watching Brisbane play (especially when Brown destroyed Fletcher last year) the correct term would be "Mal Michael was the lynchpin...", because he isn't the player of 3 years ago, and it isn't a triple premiership back six anymore. That's not criticism, just reality.

True. Michael isn't what he was in, say, 2003, but he is still a force to be reckoned with.

 

[Johnson#26]

Heres How i rank em, based on last year form

1. Ben Rutten
2. Matthew Scarlett
3. Mal Michael
4. Darren Glass (most improved player of 2005, conceeded 2nd fewest goals)
5. Darryl Wakelin
6. Dustin Fletcher
7. Leo Barry (reason he is so low cos I think he gets a free ride from Craig Bolton, the real star in that backline)
8. Simon Prestigiacomo
9. Darren Gaspar (wud be higher but is old)
10. Brian Harris (will move up once he progresses more as a FB, still young, still hasnt fully developed)
11. Max Hudghton (cant look silly against the likes of Lloyd)
12. Robbie Hadrill (cos he didnt play last year, will move up as older heads move down)
13. Jon Hay
14. Brett Thornton (Overrated, Pav took 12 marks on him in 1 and a half qtr of footy)
15. Nathan Caroll - Unproven
16. Whoever Hawks FB is if they have one

Good work. But Shane Wakelin I'd rate at about 11-12th. He is still a fullback, but generally takes on the second best forward - with Presti taking the Lloyds/Browns/Halls.

 

[Johnson#26]

I fail to see how people continually underrate Fletcher. He has been the most consistant defender for a decade, and still plays very well - would have been All-Australian after round 12, and was still good after that.

 

[Seb]

Top 5:

1. Matthew Scarlett
2. Mal Michael
3. Dustin Fletcher
4. Brian Harris - he'll come very, very good this year.
5. Ben Rutten

 

[skywalk750]

Brian Harris less than 10 points worse than Scarlo? Please