A Superstar is defined as person, as a performer or athlete, who enjoys wide recognition, is esteemed for exceptional talent, and is eagerly sought after for his or her services.
It’s a term that is grossly overused in our game as highlighted by a caller to this very program yesterday morning.
How many Superstars are there, right now in our game?
Well in my mind there are only FOUR.
Garry Ablett Junior is the best player we have seen in this millennium. Two flags, two Brownlow’s, six best and fairest, eight All Australians and a walk in AFL legend when eligible.
Lance Franklin- 860 goals for the man better known as Buddy, two premierships, seven all Australians, four Coleman medals, countless number 23 Guernsey sales and the best highlights reel in the game.
Patrick Dangerfield- 200 games, five All Australians, three best and fairests, a Brownlow and many games won off his own boot. Wouldn’t a premiership look lovely alongside this already frightening resume.
Finally, coming in at number four is Alex Rance. The best defender the game has seen since Geelong great Matthew Scarlett. Four All Australians (one as captain), a best and fairest and a starring role in last years premiership has him firmly in the superstar category.
And yes leaving Dustin Martin is not an oversight. Undisputedly the best player in the game in 2017, he needs to maintain a standard of excellence for a few more years yet to elevate himself again. With one flag, a Norm Smith, a Brownlow and two All Australians next to his name he is certainly on the right track!
Superstar a word we use too much but how many do you have?
Can you make a case for the veterans in Hodge, Selwood, Pendlebury, Betts, Kennedy or Robbie Gray at Port Adelaide.
Does Fremantle skipper Nat Fyfe get a gig?
Or how about the youngsters coming through in Bontempelli, Josh Kelly, Joe Daniher, Jesse Hogan or Ben Brown.