The 10 best redheads in AFL history: This might cheer Voss up

Aussie rules takes all types. Here’s a look at 10 of the very best gingers to play the sport.

WRITER | April 4, 2026 - 7:46am

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Redheads get a rough go of things in this country. Bullied in the schoolyard, the butt of jokes in pubs, and all for something they cannae control.

It's time they get some love.

I've taken a look at some of the very best bloodnuts to play our great game, and had a crack at ranking them.

Honourable Mentions: Lance Whitnall, Robert 'Scratcher' Neal, Nick Vlastuin

Two cult figures of their respective clubs, Whitnall and Neal occupy places in the hearts of Blues and Cats fans across the country.

"Big Red" Whitnall overcame multiple weight and injury concerns in his career to finish with a fine CV. Whitnall was an All-Australian, three-time Blues' leading goalkicker, club captain and a best and fairest winner, all inside a career that was cut short at just 28 years of age.

How it took the full faculty to school Carlton's core — MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 21: Setanta O'Hailpin #17, Lance Whitnall #8 and Anthony Koutoufides #43 for the Blues leave the ground dejected after losing the round four AFL match between the Carlton Blues and the Hawthorn Hawks at the Telstra Dome April 21, 2006 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Dadswell/Getty Images)

A fixture of the Geelong Cats in the '70s and '80s, Neal sported a red bowl cut while holding shape on a wing. A member of the Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame, Neal could more than hold his own, finishing inside the top 10 in the 1976 Brownlow Medal count, tied with arguably the league's best ever player, 'Lethal' Leigh Matthews.

Richmond's resident redhead Nick Vlastuin is a three-time premiership star. A backman often overlooked in conversations about the league's best, it is perhaps fitting that his importance has only been truly recognised in the lean period that has followed the Tiger's breathtaking recent dynasty. The man the faithful call 'Tigger' has been an exceptional clubman for Richmond, and was granted life membership in 2017.

1Michael Voss

Michael Voss recalls one of his greatest ever sledges

BRISBANE, QSL - MAY 28: Michael Voss of the Lions clashes with Fremantle players during the round 9 AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and Fremantle at the Gabba on May 28, 2006 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Jonathan Wood/Getty Images)

There's only one choice for the best ever redhead to play Aussie rules football.

The flaming feathers of Michael Voss were indicative of his fiery on-field nature. The definition of 'leading from the front', Voss always threw his hand up, and his body on the line to inspire his side, and that's just what he did.

He captained arguably the greatest side the game's ever seen to three straight flags and four straight grand final appearances, while filling out his CV with a Brownlow Medal.

Voss was a major part of the Lions' brand awareness growing in the Sunshine State, with his courage, skill and leadership dominating water cooler chats around the River City for years.

Leigh Matthews said Voss would be his first player chosen if he was building a team from every player he's ever seen. That's good enough for me - who am I to argue with 'Lethal'?