Dual West Coast premiership defender Glen Jakovich says that while Richmond star Alex Rance is in the conversation for the best backman of all time, a former Geelong defender still has him covered.
Jakovich says he would still pick three-time premiership winner Matthew Scarlett if he had to make a choice between the two, believing his versatility slightly gives him the edge over the 2017 premiership player.
“He (Scarlett) could play on a small. Alex is a very big boy, he’s massive, he’s a tank, whereas Matty Scarlett probably gives you a bit more flexibility where he could go on a mid-size or he could play on a Buddy Franklin and hold his own,” the former Eagle told SEN’s The Run Home.
“He was a very intelligent player, very strong and very attacking. He initiated a very good contest.”
Despite this, Jakovich has faith that the 28-year-old Rance can ascend even further in the latter years of his career and make an even greater claim to the title of best ever, which three-time Brisbane premiership winner and Tigers assistant Justin Leppitsch believes he is already nearing.
“He’s certainly getting there, no doubting that,” said Jakovich.
“He’s become an even better player in a much better side now they have experienced greatness.
“When you look at Justin Leppitsch, he became a better player in a great side. You exert more responsibility, more leadership, you play big pressure moments and more finals and you elevate your own skillsets.
“His finals series was epic and he was in the discussion for a Norm Smith on Grand Final day so he’s got better as the team’s got better.
“When I watch Alex now, I think he has a great respect and appreciation for the game. He wants to get better…he looks like a true footballer.”
Jakovich also added an extra name into the discussion for the greatest defender to have ever played, believing ex-Eagles teammate Guy McKenna deserves to be in the conversation.
“He was clinical at pulling the trigger at the right time,” he said.
“Bluey could play on talls, mediums and smalls. He was quick, he was smart. If he got 20 possessions off the half-back line, he didn’t spray any of them. Very good by hand and a great team player.
“As a defender, he knew the right time to attack and to defend. He would be able to strip his direct opponent’s ball, hit the ground and his recovery was one of the best I’ve seen.”
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