Three big forwards and eight league medallists dominate the Kyabram District Football League team that was named last week by the Free Press's footy experts.
The team was assembled by a select group of journalists, league officials, former players and umpires and takes in the past 21 seasons of the competition.
Perry Meka, Sam La Porta and Gavin Exell form the three-headed monster up front for the team, combining for 10 goalkicking crowns across their many seasons in the competition.
All three are premiership players, two are premiership coaches and on two occasions Ardmona star Meka kicked more than 170 goals in a single season.
Nagambie's Michael Shiels headlines the eight McNamara Medallists who have been included in the 22-strong team, having won two gongs as the league's best player. His father, Eddie, remains the most decorated individual player in the league's history, with four league medals.
The qualification criteria for the team was to have played at least three seasons in the competition, which cancelled out several big names who would have been automatic starters under different selection conditions.
And, as any of these opinion-related teams are, the interpretation of our team is open to comment, criticism and correction. Just drop us a line on our Facebook page to let us know your opinion.
Nagambie co-coach Linc Sullivan was named mentor of the team, having been at the helm of three Lakers premierships in the past 10 years.
He played in the 2010 win by the club, then coached it to premierships in 2014, 2016 and 2017.
Lancaster star Paul Burnett was named captain of the team, with Stanhope legend Brenton Gray as his on-field deputy.
Four of Sullivan's Nagambie premiership stars feature in the team, which is fitting considering the domination of the club with five premierships in the past 10 years.
Sullivan took Nagambie's under-age team to the 2008 premiership and was runner-up the following year. He was in charge of the league's Under-18 team for 2009-10 and was given the senior job at the Lakers in 2013.
He took the team to four grand finals, and three wins, from his six full seasons in charge. This year he was co-coach with Daryl Harrison, himself a decorated tri-league player.
Harrison won the 2003 McNamara Medal and was a premiership player with Stanhope and Rochester. He also won the Murray league's O'Dwyer medal while at Tongala.
Harrison is unlucky not to have been included in the team below, and there are a few others in the same boat.
From the backline, the players to earn selection were:
Matt Evans: Premiership player at two clubs, Stanhope and Nagambie, who was not only a capable keeper of the competition’s small forwards, but also was used in a defensive midfield role at both clubs during his 200-plus games.
Geoff Connally: More than 300 games with Merrigum and ranks as one of the club's all-time greats. With terrific leg speed he was able to play on both small and tall forwards.
Mark Nolan: His ability to read the play made him difficult to pass at half-back and his competitive nature ensured that he was rarely beaten in the key forward post. Highly skilled defender.
Daniel Godsmark: Could play anywhere, even in the ruck. Remembered for his famous dreadlocks, a star in Undera’s upset win over Nagambie in 2009. Polled well in the McNamara Medal during the Lions’ three grand finals (2009-2012) and was BOG in the 2010 grand final.
Jake Ewart: One of four brothers to play with the Grasshoppers. Ewart played from 2012 to 2014 and was part of the all-conquering 2013 premiership. An intercept marking beast, and occasionally would support brother Tim in the ruck.
Brenton Gray: Stanhope centreman of 200 games, dual premiership player and six-time best and fairest. Rochester premiership player, courageous and respected throughout the two leagues, played 150 games with Rochester, where he is also a life member.
Spiro Vourgaslis: Among the Goulburn Valley’s best sportsmen, a rare player to achieve a senior premiership in to two different sports, with Tatura Soccer Club in 2011 and was named BOG in Undera’s 2009 flag. A line breaker who could play either forward or in the midfield.
Paul Burnett: Tough is the word many people used about the Lancaster leader, who won the 2009 McNamara Medal. His work at stoppages was regarded as the benchmark in the competition.
Paddy Horsburgh: One of the toughest midfielders to grace the league, always led by example and was crucial to helping Violet Town to the 2012 flag. Brilliant left-foot kick and is a multiple best-and-fairest winner for the Towners.
Anthony Haysom: Few players performed better in "big game" conditions; his record in grand finals is testament to his ability to rise to the occasion. An excellent kick for goal in pressure situations.
Gavin Exell: Former Geelong key forward kicked 134 goals in 1999 and 124 the following season, then he kicked another 126 goals in 2003. He was a premiership coach with the club in 2000 and also won a best and fairest for the club.
Mick Roberts: Back-to-back premierships as a teenager in 1998-99, then more premierships with Nagambie. Widely travelled as a footballer, he captained the Goulburn Valley league while at Tatura.
Sam La Porta: Three consecutive goal-kicking titles between 2009 and 2011 and a total of 343 goals in those years. He was a key player in Undera’s most recent Kyabram league premiership, 2009.
Perry Meka: Was as effective in the Goulburn Valley league with Lemnos and Shepp Swans as he was in the Kyabram district league. Kicked 173 and 171 goals in seasons 1992 and 1993, then in a second coming kicked 149 and 107 in the back-to-back seasons of 2006-07.
Josh Pell: 2013 McNamara Medallist, finished second in the goalkicking with 61 goals in his medal-winning season. Played for four seasons, a key pillar of the 2015 premiership, named among the team’s best in one of the most remarkable grand finals ever in 2014.
Andrew Thomas: 2001 McNamara Medallist and Lancaster premiership player in the same season. Long-sleeve-wearing mobile ruckman who could easily have played at either centre half-forward or back.
Tyson Sidebottom: 2004 McNamara Medallist. One of five Tallygaroopna brothers, including Collingwood’s Steele. A three-time GVL flag winner, including two as captain of Shepparton United. Premierships with Tally in 2005 and 2018.
Michael Shiels: His father Eddie won four medals and Michael won two himself, in 2007 and 2014. The silky left foot was involved in premierships with Nagambie on five occasions. He has played more than 300 games for the club.
Steve Thomson: Hard-headed on-baller who rarely lost his feet and was a star in Lancaster’s premiership year of 2011, when he was the league medallist. He is one of the current players to make the list.
Brad Lowe: Won the 2005 McNamara Medal and had stints with both Ardmona and Stanhope. Midfielder who accumulated the ball and also had the ability to control an opponent while impacting the result of the game himself.
Kasey Duncan: Goalkicking midfielder recently appointed for another season as Avenel coach. He was the 2016 McNamara Medallist and is Dustin Martin-like in his ability to win one-on-one contests.
Tom Darward: Could do everything — from a hanger to a brilliant goal from the impossible angle. He could play tall or small to through the midfield, down forward and across half-back. Was pivotal in helping Merrigum to the 2015 flag.