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.

3Jason Akermanis

Lions legend blames 2004 flag loss on "sh*thead" ex-AFL boss
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 28: Jason Akermanis of the Lions celebrates a goal during the AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Kangaroos at the Gabba, on August 28, 2004 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Jonathan Wood/Getty Images)

He is potentially a controversial inclusion, given the notoriety he garnered for his bleached salad, but 'Aker' is naturally, redheaded.

One of the most prodigiously talented players to ever lace them up, Akermanis was sublimely skilled on both sides of his body, and built quite the portfolio of exquisite finishes from impossible angles.

Three flags, four All-Australians, the 2001 Brownlow Medal, the 2002 Goal of the Year, two best and fairests and two leading goalkicker nods somehow only tell half the story.

'Aker's infamy unfortunately extends to what he said, as much as what he did, with numerous controversial faux pas following him to this day.

One thing is for sure: the streets will never forget Jason Dean Akermanis.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION