A weekend that is being touted as a feel-good fixture, the return of Swans defender Alex Johnson and debut of Saints speedster Nathan Freeman highlight a heartwarming round of footy.

In honour of the round, we have put together a best 22 of players that have overcome significant injury, scrutiny or hardship of any kind - the best feel-good stories in football today.

Here is Zero Hanger's best 22 feel-good stories of players currently in the league:

Back
Next

Centres

Nathan Freeman (St Kilda)

Taken by Collingwood with pick 10 in the 2013 draft, the highly-touted speedster has had to wait five years to get his opportunity to play senior footy. After undergoing countless injury setbacks, Freeman will lineup for the Saints this weekend against the Bulldogs.

Dayne Beams (Brisbane)

Dayne Beams moved to the Lions in 2015 to spend time with his sick father, who tragically passed away earlier this year. The star midfielder courageously stood down as skipper throughout this tough period and now is playing some of the best footy of his career.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 12: Dayne Beams of the Lions runs the ball during the round 21 AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Gold Coast Suns at The Gabba on August 12, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Brendan Whitecross (Hawthorn)

The majority of Brendan Whitecross' teammates throughout his 10-year career would have claimed as many as three premierships, some even four. But Whitecross has failed to appear in any of the Hawks' flag triumphs, in large due to injuries, twice tearing his ACL in finals series. It is great to see him finally getting a good run at it.

Back
Next