Sportsday Gerard's editorial - Max Gawn or Simon Madden (17.03.26)
Mar 17, 2026
A lively debate over who ranks as the greatest ruckman, comparing career honours, premiership success and playing style. Conversation highlights the careers and credentials of Simon Madden and Max Gawn. They weigh durability, memorable moments and how each would fit into modern football. Nostalgic recalls of other legendary rucks add color.
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Madden Narrowly Ahead On Career Accolades
- Gerard Healy argues Simon Madden edges Max Gawn on historical accolades, citing nine combined All-Australian/Team-of-Year selections versus Gawn's eight.
- Healy highlights Madden's four best-and-fairest, premierships, Norm Smith and versatility as full-forward evidence.
Gawn's Modern Case Built On Peak Performance
- Gerard notes Max Gawn's contemporary achievements: premiership captaincy, eight All-Australian nods, three best-and-fairest and AFL Coaches Player of the Year 2018.
- Healy concedes Gawn's games total (248) is lower due to ACL injuries but says his form has been consistently elite.
Sheedy Dropped Madden To Reset His Form
- Gerard recounts Simon Madden being dropped by coach Kevin Sheedy to reset his form, then returning to greatness.
- He frames the drop as a psychological intervention that revived Madden's career after a poor patch.