This week Geelong Cats great, Matthew Scarlett, was named in the Australia Post AFL Multicultural Team of Champions.
A total of 22 players were selected in the inaugural team, announced at a special event at Crown in Melbourne in the lead up to Multicultural Round this weekend.
Scarlett was named in the back pocket along with Steven Silvagni, full-back and John Worsfold, back pocket.
The team comprises the period 1896 - 2013 and in order to be considered for selection, players must have been born overseas or have at least one parent born overseas.
AFL Deputy CEO, Gillon McLachlan congratulated players past and present on their selection.
"Multicultural players have made an enormous contribution to the history of Australia's game and this team importantly celebrates multicultural talent and diversity in the AFL."
“Among the Multicultural Team of Champions are 12 AFL Hall of Fame inductees, three players who have Legend status, and together 44 AFL Premierships have been won,” said McLachlan.
Scarlett’s fellow teammates include Alex Jesaulenko (Ukraine, Russia), named as captain, Peter Daicos (Macedonia), named at full forward and the late Jim Stynes (Ireland), named on the interchange bench.
Scarlett’s selection comes as no surprise, his career credentials are endless, a champion defender, triple premiership player and six-time All-Australian.
Scarlett was a favourite amongst supporters providing many outstanding moments throughout a career spanning 15 seasons.
Renowned by some as the greatest full back ever, Scarlett transformed the key defender position and made it his own.
The Australia Post AFL Multicultural Team of Champions
B: J. Worsfold (England) S. Silvagni (Italy) M. Scarlett (England)
HB: W. Schwass (New Zealand) G. Jakovich (Croatia) A. Koutoufides (Italy, Greek)
C: R.DiPierdomenico (Italy) I. Stewart (Italy) P. Matera (Italy)
HF: A. Jesaulenko (Ukraine, Russia) N. Riewoldt (Germany) D. Brereton (Ireland)
F: P. Bell (Korea) A. Lynch (England) P. Daicos (Macedonia)
Foll: R. Cazaly (England, Scotland) S. Black (New Zealand) D. Kerr (India)
I/C: A. LA Fontaine (France) C.H. Pannam (Greek) S. Rocca (Italy) J. Stynes (Ireland)
Coach: Jock McHale
Captain: Alex Jesaulenko
