Chief AFL journalist Mark Robinson has revealed his top 20 modern day VFL/AFL players in a column in The Herald Sun, with Gary Ablett Sr topping the list.

Players who played the majority of their games from 1987 were eligible for selection, with Robinson stating that it came down to Ablett Sr and North Melbourne legend Wayne Carey for the top spot.

"Ablett gets the nod at No.1 because he was the most dynamic, explosive and breathtaking footballer Iโ€™ve seen play the game", Robinson wrote.

"Carey mightโ€™ve been more consistent and had his own level of absolute dominance, but even he might tip his hat towards Ablett for what he was able to do on the field"

Ablett spent most of his career as a wing-man/half-forward before becoming a permanent full-forward in 1993 at the age of 32. He then kicked no less than 122 goals a season for the next three years.

Carey came in second on Robinson's list, describing the North legend as "a powerhouse, Carey, a swaggering, big-marking, long-kicking, inspirational powerhouse."

Rounding out the top three is the game's all-time leading goal scorer Tony Lockett.

"The gameโ€™s all-time leading league goalkicker, who scared opponents with his size and strength โ€” and then there was his want to hurt the opposition. It was a different environment back then and violence was expected. He was such a soft mark and beautiful caresser of the ball, yet possessed a brutality that few players have had." Robinson said.

Fellow 90's football stalwarts Jason Dunstall and Greg Williams completed Robinson's top five, with Gary Ablett Jnr the first current player to appear on Robinson's list at number six.

Mark Robinson's top 20 modern day VFL/AFL players

  1. Gary Ablett Sr
  2. Wayne Carey
  3. Tony Lockett
  4. Jason Dunstall
  5. Greg Williams
  6. Gary Ablett Jnr
  7. Lance Franklin
  8. Michael Voss
  9. James Hird
  10. Chris Judd
  11. Nathan Buckley
  12. Dustin Martin
  13. Robert Harvey
  14. Andrew McLeod
  15. Mark Ricciuto
  16. Stephen Kernahan
  17. Luke Hodge
  18. Adam Goodes
  19. Matthew Lloyd
  20. Stephen Silvagni

Honorable Mentions: Jonathon Brown, Nick Riewoldt, Matthew Richardson