Just like that, in a blink of an eye, the AFL 2021 season is nearly over.

For many supporters not witnessing their side play finals, it can be a strong feeling of melancholy, as many patiently wait till the first ball of the 2020/21 Cricket Season is bowled on September 11th.

As the Cricket/Australian Rules combination has been a bubbling passion for many weekend battlers over the last 100 years, I have decided to look at both sports together, with a desire to celebrate the talented, year-round champions of the past in a dream XII.

Due to a wide range of talented sportsmen, I have made sure all these cricketers played 30 or more games of Australian Rules. This team on paper could give any current international team a run for their money.

Included we have a five-time premiership coach, a triple Brownlow medalist who captain-coached four flags, two further Brownlow Medal winners, a goalkicking legend who won the VFL/AFL goalkicking award (John Coleman Medal) and five more players who have won a Premiership; and that’s just their footy!

I am prepared to state that this team could hold their own against any international side currently in 2021. They could also win you a premiership or two.

3. Keith Miller 1919-2004 (Captain)

Slotting in at number three is a man who was regarded as a God. Possibly Australia’s greatest athlete, as a fighter pilot during World War II, this man scoffed at questions about pressure playing for Australia, with Keith Miller instead describing pressure as "having a Messerschmitt up your arse".

Miller was one of Australia’s greatest all-rounders, and many have stated that his Laissez-faire attitude may well have prevented him from breathing the rarefied air of Bradman and Trumper.

As a player who played well when things got difficult and became disinterested when it was too easy, Miller made 2958-runs in 55-tests at 36.97 and took 170-wickets at 22.97. He was a hero for many during the 1950s with his movie star looks, perfect hair, super quick deliveries, ability to hit huge sixes, and during World War II, flew planes over Germany bombing Nazi Bases.

Before World War II, Miller had played 50-games for St Kilda in the VFL, represented Victoria in state footy and had played 14 first-class matches, rarely bowling. During World War II, Miller was scouted by the RAAF Cricket Team in England, and whilst training with the squad, his Air Force Comrades were bombed in a German Air Strike.

Miller started bowling more and more for the RAAF, and when the Victory Tests came around (Test matches between the armed services of Australia and England) Miller was opening the bowling and scored a series high 517-runs in five tests, cementing his position as an Australian test cricketer for the next eight-years.

50 games, 42 goals for St Kilda (1940-42 & 1945)

Tests Runs Ave HS 100s 50s Wkts Ave B/B 5-W 10-W
55 2958 36.97 147 7 13 170 22.97 7/60 7 1
FC Runs Ave HS 100s 50s Wkts Ave B/B 5-W 10-W
226 14183 48.90 281* 41 63 497 22.30 7/12 16 1
Vic Prem Runs Ave HS 100s 50s Wkts Ave B/B 5-W 10-W
71 1880 32.98 153* 2 11 13 31.52 3/26 - -