Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney has listed the top four smartest footballers he ever played against, in a chat on SEN on Friday afternoon.

Cooney debuted for the Western Bulldogs in 2004 and retired with Essendon in 2016, playing 250 games across a decorated career.

The midfielder played against some greats of the game, and here are the smartest footballers he came across.

3. Sam Mitchell

“In terms of game nous and his positioning on-field, he would always set up to be in a position to be a receiver off the back… He would always be that outlet player that would dish off to a (Grant) Birchall running off half-back. A good kick on both sides of the body and again a player that could change his mind mid-kick. The kick off one step was brilliant, elite hands and a potential coach in waiting.”